The name “Beaumont Village” has that small-town ring to it, conjuring up images of community socials, quaint shops, and bucolic architecture. And indeed, the poster child for Beaumont Village—that charming building on Fremont Street adjacent to 41st—not only looks the part, but it’s arguably Beaumont-Wilshire’s most recognizable landmark (hence the inspiration for BWNA’s logo, reproduced on the front page of each newsletter issue in the upper left-hand corner). Yet as one walks from Beaumont Middle School on 42nd to Amalfi’s on 47th (B-W’s eastern boundary), it quickly becomes obvious that Beaumont Village is not one-dimensional, but rather an eclectic mix of small businesses housed in modest-sized buildings coexisting with bustling restaurants and cafes nestled amid modern mid-rise apartment complexes.
This is the heart of the Beaumont Business Association (BBA), a business district with citywide appeal that has been steadily evolving and transforming since its inception in 1984. This past year, under the dynamic new leadership of President Andy Frazier—longtime B-W resident, neighborhood activist, and owner of Frazier Wealth Management (a newsletter advertiser)—BBA has more than doubled its membership, including businesses outside Beaumont Village limits, such as Whole Foods and Meticulous Plumbing (also an advertiser). Listening to Andy on the future, this is only the beginning for BBA.
Exuding a glass-half-full, can-do optimism at last November’s BWNA board meeting, Andy impressed members with his three-year plan for energizing and expanding BBA through a combination of in-house teambuilding and community outreach. High on Andy’s list of goals will be increasing BBA membership from its current 35 percent of in-district businesses to 75 percent—coupled with implementation of new strategies to attract out-of-district businesses. Revenue from increased membership dues is needed to sustain and expand upon popular BBA-sponsored community favorites, like Fremont Fright Fest, Fremont Holiday Fest, Dash for Donuts, Hip Hop in the Shop, and of course Fremont Fest (think of those gorgeous floral baskets!).
Another of Andy’s prime objectives for BBA is “the creation of a social environment on Fremont for business owners to meet neighbors,” something BWNA is happy to assist with as a communication conduit, with BBA equally happy to provide support for BWNA in reciprocal partnership. Specifically, since BBA has no newsletter of its own, the BWNA newsletter and general meetings will be used by BBA to promote BBA events and recruit community volunteers; correspondingly, BWNA will count on BBA businesses to post announcements and provide in-kind donations for BWNA events, such as Taste of Beaumont and the National Night Out Picnic.
Additionally, BWNA and BBA share common civic concerns that are most effectively addressed through collective action (e.g., rezoning, parking, crime prevention, and others) and networking with like-minded neighborhood and business associations, which hopefully boosts political clout. Lastly, BBA and BWNA will regularly be represented at each other’s meetings, united in common purpose not only for the enhancement of Beaumont Village, but also in improving livability for both residents and merchants.