Putting Out the Welcome Mat
DTSB Ambassadors help make Downtown South Bend a welcoming place with ongoing programs that have earned praise from visitors, businesses, and neighbors alike. Among some of our services:
- Visitor and driver assistance
- Landscaping and beautification work
- Cleaning and litter pick up
- Panhandling deterrent
- Event support, security & clean-up
- Information distribution
- Special event and holiday decorations
Getting the Word Out
DTSB develops and coordinates promotional programs and marketing efforts to encourage people to discover and enjoy everything downtown South Bend has to offer – from the first timer to the long-time Bender. Some of our efforts include:
- DowntownSouthBend.com - A comprehensive user friendly Web site all about downtown
- Shop & Play Guide – a high-end visitors guide listing retailers, restaurants, and attractions
- Downtown Guide To Dining
- Downtown Parking Guide
- Complimentary delivery of print materials for downtown businesses
- Downtown branding & image marketing
- Group advertising programs for downtown businesses
- Specific downtown event websites
- Downtown hardcopy newsletter and e-news
- Information Kiosks in key indoor locations
- Directional Kiosks throughout the city
- DTSB Annual Report
Bringing People Downtown
Throughout the year DTSB sponsored events and partner organization events highlight the downtown and its various entertainment, dining, retail and recreation options creating a unique experience for residents and visitors of all ages. Some of the events include:
- First Fridays
- Outdoor Summer Movie Screenings
- Santa’s House & Workshop
- St. Patrick's Day Tent Party and Pub Tour
- Egg Stravaganza
- Red Table Plaza Lunchtime Concert Series
- Art on the Plaza
- River Bend Film Festival
- Key Bank Concert Series
- Kids’ Night Out
- Eco Fest
- Art Beat
- Football Fridays Block Party Series
Creating a Vibrant Community
DTSB helps coordinate, support, and advocate for the downtown South Bend community in a number of ways – promoting the growth of existing businesses, recruiting new businesses, and encouraging residential living. Activities include:
- Business recruitment – informational packets
- New business welcome packet
- Façade and streetscape grant programs
- Bike rack program
- Neighborhood relations - Participation in neighborhood meetings and events and encouraging neighborhood involvement in downtown events
- Ribbon cutting events for new businesses
- Downtown merchant database
- Event coordination & promotion
- Marketing support & consultation
Contact us to learn more about how you can fully experience Downtown South Bend.
