CRA reports new businesses, awards and holiday events as downtown activity grows

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) presented its November update and listed new businesses, national recognition, and a calendar of holiday and downtown events intended to boost foot traffic and support small merchants.

Nesa Herrera, CRA executive director, said the city'based Chambers Distillery was named a national readers' choice top distillery and welcomed several new businesses including Bondi Sushi and local service firms. She highlighted past successes such as the Halloween bash that drew more than 2,000 attendees and said Small Business Saturday will be held Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Main Street. Holiday Village will take place Dec. 5'6 with a tree'lighting ceremony.

The CRA said it will host a financial resources expo for small businesses and a downtown partner meeting on Nov. 12 to discuss Horizon of Oakland Park progress and capital improvements. Herrera said the CRA continues to connect merchants with grants and resources and is expanding outreach and partnership staffing.

Commissioners praised CRA staff for outreach and the small business milestones and encouraged residents to support local shops and holiday events.