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The Yaletown Business Improvement Association is a non-profit society with a mission to enhance its members' business opportunities by leading action to improve the Yaletown environment and to promote Yaletown as the place to trade and visit. Formed in 1999, it is funded by a special municipal levy that is paid by all commercial properties in the designated 20 block Yaletown area. This levy forms the baseline of the YBIA's budget although it also acts as seed money to enhance programs that generate sponsorship money, in kind donations, value added initiatives such as strategic partnerships and media attention. The membership and Board of Directors are comprised of both property owners and business tenants who share input to develop the direction and goals of this organization. The YBIA encourages active participation of all members through the Board of Directors, YBIA Committees, meetings, networking and special events. For more information see the Members section on the title bar. What is a Business Improvement Association? Communities around the world have turned to the Business Improvement Area (BIA) concept as a means of strengthening their downtowns and neighbourhood commercial districts. There are approximately 17 BIA's currently operating in the City of Vancouver, 53 in British Columbia, and over 280 in Ontario alone. Each of these organizations is unique, and has developed programs to address specific opportunities and challenges in their communities. Each of these BIA's also has a unique mandate and funding requirements. In Vancouver, those commercial areas without a BIA are now seen at a competitive disadvantage, and many groups are in the process of forming BIA's. Download the 2007 Annual Review (PDF format) Download the 2004-2009 Vision and Direction brochure for a review of the YBIA goals for the next 5 years 2007-2008 Board of Directors Neil Wyles President & Head of Street Beautification committee Hamilton Street Grill Kim Roberts Treasurer HSBC Bank (Yaletown Pacific Branch) Jane McFadden Head of Marketing committee Fine Finds Micheal LaPrairie Head of Security committee Century 21 In Town Realty Chris Harrison Harrison Galleries Deanna Geisheimer Art Works Gallery Katrina Carroll-Foster Opus Hotel Pauline Sandland Yaletown Sofa Co. Ltd Chris Breikss 6S Marketing Inc. STAFF Executive Director: Annette O'Shea Administrative Support: Gary Foreman