Butler Downtown’s annual meeting will have a new venue and new features when it is held at from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 28 in Butler County Ford’s showroom, 400 S. Main St.

“There are a ton of new businesses who have opened in the past year here in Butler. We’re going to invite them to participate in a new business owner panel discussion,” said Chelynne Curci, Butler’s Main Street Manager.

“We will have a few questions laid out ahead of time. It will be an interesting dialogue, and the crowd can ask questions, too. Rather than us talk at every one, we think there is a lot of benefit in hearing from business owners and residents.”

Curci said the panel stems from well-received presentations at the 2011 meeting, when Dr. Michael Dittman of Dittman Eyecare spoke about why he decided to remain downtown, while Bill Atkinson of The Chop Shop explained why he chose to locate in Butler.

Through the end of October, 24 new businesses have received occupancy permits to operate in Butler in 2012, according to city Treasurer Jeffrey Smith.

Element Cafe is one of those businesses and its owners now operate the Grand Ballroom at Cornerstone Commons, the venue for previous Butler Downtown annual meetings.

“We want them to participate in the panel this year, not worry about running the event. We want them to be our guests, not be waiting on us,” Curci said.

“Also, we wanted to mix it up. (Butler County Ford owner) Kathy Glasgow is on our board and is a past board chair, and she offered to have it at her business. The venue is very visible, as well.”

Curci said cars will be moved out of the showroom to make space for seating, presentations and the panel discussion.

The walk or drive to the meeting will be festive, too, as Curci said Butler Downtown is making preparations for its Nov. 24 Light-Up Night, when a Christmas tree is lit during a ceremony at Diamond Park, across from the county courthouse.

Last year was Butler’s first Light-Up Night and featured activities and entertainment along Main Street and in several businesses.

Curci said the snowflake lights along Main Street will be lit on Nov. 18.