A list of DORA participants continues to grow as businesses share initial feedback to the program.
August 31, 2023 (DAYTON, Ohio) – Participants in downtown Dayton’s newly expanded Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area say they’ve seen positive effects since the launch of the new boundaries in June of this year. A recent survey of participating businesses in the Downtown Dayton DORA showed that 63 percent of respondents have recorded an increase in business in the short time since the new boundaries went into effect.
“We’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response to DORA since the new boundaries went into effect,” said Elizabeth Mills, Community Engagement Manager with the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “Comments from participating businesses, downtown residents, and the public have been overall positive. We continue to work closely with our downtown community to ensure we are hearing all feedback and keeping the program beneficial and up-to-date.”
Since the June launch, more than 80,000 cups have been sold or distributed to participating DORA businesses and more than 35 waste receptacles have been installed within the new boundary footprint to encourage proper disposal of cups. The recent survey also showed that 79% of respondents reported no increase to litter in the immediate area of their business. In addition to the initial survey responses, a DORA Oversight Committee meets once per quarter to discuss the program and community feedback.
The new boundaries of the Downtown Dayton DORA went into effect in June of 2023 and now include most of downtown Dayton. Currently, 66 of 77 eligible downtown businesses (85%) are participating in the Downtown Dayton DORA. Businesses with a valid liquor license can opt-in to the program by ordering approved DORA cups and by signing a Good Neighbor Agreement.
“The Downtown Dayton DORA already had a strong foundation from its start in the Oregon District in 2020,” said Mills. “Thanks to the program’s impact and reputation, we saw a strong response from businesses inside of the new boundaries that wanted to take part. We are continuing to enroll new businesses as they open downtown and are excited to see the list of participants keep growing.”
The Downtown Dayton DORA is a program of the Downtown Dayton Partnership and sponsored by Bonbright Distributors. A map of the boundaries, frequently asked questions, participating locations and more information are available on the Downtown Dayton DORA webpage.
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