Busy Labor Day weekend

Labor Day weekend is the swan song of summer, and summer in downtown Norwood is coming to a close with a BANG!

FNC photo of the newly lit "Norwood" sign atop the Norwood Theatre

The Norwood Theatre is reopening!

Saturday, September 1st the Hal McIntyre Orchestra will feature a Tribute to Sinatra with vocalist Steve Marvin. This event is sold out -- Hope you're lucky enough to have tickets!

Sunday, September 2nd there will be two showings of Mary Poppins at 2 and at 7pm.
This comes to you at no cost and seats are available on a first-come first-served basis.

The Norwood Theatre's opening night gala is a black tie event at 7pm on Friday, August 31st. Please be aware that Central Street between Cottage and Nahatan Streets will be closed for the night's festivities.

Can't wait to get inside and see the transformation of the interior. We all have seen that the exterior is gorgeous!

FNC photo Concert on the Common

Sunday, September 2nd is also the final Concert on the Common featuring The Suburbinaires Big Band.
Concert begins at 7pm on the common. Bring your own seating (blanket or chair) and enjoy wonderful music and camaraderie at this free event.

Hope you had a wonderful summer.
Friends of Norwood Center has much planned for this fall, and we look forward to welcoming you downtown!

Thanks for reading,

Kim Weineck

Farmers Market Kids' day: Aug 28th

The Norwood Farmers Market for Tuesday, August 28th is all about kids!

Scheduled events include:
face painting
back-to-school activities
story time
games 

The beekeeper will be at market to answer questions about this fascinating pastime.

4H Ward's Berry Farm will be at the market with animals from 3-6pm.

We hope you find yourself in Norwood Center!

Thanks for reading! ~kmw

MEAL MOB :: Fri, June 8, 12:30pm!

Spread the word!

FNC is holding its second MEAL MOB!

FRIDAY, June 8th at 12:30pm SHARP
Giorgio's Pizzeria
641 Washington Street, Downtown Norwood
(near the corner of Washington and Cottage)

Giorgio's Pizza has an app! Find it with your smartphone. Order quickly and conveniently with their app,  but please don't use it on Friday, June 8th. We'd love you to come in and be part of our mob!

After lunch, join us at FreshFroYo for dessert!
FreshFroYo
642 Washington Street, across the street from Giorgio's.

Looking forward to having you join us in supporting your downtown establishments!

Please email this link to anyone local.
Thanks for your support.
~Kim Weineck, Downtown Manager, FNC

Your business :: 9 Marketing Ideas

Part of being Downtown Manager for Friends of Norwood Center is to be a cheerleader for our existing small businesses. They are the foundation of our great downtown and I am a big advocate of them.
Today I came across this post written by Wendy Kenney about marketing small businesses and wanted to share her basic 9 marketing ideas.

If you're a small business owner, I bet you are already doing a few of these!
Thanks for reading!
~Kim Weineck


9 Big Marketing Ideas for Small Business 
Written by: Wendy Kenney
March 25th, 2012

Small business owners are always on the lookout for that one big marketing idea that will catapult their business into the stratosphere. What I’ve found, however, is that it isn’t just one marketing idea but many marketing ideas, implemented strategically and consistently over time that reap the best results. 

 Here are nine of my favorite marketing ideas. I know there are hundreds more.

1. Blog 

 If I’ve written it once, I’ve written it at least a hundred times. Blogging is the foundation of all of your marketing activity. Blogging is a great way to offer potential clients and customers a broader view of who you are and what you do. It’s “the” place where you can begin to establish yourself as an expert in your industry. So if you implement only one “new” marketing activity this year, I recommend you start a blog. 

2. Testimonials 

 Have you ever driven to a restaurant and seeing that there were no cars in the parking lot decided to go somewhere else to eat? This illustrates the concept of social proof. People want to know that they are making the right decision and they do that by seeing if others have made the same decision too. Give people the proof they need to make their decision to do business with you through the use of testimonials. The best way to get testimonials is to ask your raving fans to give them to you! Use them on your blog, on your brochure, online or anywhere! (Make sure you get permission to use them first!)

 3. Yelp 

 Love it or hate it, if you have a brick and mortar business that requires customers to go to your location to do business with you, Yelp is a must. That’s because the popular iPhone application Siri, uses Yelp reviews to recommend businesses close to you. Businesses with more positive testimonials have more appeal to users, so while you’re at it, make sure you have plenty of good reviews on Yelp.

 4. Stake Your Claim 

 Claim each and every listing for your business across all the different online business listing sites like Google Places, Yellow Pages.com, Manta, etc. Many of these sites are populating their contents from info across the web anyway and you may be already listed. Take the time to make sure your listing is correct and optimized meaning that you have taken advantage of every place possible in the listing to fill it up with information about your business.

 5. Give Thanks 

One of the most important things that you can do as a business owner is to say thank you. There are many opportunities to do this; when you get a positive review online, after a sale, or just because. Set yourself apart from the crowd by taking a minute to make your customers feel important, appreciated, and special, and you’ll inspire loyalty and create a relationship that will drive future sales and referrals.

 6. Be Visible 

 “Visibility + Credibility= Profitability.” This quote from Ivan Misner, the Founder of Business Networking International (BNI) should be hanging on the wall of every business. It’s not only about who you know, it’s about who knows you. To sell more you’ve got to be known by everybody. This is the concept behind advertising of course, because it’s simply foolish to think that if you “build it they will come.” So work to establish visibility for your business by becoming well and favorably known everywhere.

 7. Get Social 

 Speaking of visibility, one of the best ways to gain visibility is to be social. Join networking groups, professional development groups, and professional associations and get out there and get your face, your business and your brand known. You can do this on social media including Facebook and Twitter too, but there’s nothing like meeting people face to face. Go out and get connected.

 8. Be a Winner 

 Ever go to a movie just because it was starting an “Academy Award” winning actor? The idea was that if the actor had won awards, therefore becoming known as one of the best, certainly the movie they were in would be a “best” movie too. The same concept can be transferred to your business. Apply for and win awards and establish yourself as “the best” in your industry or community. There are hundreds of awards you can apply for including the “Best of” awards run by your local newspaper.

 9. Be the Best 

 In fact, if you’re going to win awards, you might as well make sure that regardless of what you sell that yours is the best that anybody’s ever had. Only then will you be able to guarantee that they will keep coming back for more. Of course, there are many more big marketing ideas out there that will make a big difference in your business. I would love to hear yours!!

 Want to get more inexpensive and practical small business marketing ideas, grab a free e-book called “Build Buzz for Your Biz, 23 Creative and Inexpensive Marketing Strategies That Will Get You Noticed” at http://23kazoos.com. 

 Wendy Kenney is the bestselling author of How to Build Buzz for Your Business available on Amazon.com, and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Newsday.

Working on your business

FNC photo. Silver and Sage on Washington Street

As Downtown Manager, my focus is on getting residents to enjoy all that downtown Norwood has to offer.

I also focus on our merchants and listening to what they have to say. The opportunity to share the opinions of residents with merchants is my bridge between my two focus areas.  


Some of my blog posts will discuss retail business and the perspective of the customer. This post is about business owners working on their business. 
It's from Christine Moynihan of Retail Visioning:

"Here are a few things you can do to actively work ON your business (not just IN it!) and a few questions that might just challenge the status quo and prepare your business for healthier days ahead!

• Write an “elevator speech” that says what is special about your business, believe it in it, share it with your staff and repeat it frequently!  (No more than 12 words!)
•  KNOW your customers – talk to them, conduct (fun) surveys and leverage this knowledge to improve your relationships with them.
•  Maintain a month-at-a-glance calendar and look well ahead at opportunities for your store or restaurant.
• LOOK at your finances every week.  Understand YOUR financial snapshot.
• Establish sales AND marketing goals. 
•  “Hire for attitude, train for skill” – keep training!
•  Step outside your store with one of those good friends who will tell you the truth!  How does it look?  Could the signage or façade be refreshed?  Are the windows clean and telling a compelling story that will bring customers inside?  Now… walk in and ask for the truth again!"

The above checklist is from Retail Visioning by Christine Moynihan

What do you think about items on this checklist? 

Thanks for reading and caring about Norwood Center!
~Kim Weineck, Downtown Manager

Video from Norwood Transcript about FNC

TONIGHT! Feb 22 :: Community Input meeting!

Are you a stakeholder in Norwood Center? 

Residents, Merchants, Businesses, Landholders:  We want to hear your ideas for the future of Norwood Center. 

Join us on Feb. 22nd at the Olde Colonial Cafe, 171 Nahatan Street, to learn what we've accomplished in the last six months and hear what's next for Friends of Norwood Center.

Arrive anytime after 6pm for registration and conversation. Meeting starts promptly at 6:30pm. 

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

The Olde Colonial Cafe, 171 Nahatan Street, Downtown Norwood
The hosts of our meeting tonight.

Please RSVP and share this invitation with anyone who may be interested in the exciting future of Norwood Center. 

Walking downtown

Yesterday was quite the day to visit Downtown Norwood! With temperatures nearing 60, I took advantage of the sunshine and walked through the center.

FNC photo: view of Antiques Roadhouse

 Downtown was busy and has so many things to offer.

FNC photo: view from 473 Washington Street 

How many towns have a cobbler? What a wonderful service Norwood can boast (and quite environmentally aware to resole and fix your shoes!) 

FNC photo: view of Eagle Shoe Repair

Yesterday in Norwood Center made me think of spring. It's not that far away!

FNC photo: view from 700 Washington Street

New Year with new eyes

On a recent drive through Norwood Center I enjoyed peering in to the stores at twilight and seeing the diverse offerings of our Downtown. The time of night when lights glow inside and the sky is darkening provides such an inviting glow from within. 

FNC photo of downtown Norwood, winter 2012

I got to thinking about a post from "Retail Visioning" by Christine Moynihan, a retail marketing expert who offers weekly posts about all-things-retail which I love to find in my email in box. 

The gist was that it's a new year and therefore it's time to examine our offerings to the public with new eyes. Here is a list of things she's recommending we consider:

How does my store look from the outside?   Good signs? Clean windows?

How do my window displays usually look?  Great … or not so much?

Does the first thing my customers see when they come in the door excite them?

Does my visual merchandising make them want to walk around, shop and BUY?

Do I have the right product mix at the right price point for TODAY?

Has my customer base changed?  Who are my BEST customers?

How do I want to grow?   Am I up to date on my marketing plan?  

Is my website attractive, informative and easy to find in a search?

Have I learned about social media enough to USE it? 

Do I update my Facebook page every week?

What can I do for my community that will be good for us both?

(From "Retail Visioning" January 16, 2012)

As a business-owner, what have you done to refresh and renew for 2012?
As a business-supporter, what would you like to see from your Downtown Merchants in 2012?

Please share your thoughts! 

Thank you, Kim Weineck

2012 Resolution for FNC

The Friends of Norwood Center is starting 2012 filled with excitement on what is possible for the new year. In a recent interview, Kim Weineck, FNC's Downtown Manager, was asked her wish for 2012.

FNC President, Jeanne Babel, discusses Downtown Norwood with some Perks customers

"Friends of Norwood Center wishes for a strong a involved membership of both residents and business for our inaugural year. We hope to bring people downtown through community events for everyone's enjoyment."

Downtown Norwood, December 30, 2011

With your help, we'll have a vibrant and relevant Norwood Center!

Happy New Year from FNC

Wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2012 

Norwood Center Circle of Hope, December 2011
photo Julie Vecchio, Custom Art Framing

From the Friends of Norwood Center

FNC Downtown Manager

Welcome to the Friends of Norwood Center website!

We're delighted you found us and are looking forward to posting all the exciting goings-on of our active organization. 

One of the first things the Board of Friends of Norwood Center set to accomplish was hiring a Downtown Manager, and I was hired December, 2011 and have been diligently working to get FNC systems up and running. 

The Norwood Record profiled me as the Downtown Manager in their December 8, 2011 edition:

(Article quoted below as it appears in the Norwood Record)

Friends of Center introduces new downtown manager

Dan Kobialka, Staff Reporter, Norwood Record

     New Friends of Norwood Downtown Manager Kim Weineck outlined the group's goals and objectives at the Downtown Steering Committee's Dec. 1 meeting.
     Weineck noted her primary focus remains helping the Friends develop a mission statement. 

     "Basically, the priority is getting a nice, cohesive vision so we can answer the question "what is the Friends of Norwood Center about?" Weineck said.

     Weineck, a North Attleborough resident, was named the Friend's Downtown Manager last month. She has served as Gallery Director of Norwood's Custom Art Framing & Gallery 9 for the past three years. 

     The downtown manager's job description emphasized the applicant would be 'responsible for promoting  enhancing, strengthening, and improving the economic vitality, visual appearance of Norwood Center as designated in the Downtown Norwood Master Plan."

     Weineck has worked as a freelance artist, designer and instructor in North Attleborough, launched her own art gallery  in Walpole and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art.

     "Being a merchant herself, she understands that mentality,' Friends President Jeanne Babel said, referring to Weineck's experience as a vendor. 

     The Friends have hired Weineck to work on a part time basis, and she will work 15 to 20 hours weekly. 

Weineck said she intends to remain accessible to Norwood residents and merchants, working at least one full day in public areas while hitting the towns' streets as well.

     "I'll be a connecting possibility for people," Weineck told the Downtown Steering Committee.

Babel said at least 10 candidates interviewed for the position.
     Weineck said she interviewed three times with the Friends before being offered the position. 

Downtown Steering Committee Chairman Jean Taylor said she was thrilled with the Friends' downtown manager hiring.

     "I think you're going to be fantastic," Taylor told Weineck at Thursday's Downtown Steering committee meeting.

     Weineck noted the Friends will continue fundraising efforts as the group continues to grow. In addition, the Friends plan to host a launch event, possibly in April.

     Babel noted Weineck boasts extensive event planning and social media experience to help her succeed as the group's downtown manager. 

     The Friends will continue to listen to views and opinions from the local community as it attempts to help the downtown area flourish.

     "We're open to any ideas that anyone has, " Babel said.
     The Friends have followed the example set by the Dedham Square Circle, a Dedham non-profit organization created in 2006 to preserve the town's history while rejuvenating its business and economic development.

     Babel said the Friends, a five member group, will meet at least once a month.

     Babel noted the Friends have been approved by the Commonwealth as a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. The group has set up a bank account to receive donations, and continues to make strides within the local community. 

     "We've set up some of the organization things so we can move on," Babel said.

     Babel noted the Friends will need a group effort to continue to be successful, and encouraged downtown vendors to work together to remain viable.

     "We want them to all be on the same side," Babel said, referring to the downtown merchants. 

     Babel said the Friends had received at least $13,000 in donations to date. The town has matched the group's donations.
     In addition, the Friends have launched a website and a Facebook page featuring information about their organization. 

For up-to-date information on FNC, please check here as well as on our Facebook page here. 

We welcome your ideas and commentary! Please feel free to email norwoodcenter@gmail.com or leave a comment here on this site after each post. We'll get back to you quickly!

Thanks for your interest in Norwood Center. We're glad you have found us and hope you'll check back often!

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