Become a Donor
Since 1987, Downtown Beloit Association (DBA) has brought property owners, business owners, and community volunteers together to manage the downtown’s Business Improvement District. Income and programming are primarily driven by:
- Events to attract people downtown
- Sponsorship revenue through events
- Business support such as grants
- Downtown beautification such as the hanging baskets
DBA is currently in the midst of an important time of growth and expansion. With the acquisition of a new building, DBA will be expanding programming and establish greater stability. This growth requires a capital investment for the building and will generate increased program expenses.
Some of the key strategies we are focusing on are:
- Downtown event space enhancement
- Business and employee engagement
- Family, children and youth programming
- Speaker engagement
- Downtown beautification
Here’s who’s contributed monetarily or with an in-kind gift…
Greg Gerard, executive director of the Beloit International Film Festival, speaks to guests at a BIFF Year Round showing Wednesdays at the DBA building.
CCI staff hanging flower baskets downtown Beloit in the early morning hours before the streets fill up with customers.
First National Bank & Trust Co. is a huge supporter of our beautification and helps to fund many of the plantings. Also note the raised beds we did a few years ago from many donors in the community who give to our Mel Donny Flower Fund and the basket and bird sculpture donated by Sue Beck.
Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts donated 250 can koozies for us to sell as a fundraiser.
Below are testimonials from current and past board members on why they think DBA is a worthy organization to give their time, money and resources to…
Stephanie Knueppel, DBA Board Chair and owner of Stateline Mental Health Services, talks about what being part of DBA means to her and her business. (click on photo to view video)
Jessica Fox-Wilson, DBA Board Member and Director of Career Works at Beloit College “When I moved to Beloit in 2012, I was delighted to move within walking distance of downtown. Over the years, it has been a vibrant community space where I can bring my family for fun events, great meals, and wonderful shopping opportunities. Through my work at Beloit College, I also know that downtown Beloit serves as a great resource for our college students. They come from all over the world and downtown is their first introduction to life in the U.S., Wisconsin, and/or Beloit. For them, downtown Beloit can be a place of employment, a place to learn about the city of Beloit, and a place to have fun! I’m so grateful that Beloit has such a great resource for our community.”
Dennis Fenrick, DBA Board Member and Area Director of Restaurants for Geronimo Hospitality Group “As the son of a former downtown Beloit business owner, I remember the struggles of attracting customers and businesses to Beloit. I moved away from the area over 35 years ago. When the opportunity arose to come back to work in Beloit, I was stuck in my old ways of thinking. A short visit changed all that for me. The diversity and vibrancy of downtown Beloit completely blew me away. The dedication of both the business community and local residents have completely transformed the area. The never-ending work of the Downtown Beloit Association continues to pay dividends. Without the support of our contributors, we would not be able to continue to create an exciting and lively community.”
Dennis Senz, DBA Board Member and owner Senz Insurance “Being born and raised in Beloit, but having moved away for college and then a job opportunity in Madison for 11 years, I was more than happy to move back to the area 5 years ago and rejoining the downtown community. With our insurance agency being downtown since 1989, we have witnessed the renaissance of changes to our local events, dining, and shopping businesses. When I heard of an opening on the Design Committee and being a part of the DBA Board, I immediately jumped on it as a way to be a part of continuing the growth and partnership with the downtown. It definitely feels like I am back “home” and the work being done by the board and committees is the best I have worked with in making a difference in the community.”
Dan Riemer, DBA Vice Chair of the Board and General Manager of Ace Hardware “I love our downtown because it gives me a reason to stay in town and shop local. The wide variety of businesses and events that have grown in our downtown has made it an attraction worth visiting. From a date night to a trip to the hardware store, our nationally recognized Main Street accredited downtown Beloit has truly become a destination for any occasion.”
Rich Wolter, DBA Board Member and Public Relations Manager at Bucciferro Family McDonald’s “The Downtown Beloit Association is more than an organization; it’s a team focused on building the best in our community, events, and business. As a Board Member and representative for The Bucciferro Family McDonalds, we are proud to support the DBA and to have started our business in the heart of Beloit! As a family-owned business, we have loved supporting, participating, and building relations with the DBA and our incredible Beloit community for the last fifteen years. The DBA and Beloit community has exploded with new business and family events over the past years, and we are proud to support the continue growing and improving our community.”
Barb Schultz, DBA Board Member and Vice President Retail Branch Manager at First National Bank & Trust Co. “I enjoy working in Downtown Beloit. There are unique shops to experience. Many choices for food (I have not found a restaurant that I didn’t enjoy). If you are meeting with fellow employees or friends after work you have many choices to have your favorite cocktail at. The Farmers Market in Beloit is one of the best markets I have ever been to for a smaller community, some really great vendors. It is important to be a part of the DBA so the Downtown area continues to grow and improve. Downtown Beloit is a very beautiful area. Come to Downtown Beloit and enjoy all it has to offer.”
RoseAnn Haedt, DBA Board Member and Director of Public Relations Geronimo Hospitality Group and Hendricks Commercial Properties “Beloit’s downtown is a vibrant and inviting place to live, work, and play. Thanks to the Downtown Beloit Association, small businesses have the support they need to succeed, and community members enjoy a variety of amazing amenities and events, such as the Beloit Farmer’s Market, Street Dance, Wine Walk, Grand Lighted Parade, Holidazzle, and more. As you stroll downtown, take a moment to listen to the live music in the streets and appreciate the beautiful flowers and seasonal landscaping that line the sidewalks. These are all thanks to the hard work of the Downtown Beloit Association and the generous support of partners like you. Our businesses are proud to support the Downtown Beloit Association (DBA) because we appreciate the value and pride that the organization brings to our city. Their events attract new customers to our businesses and their networking events create a sense of community among business owners. There’s no better time to support an organization that does so much for those who work in, live in and visit Beloit.”