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Telegraph Berkely

Berkley, California

TBID’s Ambassadors clean miles of sidewalks and greet thousands of visitors each year. Our staff works hard every day, coordinating cleaning, safety, and hospitality services; marketing the district; assisting small businesses and other stakeholders; providing a voice for the district through partnership with the City of Berkeley and University of California; and providing other crucial services that would not otherwise exist.

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Services:

hospitality

cleaning

Number of Blocks 80 - Serving Since: 2017

Posted on Monday November 14, 2022 by Ambassador Spotlight

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The Spirit Behind the Service

Ambassador Spotlight: Dave Hallenberger

“I want to be outside. I want to be where the people are,” Dave Hallenberger replied when asked why he valued his Ambassador position at Block by Block (BBB).

Before working as a Special Projects Ambassador in Downtown Minneapolis, Dave spent 28 years in a security role where he was confined indoors, behind a desk. He shared that he did not know what happiness felt like in a work environment until he started his career at Block by Block. From Dave’s first day on the job to 13 years later, he is still passionate about the positive impact created by his work downtown. Raised in a small town near Lake City, Minnesota, the army veteran of 10 years initially felt intimidated by Minneapolis since he was unfamiliar with the landscape. Now he knows the streets of downtown like the back of his hand. 

Dave’s journey as an Ambassador began when his sister-in-law advised him to apply for an opening position at the company. At the time, Block by Block was a recently introduced hospitality service to the downtown area contracted by the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District. 

Immediately after reviewing the job description, Dave was thrilled to apply. “They were going to pay me to be a good Samaritan!” he thought. Quickly, he learned that his new employer was different from any other that he had witnessed in the workforce. 

“Where do you get a job where the vice president of the company goes out there with you?” Hallenberger commented about his first day on the field. He appreciated the precedent the company’s leadership set because it connected the values and culture through the different roles and ranks. 

Throughout his years working at Block by Block, he became a trusted employee who always went above and beyond. “He makes my job easier,” Angel Johnson, Operations Manager at BBB, shared. 

Many other managers who worked with Dave agreed. He always takes the initiative to complete tasks before they are noticed and goes above what is expected of him. Over the 13 years, he was recognized twice as the employee of the year and was recently awarded employee of the quarter. Hallenberger thrived in his role because of the trust he built with the management team. He appreciated the freedom and the responsibility of his job. 

Throughout his time, he implemented a routine, starting his week by patrolling the blocks and noticing anything that seemed off. From there, he prioritized his projects and what he needed to accomplish in the following days. Even his colleagues were quick to see the self-starter within Dave’s personality. 

His coworker and partner on the field, Ron Carlson, said, “You can see how much Dave cares about what he does. He is passionate about his work and wants to do the best job possible.”  

Because of the painstaking efforts Dave and many other Ambassadors demonstrate, Minneapolis is kept clean, friendly, and safe. Their hard work keeps the graffiti off the buildings, trash off the streets, and hospitality at the forefront. The Ambassador position at Block by Block was more than just a job for Dave. In addition to positively impacting the community, it was an opportunity for Dave to find joy in his work. Within a year of working as an Ambassador, he encouraged his son, Kevin, to apply. Closely behind Dave in seniority, Kevin has worked as an Ambassador for 12 years in various roles. Currently, he is the team lead for the night shift.

Stories like Dave Hallenberger’s reveal the environment Block by Block creates in downtown areas. By incorporating their hospitality services, downtown communities can provide meaningful jobs that are rewarding and beneficial to the economy. In turn, Ambassadors serve by keeping the city polished and welcoming for the individuals visiting or coming to work. 

This ecosystem generates opportunities for people to find work where they feel heard and gives them a chance to serve other citizens. “I feel very passionate about my job,” Dave added. 

Downtown Roanoke

Roanoke, Virginia

The Clean, Hospitality and Outreach Ambassador Team supports Downtown Roanoke Inc.’s mission  to make Downtown Roanoke the preferred place to work, live and play in western Virginia.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

outreach

Number of Blocks 25 - Serving Since: 2022

Downtown Knoxville Alliance, Visit Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee

K-town Connect provides a highly-visible presence in Downtown Knoxville while conducting hospitality and quality of life services for the area. The Ambassador Program is a partnership between the City of Knoxville, Visit Knoxville and Knox County.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

outreach

Number of Blocks 60 - Serving Since: 2022

Colfax Ave BID

Denver, Colorado

Ambassadors provide environmental maintenance services for Colfax Avenue BID, the historic corridor in Denver. The clean team provides daily services that include removing garbage, litter collection, graffiti removal, pressure washing and assisting in maintenance of street décor. 

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since: 2022

City of Vista

Vista, California

The Vista Downtown Clean and Safe Program offers services through Ambassadors who give directions, provide restaurant and retail information, pick up litter, and offer other customer-oriented support to make Downtown Vista more inviting.

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Services:

safety

cleaning

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since:

Sunset Park BID

Brooklyn, New York

Small but versatile program to provide cleaning services in the heart of Brooklyn New York.

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Services:

cleaning

Number of Blocks 20 - Serving Since: 2022

Atlantic Ave BID

Brooklyn, New York

Small but versatile program to provide cleaning services in the heart of Brooklyn New York.

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since: 2022

Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The Green Team and the Business Improvement District (BID) play an important role by keeping downtown a safe, clean, and welcoming place to work, live, and visit. The BID-funded Green Team provides supplemental cleaning and safety services within the six downtown neighborhoods of the Downtown Oklahoma City Business Improvement District. 

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

cleaning

landscaping

Number of Blocks 90 - Serving Since: 2022

Downtown Frederick Partnership

Frederick, Maryland

Block by Block provides a clean and safety program to the Downtown Frederic, which boasts a walkable retail area filled with independently owned shops, many housed in historic buildings and a vibrant restaurant scene.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

cleaning

Number of Blocks 50 - Serving Since: 2022

SF Travel/San Francisco Tourism Improvement District

San Francisco, California

The San Francisco Hospitality Ambassador Program is an exciting initiative to support the City’s recovery plan to jumpstart neighborhood recovery and support health, vitality, and safety in public spaces. The intent is to provide visitors and workers resources that welcome them back to downtown and provide a sense of safety, security, and well-being. The program will provide an experience for visitors and workers that makes them feel welcome and missed. Hospitality Ambassadors will be stationed in and around Downtown, Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, major employment centers and key downtown transit hubs to welcome, guide, and answer questions for visitors and workers returning to the office.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

Number of Blocks 5321 - Serving Since: 2022

City of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

The City of Louisville collaborated with Block by Block to provide cleaning and safety services to key neighborhoods in the Metro Area.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

cleaning

Number of Blocks - Serving Since: 2022

City of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Ambassadors will patrol 40-block stretch of Atlantic Avenue, from Pacific Avenue to the bike path, focusing on delivering cleaning and hospitality services in the resort area of Virginia Beach. 

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Services:

hospitality

cleaning

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since: 2021

Downtown District of Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina

Block by Block will provide hospitality services for downtown Greensboro. The Ambassadors will help provide assistance and recommendations to visitors of the city. They will also act as “eyes and ears” for the city and help local business owners and residents when needed.

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Services:

hospitality

safety

Number of Blocks 2 Sq. Mi - Serving Since: 2021

University District SID

Columbus, Ohio

The University District is comprised of the neighborhoods surrounding one of the nation’s largest public universities, The Ohio State University. It is an eclectic mix of thirteen distinct neighborhoods: The Circles, Dennison Place, Glen Echo, Indianola Forest, Indianola Terrace, Iuka Ravine, NECKO, Northwood Park, Old North Columbus, Peach District, SoHud, Tuttle Park, and Weinland Park.  Block by Block will be providing supplemental cleaning, safety and hospitality services to the University District.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

Number of Blocks - Serving Since: 2021

Boulder Downtown Partnership

Boulder, Colorado

Block by Block is partnering with the Downtown Boulder Partnership to create an 18-month pilot Ambassador Program. The program will blend some new elements with existing in-house services. The program will focus on creating a cleaner, safer and more hospitable environment for visitors, residents and other stakeholders. The city of Boulder is a major funder of the program making this a true public/private partnership. 

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

cleaning

Number of Blocks - Serving Since: 2021

City of Somerville

Somerville, Massachusetts

The goal of the City of Somerville’s COVID-19 Ambassador Program is to work with businesses, residents and visitors to educate about and ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols. Ambassadors provide the highest level of hospitality and customer service possible—they are friendly, personable, approachable, knowledgeable, and also able to handle situations involving conflict. They greet and welcome visitors, meet with businesses—reporting COVID-19-related problems to be addressed to the appropriate authorities. The Ambassadors will work closely with the City of Somerville COVID-19 Incident Command Structure, the Inspectional Services Department, the Health & Human Services Department and the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development to ensure safety and compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols throughout the community.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

Number of Blocks 50 - Serving Since: 2021

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

Boston, Massachusetts

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Services:

transit

Number of Blocks - Serving Since: 2017

Short North Alliance

Columbus, Ohio

Block by Block provides supplemental cleaning, safety and hospitality services to the Short North Alliance, a thriving arts district in Columbus, Ohio.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

cleaning

Number of Blocks 250 - Serving Since: 2021

Downtown Tulsa Partnership

Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Downtown Tulsa Ambassador Team is on the job seven days a week to ensure Downtown is clean, vibrant and welcoming to everyone. Their goal is to improve Downtown with enhanced clean, safe and beautification services made possible by Downtown Tulsa property and business owners. The team works hand-in-hand with the region’s service and outreach organizations to aid Tulsa’s most vulnerable populations.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

cleaning

landscaping

Number of Blocks 2 sq miles - Serving Since: 2021

Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn District Management Association, Inc.

New York City, New York

Block by Block provides supplemental cleaning services along Myrtle Avenue from Flatbush to Classon Avenues in the Clinton Hill and Fort Greene neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since: 2021

Midtown Baltimore Community Benefits District

Baltimore, Maryland

Block by Block provides supplemental cleaning services to the 144 block area of the Midtown Community Benefits District in central Baltimore. This includes four distinct communities: Bolton Hill, Charles North, Madison Park, and Mount Vernon.

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

Number of Blocks 144 - Serving Since: 2021

Augusta Downtown Improvement Community District

Augusta, Georgia

Small but versatile program to provide cleaning and safety/hospitality services in the heart of Augusta, GA while demonstrating the value of a program to the downtown stakeholders during BID petitioning.

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Services:

hospitality

safety

cleaning

Number of Blocks - Serving Since: 2021

Downtown South Bend

South Bend, Indiana

Enhance the perception of cleanliness and safety in the downtown core. Safety Ambassadors patrol delivering good will and hospitality on behalf of DTSB. Cleaning Ambassadors provide maintenance to the enhanced streetscape, consisting of numerous flowers planters and hanging baskets. Cleaning staff also maintain the general appearance by tending to litter, graffiti, weeds and special projects, which will enhance the service district. Ambassador program provides safety, cleaning and venue set up for DTSB’s many events during the year.

View BID Website

Services:

safety

cleaning

outreach

landscaping

Number of Blocks 60 - Serving Since: 2006

Downtown Chattanooga

Chatanooga, Tennessee

View BID Website

Services:

safety

cleaning

Number of Blocks - Serving Since: 2021

Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Block by Block is proud to provide cleaning and safety services to Kalamazoo to serve the community’s needs by creating a downtown that is clean, safe, vibrant and welcoming.

View BID Website

Services:

safety

cleaning

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since: 2021