DBA Benefits


Downtown Business Association Member Benefits 

The benefits of the Downtown Business Association (DBA) are numerous. We are an organization of downtown merchants and professionals who represent the entire spectrum of our dynamic city. The DBA, its board and members, are continuously searching for new and innovative solutions for a city that is growing and truly in the midst of a renaissance.

The Sunrise Sale (July) and the Sunset Sale (December) are two major events sponsored by the DBA. These events draw special attention to our downtown merchants, restaurants, the arts and attractions. Our board, a group of professionals who put in many volunteer hours to ensure the success of these promotions, represents a cross section of our membership.
The DBA has a close relationship with city government, and its marketing department, and the association works closely with the Downtown Partnership on issues of a broader nature.

The DBA maintains a Web site that presents an organized and accessible overview of our city and its members. Each member has its own Web page for advertising, business description and special offers. The Web site links with the City of St. Petersburg, the Downtown Partnership, and other venues and attractions. Additionally, the DBA maintains a calendar of member events, meetings and an event calendar coordinated by the marketing department of the City of St. Petersburg. The DBA is in the process of developing a blog with the intention of creating a national exchange of marketing concepts that can be shared among downtown cores on a national level.

The DBA has 10 monthly meetings a year and a minimum of 12 board meetings a year. Our monthly meeting is hosted at a different member’s place of business and includes beverages and goodies. We alternate meeting times every other month from an a.m. meeting to a p.m. meeting. The first point of business is an introduction and thanks to the host and an overview of his/her business. This is followed by member introductions, and then a featured speaker or panel discussion. The speakers or forums address such issues as the arts, retail marketing concepts, and parking . . . and the list goes on depending on the pulse of the city. Next on the agenda is a representative from the police department who gives a report on what is happening regarding crime, traffic, events, and what our members should be aware of in the coming months. We conclude with membership announcements, adjourn and then do a bit of networking.

The DBA is, and wants to continue to be, one of the most effective lobbying groups in the city, to the benefit of its members and the community as a whole.