OCEAN PARK ASSOCIATION, PRESIDENTS REPORT –2010

The purpose of our association is to develop business relationships in the Ocean Park community that will create and support growth. Businesses get to know each other to lend support and friendship. We become a stronger force, have a louder voice and we are more of a presence to outside communities. This year we have increased our membership often 2-4 a month, attracting companies from outside the Ocean Park boundaries, home businesses and other professionals.
This year we have all felt the struggles of the recession, big box competition as well as the Olympic centered tourist dollars drawing away business dollars spent on Olympic activities. Our slogan “strength in numbers” has given us a lift up allowing us to hold on and grasp what we know in our hearts and that is that we do business in a unique community. A quality of living, a shop local attitude where not only do we the businesses need to support each other but to know that the Ocean Park community wants to support what they have, right here, without having to go far for their everyday needs. So we need to continue to provide good service, diversity and quality to customers and clients knowing that they are walking away with a feel good experience and a want to come back again for your service. Chances are they will bring friends!
Looking over the last year, we saw the end of our summer 3-year banners and we soon will take down the winter. They provided color to the village and advertising to local business. Thank you to those who contributed to the old banners and those who support the idea in the future. We are still dealing with the ongoing decision of whether to recreate the banners or start anew. We are looking to the city for some assistance or to again fund new banners with the help of local business and community groups.
Ocean Park Day 2010 was a huge success, best yet. Thank you to all who jumped in to create a fun filled day for the families and visitors of Ocean Park. We used a new bigger and easier to set up stage for the event, and received greater sponsorship so that we can improve on the success of the day. Our entertainment was great, whether it was Mr. Bubbles, Korki the clown or the stage bands. Thank you to Ocean Park Pub for helping to host for the OP Idol. Congratulations to Tommy Alto who won the title of Idol. Thank you to Janice Savage of Beyond Scarlett Entertainment for her contributions to the day. Shops went out of their way to make customers welcome and have fun. Most survived the unfortunate crow that shut down power for a couple of hours.
We welcomed the City of Surrey celebration at Camp Kwomais, which brought more visitors to the area. Surrey Councilors, and an MLA made appearances on our stage. Kiwanis Club launched their Dolly Parton Literacy program here in OP. Congratulations on its success. The city gave us a community event grant to offset costs and our raffle baskets generated over $1500.00. Thanks to the businesses who provided the donations for the baskets.
We are still dealing with traffic calming initiatives. The City has gone back to the drawing table. It has been two years now. Hopefully, we will see a more efficient plan to curb the speeding and but still make it easy to access the shopping centered area. Earlier this year, an Ocean Park neighborhood group successfully spoke to the City about traffic calming around the Camp Kwomais entrance areas.
Crime seems to be an ongoing issue. We are not so sleepy a village as we first thought. Many businesses have had break ins or vandalism. Recently more break ins have occurred. It is obvious we have to be more guarded and not assume we would not ever become a target.
We have talked about assigning extra security for the area. Everyone would have to financially support the idea, which is easier said than done. We are hoping that Mall owners will take more of an interest in this problem. In the meantime we need to be vigilant and work with our community police department to keep the area a safe and secure place to do business.
Anita Colley, a local resident and faithful Peace Arch News rep for many years, retired from her position. Thank you to Anita for all her support through the years and we welcome Kathi Nicholson as our new PAN rep. Kathi has been doing a great job providing us with our Ocean Park Page in the paper, a great economical advertising opportunity. Thank you to Laura Thibealt for writing the monthly column, on the OP page, another wonderful asset to our association. Thanks to Beth Faester for hosting the Christmas social. If you didn’t make it this year save the date next Dec.!
Congratulation to Treasurer, Betty Eisenman and Mike Powley, who received our Business Persons of the Year award! Thank you to Mike for your ongoing web support, another great info highway at our disposal. Thank you to the outgoing executive. It is a pleasure to work with such interested, dedicated and concerned individuals. On behalf of my business, Cotton’n’Crayon, thank you for your ongoing business support and I thank the membership for your cooperation and friendship.


Goals for next year: continue to increase membership, decide on the banners or other beautification initiatives, renew talks with the city with regards to traffic, work on ways to reduce crime in OP, and look into a possible Winterfest. We look forward to working with a new executive and increasing membership.
In the mean time lets encourage hyper local, go green and keep Ocean Park First! Keep our dollars in the local econonomy. Eat Walk Shop Ocean Park!

Respectfully, Sandra Smith President, OPBA (Cotton'n'Crayon)