Hello and Happy August everyone!

Hopefully everyone has had an opportunity to enjoy the summer. We thought this would be a great time for a little update on what’s been happening, so here we go!

Sale-A-Bration just ended and there were many happy people bustling through the District. Thank you to all who participated! Our FREE promotions are a great way to engage the community.

Watch for our next partner event with the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival, “Dragons in the District” and cheer on our Superior BID Surge, captained by Tony Baker with Superior Effect Marketing at the festival August 21-22.

Following that will be Pride in the District with a parade and a family event at The LOT- Superior. Details to follow.

We’re working with a couple of businesses moving or starting up and we’ll be sharing more as their plans unfold.

And shall we talk about the $1.8 billion elephant in the room?! Blatnik Bridge, that is. The DOT will host a Public Meeting, August 12 at Superior High School, Performing Arts Center, 5-7pm. The Superior BID is coordinating a business showcase prior to the meeting. Sign up to promote your business! This is an opportunity to host a table with your business swag, connect with the public and educate them on why it’s so important to support local business during construction and beyond!

Coffee and/or Tea with the DOT will be held monthly by the SBID the on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, beginning October 21; 9am at 1401 Tower, 3rd Floor Ballroom. The DOT will present what is currently happening with the Blatnik project, followed by a presentation by the SBID or another entity that has expanded or began a service to minimize the impact of construction. There will be plenty of time to ask questions. All community members are welcome to attend.

The SBID/Twin Ports Business Alliance are hosting Hard Hat Happy Hours at the Cedar Lounge/Earth Rider, 4-6, the first Monday of each month beginning October 5, 2026. This will be a chance to connect with DOT and they will give a little update on the project. All are welcome to join these Happy Hours!

TPBA Passport Program: The TPBA will also have an opportunity for businesses on both sides of the river to participate for FREE in the TPBA Passport. This is a way to keep consumers engaged and moving across the Bong Bridge, visiting participating businesses featured in the passport for BOGOs, $5 off food, fun and services, earning a stamp at each business. Books will be available for purchase for $25 each for use in 2027. Completed passports can be turned in at the end of the year for prize drawings and $5 off the purchase of next years passport. We will have a passport for each year the Blatnik is in construction.

Research Project: The SBID has been working with research fellow, Sharan Kanugovi, on a data driven, research project, connecting traffic patterns and businesses demographics to gauge the potential impact of construction of the business. Live data is being shared with participating businesses for future planning, including marketing into other regions and providing significant points to find solutions for. We were thrilled our projected was approved into the UW Superior’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program.

Marketing Resource Fair: The SBID will be hosting the 2nd Marketing Resource Fair, September 14; 11-1:30 at 1401 Tower Ave, 3rd floor Ballroom. The first fair held in March was well received and with the Blatnik construction looming, it is time to update your marketing and promotion game! All are welcome to attend this FREE Event.

Swag Bags: The calls for Swag Bag materials have been really well received and the bags themselves have been making a splash! We are also working on Swag bags for the 1000 construction employees each year to welcome them into our community and connect them with the businesses and services they will need. We are also looking for ways to keep them healthy and engaged. If you have a group that meets regularly, please share a flyer or the info for us to forward to the workers. We’re thinking about bikers, trail runners, trivia players, church groups, kayakers, disc golf, camping, etc. Mental Health hit this group hard as they are away from home and their support systems. Let’s work toward a happy, healthy bridge workers! They may become our new neighbors!

Marketing Specials: The SBID is also kicking off their marketing/promotion specials beginning in August. These are special offers providing professional marketing services at reduced rates exclusively for SBID businesses. Check out the current offers!

The SBID Women in Business continues to grow in membership and our presenters have been well received.

Stay connected for updates and announcements on future events, resources and promotions. Watch your email and engage with us on social: