Get to know the Borough Merchants for Princeton

The mission of the Borough Merchants for Princeton (BMP) is to provide services and opportunities for business owners and their employees located in the Borough of Princeton. We strive to accomplish this through the exchange of experiences, networking, and education, and by supporting planned activities to enhance our businesses. The BMP is an association of volunteers that work together to help create, maintain, and expand an environment in the Borough, conducive to both the economic growth and benefit of our members and our community.

• Board meetings are the first Tuesday of every month – 8:30 am at the Nassau Inn. All are welcome to attend. Time and location are subject to change. Please consult the Program Schedule for details.
• General membership meetings are every other month – 8 am at the Nassau Inn. The fee is $6 for nonmembers and free for members. Time and location are subject to change. Please consult the Program Schedule for details.
• Annual dues are $200.
• Contact BMP president: Kathie Morolda, owner Cranbury Station Gallery 28 Palmer Square East 609-921-0434
• Borough Merchants for Princeton, PO Box 584, Princeton, NJ 08542

Myth:
The Borough Merchants for Princeton and the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce are the same organization.

Fact:
The Borough Merchants for Princeton (BMP) and the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce (PRCC) are two different organizations. While the BMP and PRCC partner on certain initiatives and do work together to strengthen the Princeton business community, the PRCC serves communities in Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset Counties, although their membership extends beyond these borders. The BMP mission is to provide services and opportunities for business owners and their employees located in the Borough of Princeton.

Myth:
It is too expensive to belong to both the BMP and the PRCC.

Fact:
The annual membership fee for the BMP is $200 and tax deductible. In certain instances, the PRCC offers reduced membership fees to businesses that are both located in the Borough and dues paying members of the BMP. Please contact the PRCC directly for details.

Myth:
The BMP is not important for my business or the community.

Fact:
Community pride and responsibility are for everyone. The BMP provides an organized focal point for sharing important information and addressing issues pertinent to ALL businesses of Princeton. The monthly Board Meetings, held the first Tuesday of every month, are the forum to learn and discuss events and happenings around town. Additionally, the BMP holds networking and educational events, which provide practical information on important business topics.

Myth:
The BMP is for retail stores only.

Fact:
The BMP is a business association staffed and supported by volunteers whose main focus is to help create, maintain, and expand an environment in the Borough, conducive to both the economic growth and benefit of our members and our community. The BMP is concerned about the welfare of all Borough businesses, including independently owned and operated retail establishments, chain stores, franchises, restaurants and the wide-range of service related businesses in town. A healthy and vital downtown benefits all.

Myth:
The BMP primarily benefits Palmer Square.

Fact:
Palmer Square is an independently owned and operated property with its own management, marketing, and facilities staff. Palmer Square events include JazzFeast, the annual Tree Lighting on The Green, and a Summer Sidewalk Sale. All of the holiday decorations on Palmer Square East and West and Hulfish Street including the Christmas Tree on The Green are 100% funded and organized by Palmer Square Management. As an active dues paying member, Palmer Square IS a major supporter of the BMP and donates both time and resources to the organization. We will continue to work together because a thriving downtown benefits all.

Myth:
The only thing the BMP does is the holiday decorations.

Fact:
The BMP is frequently called upon to share insight and represent the interests of businesses in the Borough for various events and initiatives. In collaboration with other organizations, the BMP supports diverse programs aimed at promoting our downtown. Partnering organizations include the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Arts Council, Princeton University, Princeton Education Foundation & PTO Council, Princeton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Princeton Borough Administration.

Myth:
Local government is responsible for the town-wide holiday decorations.

Fact:
While it is true that for the past several years, the Borough has contributed a generous donation toward the program, the BMP is responsible for all of the Old Fashioned Holiday festivities. Funded 100% by special donations, the volunteer committee is responsible for planning and coordinating all of the town-wide decorations, strolling musicians, horse and carriage rides, Santa and window decorating contest within the allotted budget. A beautifully decorated, festive downtown is inviting to both our customers and our residents — a benefit to all during the holiday season.

Myth:
There is no parking in downtown Princeton.

Fact:
Parking is plentiful in Princeton Borough. Onstreet meters are available in and around the Central Business District. The time limits and hours of enforcement are posted on signs in every metered area as well as on every meter. In addition to on-street parking, there are two privately owned parking garages, one located on Hulfish Street and the other on Chambers Street as well as the Municipal Garage at Spring Street and the metered East Tulane Lot. For additional information, visit: www.princetonparking.org