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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.

View BID Website

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, Inc.

Roanoke, Virginia

Downtown Roanoke Ambassador Program

Having a clean, safe, and welcoming downtown is the foundation of a great city. Our 8-person Ambassador team is downtown 6 days a week providing nearly 300 hours of weekly services. Our Ambassador Program builds on existing services and allows us to expand and improve the downtown experience for residents, employees, and visitors.

Ambassador Services

Clean Team

  • Removal of litter and debris
  • Weed control
  • Graffiti and handbill removal
  • Power washing

Hospitality Team

  • Engage and welcome visitors
  • Answer questions
  • Provide directions and recommendations

Outreach Team

  • Conduct business outreach
  • Address quality of life issues
  • Check in with those in need and help connect them with services
  • Work closely with Roanoke City Police to report and share information

Ambassador Hours

The current hours for our Ambassador Team are noted below. This schedule is subject to change as we make adjustments during the early stages of the program.

  • Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm
  • Friday & Saturday 8:00am – 10:00pm

For Ambassador assistance during operating hours, call (540) 553-6638.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

outreach

Number of Blocks 25 - Serving Since: 2022

Visit Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

K-Town Connect Ambassador Program

When you see our friendly team out and about downtown in their bright green attire, feel free to ask for directions on where to park, eat and generally have fun. The K-Town Connect team is a fantastic source of information for your downtown experience. For additional assistance, maps and more, be sure to stop by the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center at 301 S. Gay Street.

Our Ambassadors help improve our downtown by providing the following services:

Hospitality and Information – Ambassadors greet pedestrians and provide general assistance, maps and/or directions, information on historic sites, shops, restaurants, public transportation, other places of interest and general information that may be helpful and welcoming. Ambassadors help and support the general public to address a wide range of situations and needs, such as: assistance with the use of parking meter stations, repairing a flat tire, opening a door, escorting employees to parking garages, and by offsetting any potentially negative experience with a positive interaction.

A Visible Presence Improving Quality of Life – Ambassadors circulate throughout downtown to create a highly visible, accessible, outgoing, and inviting presence, with an attitude of friendly professionalism, superior customer service, and hospitality—placed strategically to address critical issues or needs at key times, and as needed. All Ambassadors are trained to appropriately handle situations in a firm, yet courteous, manner. In addition, ambassadors discourage aggressive solicitation and other prohibited behaviors, and provide information and support to Visit Knoxville. Ambassadors also check on the welfare of our most vulnerable populations and work within the many Knoxville resources to connect those in need with assistance.

The K-Town Connect Ambassador Program operates a first shift 7am-3:30pm Sunday through Saturday and a second shift 3:00pm-11:30pm Wednesday through Sunday. Questions? Call (865) 393-3195 for details.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

Number of Blocks 60 - Serving Since: 2022

Colfax Avenue BID

Denver, Colorado

One of the main responsibilities of a Business Improvement District is to keep the area clean and welcoming for all. Our clean team is out on the street every day and provides services that go above and beyond what’s typically provided by the city.

Maintenance services provided by the Colfax Ave BID include:

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since: 2022

City of Vista

Vista, California

The Vista Downtown Ambassador Program provides safety services to the City of Vista.

View BID Website

Services:

safety

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since: 2022

Sunset Park District Management Association

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 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, Inc.

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.

CORE SERVICES

  • Trash and litter removal
  • Street vacuuming
  • Pressure washing sidewalks
  • Human/animal waste removal and sanitation
  • Sticker and graffiti removal
  • Special event information
  • Business check-ins
  • Hospitality escorts
  • Homeless outreach

BENEFITS OF GREEN TEAM PROGRAM

  • Comprehensive data reporting
  • Increased visibility with an integrated brand
  • Efficiencies in communication and coordination of services
  • Enhanced hospitality across all services

View BID Website

Services:

safety

cleaning

outreach

landscaping

Number of Blocks 90 - Serving Since: 2022

Downtown Frederick Partnership

Frederick, Maryland

The Downtown Frederick Ambassador Program employs 4-6 full-time workers (depending upon the season) to monitor and clean the downtown area. Ambassadors work from 7AM-10PM five days a week (Wednesday through Sunday). The ambassador program covers more than 17 blocks of the downtown area – including Market Street, Patrick Street, Carroll Creek Linear Park and Everedy Square & Shab Row.

Ambassadors help keep Downtown Frederick a safe and beautiful destination by providing essential functions, such as actively engaging pedestrians with friendly greetings and assistance, providing directions and information to visitors, picking up trash and power washing sidewalks, removing graffiti and stickers from light poles and other public infrastructure, collecting leaves and debris from sidewalks and gutters, pulling weeds in public spaces, and so much more! Downtown Frederick Partnership contracts with Block by Block to provide this service.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

Number of Blocks 50 - Serving Since: 2021

SF Travel/San Francisco Tourism Improvement District

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a city where everyone is always welcome. While you are in San Francisco, you’ll find plenty of friendly faces ready to greet you. Meet our official San Francisco Welcome Ambassadors!

San Francisco’s Welcome Ambassadors are ready to help improve your visitor experience.

  • Not sure how to get to Fisherman’s Wharf? Our Welcome Ambassadors can provide directions to popular visitor attractions.
  • Looking for restaurant recommendations near your Union Square hotel? Our Welcome Ambassadors can help you find exactly the kind of meal you’re craving.
  • Need someone to take a picture of you and your fellow travelers in front of a legendary San Francisco landmark? Our Welcome Ambassadors would be happy to do that for you.
  • For visitors and residents alike, our Welcome Ambassadors provide a friendly welcome during commuting hours at main transit stops along Market Street from Powell Street to the Ferry Building.

Our Welcome Ambassadors are knowledgable, multi-lingual, and committed to sharing their love of San Francisco with you. You can find them out and about, 7 days a week, in some of our most popular neighborhoods—including Chinatown, North Beach, and SoMa—from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Just look for their bright orange jackets—the same color as the Golden Gate Bridge.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

Number of Blocks 5321 - Serving Since: 2021

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 patrol a 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. 

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since: 2021

Downtown Greensboro, Inc.

Greensboro, North Carolina

Downtown Greensboro has a dedicated team of Ambassadors who provide a variety of services to the center city. Whether it be providing directions or offering a helping hand to those who need it, our Ambassadors are here to help.

  • Welcoming and assisting visitors
  • Hospitality escorts to and from any downtown business
  • Promoting downtown amenities and businesses
  • Providing maps and visitor information
  • Assisting with downtown special events
  • Calls for assistance to police, fire, EMS
  • Connecting those in need to social services
  • Business check-ins and resident assistance
  • Panhandling and suspicious activity observation and reporting
  • Litter pickup from public sidewalks
  • And more

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

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

University District Special Improvement District

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

safety

cleaning

Number of Blocks - Serving Since: 2021

Downtown Boulder Partnership

Boulder, Colorado

Downtown Boulder Ambassador Program

Downtown Boulder Ambassadors can be easily identified by a bright blue shirt with a green Downtown Boulder Ambassador logo and are trained to provide information to residents and visitors, give directions/recommendations, escort visitors and employees safely to and from vehicles and businesses upon request, help visitors find parked vehicles; work with Boulder Police Department to locate lost items, patrol the district and address unfavorable activities/ordinance violations (e.g. smoking in public spaces, dogs on the Mall, etc.) , Identify and offer assistance to individuals in need of social services.

Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP), in partnership with the City of Boulder, implemented a more robust version of our Clean and Safe Ambassador Program in downtown that launched on July 1, 2021. Overall, the program provides cleaning, safety and hospitality services within the 49-block Business Improvement District (BID) along with the city’s Civic Area and, in partnership with the University of Colorado, the University Hill business district.

Downtown Ambassadors support City of Boulder staff efforts to keep the streets clean by removing trash and debris, pulling weeds, cleaning graffiti and supporting other programs of the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District to beautify downtown and keep it clean, safe and welcoming.

Downtown Boulder Ambassadors patrol over 49 blocks serving as the concierges of downtown. Ambassadors provide pedestrian assistance, directions, transit information, activity recommendations and more, while walking the district as well as at the Visitor Information Center.

DBP ambassadors will help to continue to foster a downtown environment that is clean, safe, and welcoming every day of the year.  If you are people-orientated, outgoing and community focused, become a Downtown Boulder ambassador and work with a fun and passionate team of individuals through our partners at Block By Block. View available positions. (Search using zip code 80302.)

If you are a downtown business owner and would like to make a operational request during business hours, please call 720-498-9601. You may also reach out via email to Guillermo (Coco) Coconati, our Operations Manager to submit requests for graffiti removal and other maintenance needs. If you are not sure who to contact about a specific issue, please refer to our downtown maintenance, ‘Who’s Responsible’ webpage with detailed information.

LEARN ABOUT THE HILL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

View BID Website

Services:

safety

cleaning

placemaking

Number of Blocks 49 - Serving Since: 2021

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

Boston, Massachusetts

In the fall of 2017, the MBTA introduced the Transit Ambassador customer outreach program. Transit Ambassadors wear bright red polo shirts, sweaters, or jackets with T logos and can be found at stations throughout the system. They can help you buy tickets and passes, figure out the best way to get to your destination, and provide real-time travel information.

Transit Ambassadors also provide assistance during special events, system outages, and service disruptions.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

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 cleaning, safety, and beautification services, which are 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.

Ambassador Services Include

  • Trash and litter removal
  • Directions and area information
  • Hospitality services
  • Graffiti and stickers removal
  • Pressure washing sidewalks
  • Safety escorts and checks
  • Special beautification projects

For Service Call: 918-202-4093

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

landscaping

Number of Blocks 2 sq miles - Serving Since: 2021

Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

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

placemaking

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since: 2021

Midtown Baltimore CBD

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.

CLEAN

  • Removes litter from streets, sidewalks, gutter lines, tree pits, bus stops, storm drains, and parks using mechanized equipment and broom & dustpans for detailed work

  • Empties of 187 trash cans, 7 days per week

  • Provides bulk trash removal

  • Removes graffiti and stickers using chemicals and power washer from from street signs, light poles, trash cans, and bus stops

  • Inspects and cleans alleyways on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

  • Hand wipes vertical surfaces i.e., trash receptacles, benches, lamp posts doggie stations

GREEN

  • Maintains 20+ acres of public greenspaces, including 25 parks

  • Provides tree and tree pit stewardship, including mulching, pruning, and watering

  • Supports community tree and park stewardship through various channels

  • Assists community associations (and/or groups) with tree plantings and pruning events

  • Promotes tree and park stewardship by sharing best practices with a goal towards increasing community involvement

  • Promotes certification opportunities through public and private partners

  • Provides seasonal leaf management service

  • Offers sustainable green waste removal collection

  • Provides weeding along gutter lines and curbs. Owners are responsible for sidewalks and tree wells per city code.

SEASONAL FOCUS:

  • Spring: mulch delivery, weeding, park planting beds, tree planting and watering, trash removal

  • Summer: edging, weeding, watering, trash removal

  • Fall: edging, weeding, tree planting and watering, trash removal

  • Winter: tree and shrub pruning, trash removal, tree canopy audit

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

landscaping

Number of Blocks 144 - Serving Since: 2021

ACE Downtown LLC

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.

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

Number of Blocks - Serving Since: 2021

City of South Bend

South Bend, Indiana

Look for the smiling face in a red shirt! For assistance, call 574-400-3949. A key strategic goal for us is to provide hospitality and assistance to merchants, residents, and visitors in downtown South Bend. Ambassadors are available as an information source, for safety patrols and escorts, motorist assists and more from 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m

Downtown Ambassador are hired locally and trained to accomplish the following:

  • Assist merchants, residents and visitors downtown
  • Offer maps, brochures and directions to visitors
  • Speak with business owners to learn their issues and concerns
  • Provide information and opportunities through DTSB
  • Discourage panhandling and promote safety
  • Report code violations, damage or hazards to city departments
  • Plant and maintain 250+ flower baskets and 3,000+ flowers in 150+ beds
  • Install hundreds of flags, banners and seasonal decorations

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

landscaping

Number of Blocks 60 - Serving Since: 2006

Downtown Chattanooga

Chatanooga, Tennessee

Our ambassadors are your guide to the best Downtown has to offer. We are here to help you.

We help visitors:

  • Find parking options

  • Take group photos

  • Walk safely to their car

  • Make recommendations for things to do and places to eat

  • Help you find cool places to take photos

  • Locate businesses and services

  • Keep the Downtown area clean and inviting

Downtown workers, residents and visitors are invited to use this service.

Call 423.206.4200 to request an ambassador to walk you to or from your car any time during these hours:

Monday – Thursday | 6AM – 8PM
Friday – Saturday | 6AM – 10PM

View BID Website

Services:

safety

cleaning

Number of Blocks - Serving Since: 2021

Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

Kalamazoo, Michigan

The Downtown Ambassador Program, managed by Block by Block, was created as a direct result of the growing downtown area and the needs of the community. The program will provide a direct, accessible connection seven days a week to meet the cleaning and hospitality needs as the district continues to attract new businesses, residents, and visitors.

Ambassadors will proactively engage in services ranging from daily cleaning services like emptying trash, sweeping sidewalks, power washing walkways, and seasonal leaf/snow removal, to hospitality and outreach services including providing directions to visitors, developing relationships with local businesses, and supporting downtown events and programs.

All program ambassadors, whether specializing in cleaning or hospitality, will be trained in providing customer service while observing appropriate physical distancing and safety protocols.

The Downtown Kalamazoo Ambassador Program is supported by the generous financial contributions of several community organizations and entities, including the City of Kalamazoo, Consumers Energy Foundation, Discover Kalamazoo, Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation, Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, The Jim Gilmore Jr. Foundation, and Metro.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

Number of Blocks 40 - Serving Since: 2021