What's Happening

Modern Mouse, Alameda South Shore Center

With the support of member businesses, the Downtown Alameda Business Association works hard year-round to promote a healthy retail and service climate on our island city as well as a district that is clean, green, and safe. When Alameda businesses thrive, the entire community benefits.

Businesses operating in Alameda, but outside the geographic boundaries of the District, are invited to join the Downtown Alameda Business Association as an Associate Member.

Help welcome our newest Associate Members:

Alana Dill – Face Painting (Alameda)
* Face painting, body painting, and theatrical make-up.

At Home Real Estate, 415 South Shore Center #139
* Real estate sales and rentals.

Modern Mouse, 2223 South Shore Center
* Fun, stylish collection of handmade goods by independent artists and small manufacturers.

RJV Elements (service in Alameda)
* Eco-friendly power washing and cleaning specialists.

SpeedPro East Bay, 1734 Clement Ave
* Large format display graphics for windows, walls, banners, vehicles, events, and more. Speedpro East Bay is a returning member.

Zhaldee’s Eats & Beats (service in Alameda)
* One-stop shop for all of your event needs, from catering to music and lighting.  (more…)

Congratulations to Lola’s Chicken Shack for being the first business in Alameda to complete its certification with ReThink Disposable’s “Un-packaging Alameda Island” initiative — a new project put together by the Clean Water Fund and the City of Alameda in coordination with the Downtown Alameda Business Association and the West Alameda Business Association.

Mother and son team Nancy and Mark Rogers opened Lola’s Chicken Shack on Park Street in late 2013. They were the first business in Alameda to sign up for ReThink Disposable, when they heard that the program would work with them to figure out how to replace items like disposable cups with reusable plastic ones. Signing up has not only helped the environment but it’s also saved the business some money, too.

Recently, Lola’s Chicken Shack has begun using reusable straws. “We’ve been getting compliments each day for championing a reusable lifestyle over disposable plastic straws,” said Mark Rogers. “Customers know the straws go through the dishwasher and are sanitized, so they’ve been a big hit.”

ReThink Disposable Student Ambassadors

ReThink Disposable student ambassadors are working to raise awareness in the community about the impact of disposable foodware and single-use plastics. The students recently conducted litter audits on Park Street to profile the types and brands of litter. In the process, they collected the litter and created artwork which is now on display at Tucker’s Ice Cream.  (more…)

New Business of the Year: Phoenix (Ben & Saskia Winter)

At the end of each year, the Downtown Alameda Business Association presents awards to member businesses in recognition of their contributions to the success of the downtown district. The owners and staff of the selected businesses are active in Downtown Association activities, participate in district events, and cultivate improvements in the business community. The businesses are excellent examples of the quality of service you can expect to find throughout the district.

Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Downtown Alameda Business Awards:

Retail Business of the Year — Books Inc., presented to Melanie Knight

Culinary Business of the Year — Habanas Cuban Cuisine, presented to Jason Tsang

Professional Service Business of the Year — Studio 23, presented to Jessica & Wes Warren

New Business of the Year — Phoenix Co-Working & Event Space, presented to Benjamin and Saskia Winter

Member of the Year — Duane Watson (Lee Auto Supply)

President’s Award — Kyle Conner and Allison Shannon (Alameda Theatre & Cineplex and Cinema Grill)

Look for these businesses to be spotlighted in future issues of the Alameda Sun. In the meantime, be sure to stop by and congratulate these folks the next time you find yourself in Downtown Alameda.