Board President, Ed Badrak, takes a look at 2012

It has been a pleasure serving as the AABA’s Board President during 2012. I want to wish you all a happy and prosperous new year. Following, in no particular order, are highlights of the AABA’s 2012 year.

¨ Transitioned the Adams Avenue Roots Festival from a block party format into a two and half mile acoustic music walkabout called Adams Avenue Unplugged. The event drew critical acclaim, record crowds, and increased weekend commercial activity.

¨ Reinstituted a holiday tradition by bringing back Santa, snow, caroling and crafts to the children of the neighborhood. Held at Kensington Library Park, under the banner of Holiday on the Avenue.

¨ Participated in Small Business Saturday by distributing  business directories along the Avenue.

¨ Record public attendance, publicity, and profits generated from 2012 Street Fair.

¨ Accomplished the repositioning of the bus stop and parking meters at Adams and 30th, at request of property owner and new business to facilitate required tenant improvements.

¨ Oversee the Avenue’s Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) under contract with the City which includes area-wide graffiti control and day porter service on 7 blocks

¨ Day- to- day management of Normal Heights Community Center’s hall rental reservations.

¨ Upgraded website and social media presence.

¨ Replaced dead trees, broken street grates, trashcans, and damaged street lights.

¨ Facility Management of San Diego Global Vision Academy campus, in partnership with the Normal Heights Methodist Church.

¨ Supervised Storefront Improvements for Corner Liquor and Discount Fabrics.

¨ Steam cleaned and removed gum on 8 blocks of sidewalk.

¨ Brought management of Taste of Adams Avenue  in- house, converting consultant fees to expanded publicity campaign.

¨ Hosted quarterly member mixers

¨ Managed community marquee (Discount Fabrics) messaging and purchased new marquee letters.

¨ Helped facilitate lease negotiations that enabled recruitment of new hospitality business, resulting in significant Avenue investment.

¨ Helped negotiate forthcoming use of Masonic Lodge’s  lot for public parking in conjunction with Heights Tavern.

¨ Began work on bike-friendly business district and Adams Avenue mural program. Look for exciting additions in 2013.

¨ Began plans for a new community parking lot program coming in 2013.

¨ Developed BEYOND NORMAL marketing campaign to be fully launched in 2013.

(This is an excerpt from our 2012 Annual Report. Please click here to read the report in it’s entirety.)