By Christina Autry
Did you know that the Five Corners District has a Business Ambassador? Allen Goodlow was asked to take on this new role after retiring in September from his position as Director of Services of the Five Corners District. After seven years of experience managing the district, and a long history of community improvement work in Houston, we are excited that Allen has agreed to take on the job.
But what does a Business Ambassador do? First, Allen is gearing up to personally meet as many of the approximately 1,200 business owners in the district that he possibly can. Starting next month, there is a good chance that you will see Allen making his rounds, introducing himself to business owners, and finding out how the district can best serve them. While the district also plans on building connections with property owners, Allen will focus on engaging with business owners, who are in the Five Corners District day in and day out, and whose insight into the area is highly valuable.
Allen will be gathering input from business owners such as, “What do you like most about doing business in the Five Corners?” and “What are some of your concerns about the district?” He will also be evaluating interest in free business training that can be offered by the district and their small business development partners, focusing on topics like accounting, HR, marketing, and more. By asking for business contact information, Allen will be compiling a database and mailing list to provide another channel of communication between businesses and district staff. As Business Ambassador, Allen wants business owners to be aware that the Five Corners District is there to support them and work together to improve the community.
Creating a business-friendly environment is of the utmost priority for the Five Corners Management District. From providing private security patrols, a graffiti abatement program that removes graffiti within 72 hours, litter cleanup services, to improved landscaping and intersections, the district is hard at work laying the groundwork for increasing business opportunities. The location of the Five Corners District is advantageous to developing businesses due to its proximity to the Medical Center, Downtown, and the major thoroughfares of Beltway 8, and Hwys. 288 and 90. On top of that, property costs are lower compared to other parts of Houston, with similar geographic benefits.
The Business Beautification Recognition Program is an ongoing program through which the district spotlights establishments that keep their properties clean and beautiful, or that contribute to the community in an outstanding way. Owners of these businesses are presented with an award by the board of the Five Corners District. Businesses are encouraged to nominate themselves through the application on the Five Corners District website.
Through the Business Ambassador program, the Five Corners District anticipates an increased awareness among community members regarding benefits the district can provide, gaining a more accurate understanding of businesses’ desires, and a greater sense of community across the district as we work together for the benefit of all.
