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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA not-for-profit gift shop in Carmel’s Arts & Design District dedicated to selling items promoting the Hamilton County community closed Tuesday after city leaders decided to divert its public funding to essential services.
All Things Carmel opened in 2016 at 110 W. Main St. in Sophia Square to sell Carmel-branded or Carmel-related merchandise. The store was managed by Promote Carmel Inc., a not-for-profit organization started in 2020 by former Mayor Jim Brainard and owned by the Carmel City Center Community Development Corp.
The store was supported by revenue budgeted in the city’s general fund, which is made up of property and income taxes, according to a new release from the city.
The city performed an analysis of the store’s financials, which showed that due to obligations made by the Brainard administration, an additional $100,000 would be required this year to fund Promote Carmel beyond the $200,000 subsidy in this year’s budget.
Carmel will instead redirect the funds granted to the not-for-profit to other priorities, including fire, police and roads, the city said.
“Because of inflation and a higher cost of living, Carmel taxpayers have had to tighten their belts. It is my responsibility to do the same with our city budget,” Mayor Sue Finkam said in written remarks. “Although the program has been a vibrant addition to the Carmel Arts & Design District, today’s financial climate requires us to prioritize important expenditures such as police and fire staffing and road maintenance.”
The city’s decision to redirect funds led Promote Carmel’s board of directors to close the store.
“The store was a labor of love for many individuals,” Promote Carmel Board Chair Tim Griffin said in written remarks. “The leadership of the Promote Carmel Inc. and the city of Carmel thank them for their support.”
Store products will be donated or sold online following an inventory.
Sophia Square, a $60 million, five-story building with 214 luxury apartments and 33,000 square feet of retail space, opened in 2011.
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“All Things Carmel opened in 2016 at 110 W. Main St. in Sophia Square to sell Carmel-branded or Carmel-related merchandise. The store was managed by Promote Carmel Inc., a not-for-profit organization started in 2020 by former Mayor Jim Brainard and owned by the Carmel City Center Community Development Corp.”
Lol yeah, because everybody wants Carmel-branded merch.
Wasn’t all branded Carmel, but supported Carmel businesses. Also supported Carmel schools as a way to sell their branded merchandise.
Think before you comment. Would save us all time.
Carmel getting its first taste of a ‘real conservative’ administration.