Applications are now being accepted for two summer student positions as Horticulture and Maintenance Assistants.  Deadline is April 27th.  Applicants must have completed at least one year at University or College and be registered to return in the Fall.  Students will be primarily responsible for watering and caring for flowers and plants downtown and for maintaining the streets in the downtown core; must be available to work weekends.  Rate of pay is $11.00.   Please provide three (3) references with your resume.

Here’s a great idea for a perfect Christmas gift – Downtown Owen Sound Gift Certificates!  Downtown Owen Sound Gift Certificates are redeemable at any shop or business in the DIA.  Use them in restaurants, stores, hair salons — everywhere!  Use them just like you would a cheque.  Downtown Owen Sound Gift Certificates are available in $5 and $20 denominations and never expire.  Gift Certificates can be purchased at the DIA office for cash, money order or certified cheque.  This is a fantastic opportunity to give the perfect gift this year while supporting local, small businesses.  Experience Downtown Owen Sound!

We have received lots of feedback recently about bicycles on sidewalks and would like to take this opportunity to confirm that bicycle riding on sidewalks is not only very dangerous, it is against the law in Owen Sound.

Riding bikes on sidewalks can be very dangerous. First of all, there is a greater chance of serious collisions with pedestrians as they move in and out of buildings, along sidewalks, and as they exit and enter curb-side parked vehicle. Secondly, the possibility serious collisions with motor vehicles also increases as sidewalk cyclists cross driveways and through intersections.  In fact research shows that sidewalk cycling is twice as dangerous as cycling on the street, and cycling against the traffic on the sidewalk is over four times as dangerous as cycling on the street.
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Heavy-Duty Nylon Packable Bags bearing the familiar Experience Downtown Owen Sound logo are now in stock.
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A new downtown parking map and rate info is available on the City’s website (click here) as well as from the DIA Office and the Service Owen Sound counter at City Hall.

You can also click on map image to download PDF copy right now.

The following web article was produced by AllBusiness.com (a D&B Company), and is included here to spark ideas for and about store window decorating.

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In the Cab Driver Story, author and customer service guru Shep Hyken talks about his unexpected experience while away on a business trip.  The story demonstrates the value of exceeding expectations through emotional connections and achieving what Shep calls, “moments of magic”.  Watch the very entertaining and informative video below (6 min 22 sec).
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Take Shep Hyken’s free online customer service mini course at www.hyken.com/customer_loyalty_mc_intro.html.
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In their book Building Great Customer Experiences, Colin Shaw & John Ivens define “Customer Experience” as a blend of a company’s physical performance and the emotions evoked, intuitively measured against Customer expectations across all moments of contact.
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Whether you live in, work in, or are visiting . . .  Downtown Owen Sound has it all !

In today’s social and economic environment, it has become increasingly important that we work together to keep small city/town downtowns vibrant and sustainable. Here in Owen Sound, we are lucky …
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