Zeeb Tracy, who identified himself as director of the Defiance Development and Visitors Bureau, asked council members to attend a merchant meeting on Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m. at the DDBB office (325 Clinton St.) to create dialogue with downtown businesses about challenges and opportunities. He said the bureau will run monthly merchant meetings in 2026 and offer short marketing classes to help businesses boost their online presence.

Tracy described a downtown incentive program running through Dec. 7 under which shoppers bring receipts to the DDBB office in exchange for gift certificates usable at downtown businesses. He also announced holiday events: Santa's arrival Dec. 5 at the 1918 Building coinciding with a tree "flip-the-switch" event coordinated with the commissioner's office, and a ticketed "Cookie Crumble" on Dec. 6 limited to 200 tickets at $15 each with 15 participating businesses.

Council asked for calendar confirmations and an email notice; Tracy agreed to provide dates and materials to the council.