Post-event survey of Main Street merchants indicates that 50% of merchants will put up more holiday lighting for this event in 2008.

Thirty-six percent said they will have advance promotions linked to Light Up Lakewood, and/or in-store promotions the day-of the event (more than one answer was accepted).

Forty-six percent of merchants reported an increase in sales over a "typical" Friday night.

Sixty percent experienced an increase in foot traffic.

"Street Closing , "Lighting Ceremony" and "Street Decorations" were the elements which rated highest as being the most essential for this successful event.

ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE
John Mitterholzer, LakewoodAlive member and former Main Street director for Nashua New Hampshire, has agreed to chair this important Main Street Lakewood committee. The Economic Restructuring Committee focuses on retaining existing businesses, recruiting new ones and converting unused space into productive property. Job #1 will be completing an inventory of the district.

CERTIFICHECKS
More than $4300 worth of Lakewood Gift Certificates were sold during the 6 week holiday season. This effort exceeded our 1st year goal by 43%. Lakewood Gift Certificates can be purchased throughout the year at Phoenix Coffee. Additional sales locations throughout the community will be added in 2008. CertifiChecks administrative costs were borne by LakewoodAlive and Lakewood Community Progress Inc.

RETAIL NEWS
Melt Bar & Grilled is planning an expansion into the space formerly occupied by Kathy's Sewing Center. Kathy's Sewing Center is moving into a beautifully renovated first floor space in the building formerly occupied by Harrison's Furniture and now the corporate headquarters for Aladdins Eatery Systems. A win-win for Main Street Lakewood!