hite Light Night is going to be a spectacular event and I wish to recognize the efforts of one of Mid City Merchants (MCM) newer members of the Board of Directors and the current chair of White Light Night, Tasha Michelle. Tasha is a master barber and owner of Hair, Art & Company on Government Street. A long-time member of the Merchants, she stepped up when she was needed most. Tasha was charged with heading the Cultural Committee without much knowledge of what she was about to undertake. The main responsibility of this position is to produce Hot Art, Cool Nights and White Light Night, the two biggest events on the MCM calendar. She was provided a small, incomplete, loose-leaf binder and asked to make it happen.
Tasha quickly realized, though, these events could not be perfected by one person and compiled an energetic committee comprised of both members of the board, merchants and community members like you. Tasha has led this group to great success, navigating the various ups and downs along the way.
White Light Night 2018 is expected to exceed last year’s sponsorship and financial goals by 100%. With over 70 businesses participating, Tasha has improved on communication and outreach to merchants, while helping them plan for their own successful night. Everyone is excited about Friday November 16 and we are expecting a great turnout.
The entire Board of MCM has injected unified energy into the organization. Their team effort is recognized by the many members and soon-to-be members who have reinvested in the organization. As business owners are seeing the multiple benefits of joining the MCM business association, they are also realizing that is takes financial participation on behalf of all members to maximize the success of the organization.
MCM's next local business leaders social event is Thursday, December 6 at 5:30pm at LaCaretta. I ask all of our members and soon-to-be members to attend, meet the board and socialize with fellow merchants. At this meeting, we will also vote on finalizing the board for 2019. The following business leaders were nominated by our members to fill four MCM Board vacancies:
- Ciara Hazey with French Truck Coffee
- Jeremy Beyt with ThreeSixtyEight
- Garrett Kemp with Circa Justin
- Lemoine with ELS
- Charlotte Smith with Pop Shop Records
- Jennifer Miller with Bistro Byronz
The board is a small team, but an effective group. It is our goal to represent the best interests of each and every Mid City business and we encourage everyone to become engaged in the exciting things happening in Mid City - as a dues-paying member of MCM, Board Member of a local organization, engaged resident, community volunteer or patron of a local business or artist.