Sun, surf and sand. Always in demand along our Downbeach communities. Close proximity to major populations make Margate & Ventnor a prime destination for 2nd homeowners and vacation time fun-seekers.
Declining full-time populations along Jersey shore increase small business risk & reward.
Debated for decades: Why does Margate rake it in….while Ventnor right next door, is still working it’s tail off for a more robust retail & Real Estate renaissance?
Ventnor has the same awesome scenery, sand, sun, surf and general location as Margate. Ventor boasts a most scenic boardwalk and fishing pier, where as Margate features clubs & nightlife.
As a summertime destination, Margate is a well-oiled machine that’s powered by business owners with financial skin in the game. Local politicians play the appropriate, smaller role here. Margate enjoys great business and Real Estate success by mainly relying on the private sector, and not well-intentioned volunteers. Margate business booms using a free, open, and highly competitive marketplace on this part of Absecon Island.
Should Ventnor steal a few pages from Margate marketing playbook? We think that answer is an obvious YES. So what’s the hold-up?
DownbeachBUZZ asked group of professionals with experience in municipal marketing: What tactics can help take Ventnor to the next level? Here are their answers:
- Ensure main thoroughfares (Ventnor, Dorset, Wellington Ave) offer positive impressions to thousands that pass thru daily
- Get serious about new business development. Make it JOB #1
- Private sector needs to lead the charge, not City Hall.
- Define realistic, actionable marketing plan
- Identify well-suited individuals, not ‘good-ole boys’ for implementing plan
- Hold individuals accountable via track-able benchmarks
- Stop over-reliance on part-time orgs with limited time, experience & resources
- Marketing & advertising campaigns must follow the money. Local newspaper & radio ads do not reach prime targets willing to invest.
Step #1. Banish the Blight.
Situated on the main drag through town, sits the slowing rotting Ventnor Theater complex, owned by Frank Theatres, LLC of Jupiter Florida. This once magnificent Art Deco styled movie house had a long and profitable career. But the rise of 14 title multi-plexes and a declining full-time, local population made the once popular theater a money loser. After a brief fix and rebound run, the Ventnor Twin closed for good in 2004.
Today, the shuttered Ventnor Theater is 19,000 sq. ft of high-profile blight that casts a negative impression on this jewel of a town called Ventnor.
It’s alleged and feared that Frank Theaters might be letting that building sit and rot in order to use it as a tax write off. Even 2 small businesses (Steve’s Barber & Ventnor Cleaners) bailed from that creepy complex after reports of smells, creaks, leaks and other unpleasant oozings seeping in from the neighboring bowels of the once majestic theater.
In 1998, the Ventnor movie theater was shut down after city inspection revealed it was on verge of collapse.
Renovating the Stone Harbor Theater, can Ventnor do the same? The old Stone Harbor movie house was salvaged by 3 entrepreneurs; Clint Bunting, Scott Kaufman and Brett Denafo. Their goal: improve commerce in town by 25 percent within four years. Harbor Square Theater is now open and features a state-of-the art sound system, and plush chairs that recline.
Examples of Ventnor Business Ups & Downs.
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I for one would love to see a movie theatre akin to the Stone Harbor theatre. I believe it would bring a lot more people to Ventnor. It could also revitalize the area.