Release Date: Friday, June 26th 2009

Deadline Extended for Mill Avenue Retail Competiton

Tempe, AZ – Due to an overwhelming response from local entrepreneurs, Downtown Tempe Community has decided to extend the deadline for the Mill Avenue Retail Competition to July 6. Over the past week, DTC received numerous phone calls and emails from people with interesting concepts that needed more time to finalize their business plans. A number of business plans have already been submitted and include concepts ranging from a popcorn shop to urban wine market to local produce retailer.

After the July 6 deadline, a committee consisting of representatives from DTC, City of Tempe, DMB, and local retailers will decide on a winning concept that will receive 12 months free rent in a prime location on Mill Avenue, plus a custom built website from Synapse Studios, a Mill Avenue web consulting firm. The announcement of the winning business plan will be in mid-July.

The purpose of the Mill Avenue District Retail Competition is to spur interest of independent retailers to Downtown Tempe, as well as ignite the growth of business development. Potential businesses will have to submit a full business plan including financial standing, which will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of representatives from DTC, DMB & Associates, the City of Tempe, a local bank, and local retailers. More information, including the Rules & Regulations can be found at downtowntempe.com/retailcontest.

Downtown Tempe Community, Inc. is the private, non-profit organization that manages the Mill Avenue District and is responsible for the vibrancy and excellence of the cultural, lifestyle, and commerce experience in the District. Mill Avenue District, Inc. works in partnership with the City of Tempe to increase the value of downtown Tempe through enhanced management and promotional services on behalf of Mill Avenue District members and other downtown stakeholders.