It must be a busy day, cause this is my second entry in less than two hours!
Anyways, click here for a link on a great fundraiser that the Macungie Business Revitalization Program is putting together. It is an interactive dinner theater/murder mystery. It should be a great event!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Helped wanted!
Hi everyone,
Well, some interesting news to bring that is good and bad at the same time. Mark Hartney, my fellow BBRP Coordinator for Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, North Catasauqua & Wilson, has accepted a promotion within the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce to oversee the development of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Foundation is being created to provide resources to the Lehigh Valley’s downtowns and surrounding traditional neighborhood revitalization efforts. The Foundation has set an aggressive fundraising goal of $5 million over the next 5 years. $1 million dollars of that Campaign goal has been earmarked to support and expand the BBRP.
Mark will still be working with the BBRP, but as a supervisor for the Chamber, not as a Coordinator. Thus, we need to hire a new BBRP coordinator!
Below is a copy of the ad we'll be placing in the papers to recruit a new BBRP Coordinator. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to apply for the position.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wanted: Borough Business Revitalization Coordinator to be responsible for the coordination, administration, documentation, and implementation of the revitalization effort in five boroughs, primarily in Northampton County, participating in the Borough Business Revitalization Program, a regional Main St. program in Lehigh and Northampton Counties
Must be an enthusiastic advocate of urban revitalization and be prepared to work with the business community and community at large. Applicant must be knowledgeable about information, resources and programs related to revitalization initiatives. Duties include working with volunteers and borough officials in each community to promote downtown development by marketing properties; working with property owners on building improvements; recruiting and retaining businesses; and working with multiple local, county and state agencies to ensure the execution of a comprehensive revitalization effort.
Candidates must possess the following qualities: strong interpersonal and team-building skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational and supervisory experience, the ability to multi-task by working on various projects at once and produce work within short-time periods and the ability to interface with multiple agencies and individuals. The Borough Business Revitalization Coordinator needs to manage the initiative in five boroughs throughout the Lehigh Valley. General computer skills, an interest in historic preservation and valid drivers’ license is required. Economic Development or Main Street Managerial and marketing experience preferred. Please forward resume with cover letter and salary requirements to:
Mark Hartney
Project Director
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
509 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Well, some interesting news to bring that is good and bad at the same time. Mark Hartney, my fellow BBRP Coordinator for Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, North Catasauqua & Wilson, has accepted a promotion within the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce to oversee the development of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Foundation is being created to provide resources to the Lehigh Valley’s downtowns and surrounding traditional neighborhood revitalization efforts. The Foundation has set an aggressive fundraising goal of $5 million over the next 5 years. $1 million dollars of that Campaign goal has been earmarked to support and expand the BBRP.
Mark will still be working with the BBRP, but as a supervisor for the Chamber, not as a Coordinator. Thus, we need to hire a new BBRP coordinator!
Below is a copy of the ad we'll be placing in the papers to recruit a new BBRP Coordinator. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to apply for the position.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wanted: Borough Business Revitalization Coordinator to be responsible for the coordination, administration, documentation, and implementation of the revitalization effort in five boroughs, primarily in Northampton County, participating in the Borough Business Revitalization Program, a regional Main St. program in Lehigh and Northampton Counties
Must be an enthusiastic advocate of urban revitalization and be prepared to work with the business community and community at large. Applicant must be knowledgeable about information, resources and programs related to revitalization initiatives. Duties include working with volunteers and borough officials in each community to promote downtown development by marketing properties; working with property owners on building improvements; recruiting and retaining businesses; and working with multiple local, county and state agencies to ensure the execution of a comprehensive revitalization effort.
Candidates must possess the following qualities: strong interpersonal and team-building skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational and supervisory experience, the ability to multi-task by working on various projects at once and produce work within short-time periods and the ability to interface with multiple agencies and individuals. The Borough Business Revitalization Coordinator needs to manage the initiative in five boroughs throughout the Lehigh Valley. General computer skills, an interest in historic preservation and valid drivers’ license is required. Economic Development or Main Street Managerial and marketing experience preferred. Please forward resume with cover letter and salary requirements to:
Mark Hartney
Project Director
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
509 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Friday, February 15, 2008
Hellertown-Lower Saucon Releases Restaurant Guide!
For those of you in the Hellertown and Lower Saucon area, I have great news. Yesterday I recieved a copy of our printed and final Restaurant Guides. This is obviously very exciting. 4,000 will be inserted into the Saucon Valley news, and another 2,000 will be available for distribution. Below is the press release that was sent out on the Guides. Great job to our volunteers in Hellertown!
Mike
Hellertown, PA (February 15) – Michael Schlossberg, Hellertown Business Revitalization Coordinator, announced today that the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Restaurant Guide has been printed and is ready for distribution. The guide gives information and discounts on 35 restaurants and eateries in Hellertown and Lower Saucon. It will be displayed at government centers, tourist attractions and other local businesses.
“Very few people realize that there is a wide variety of eating options in the Saucon Valley,” noted Schlossberg. “Capitalizing on this strength is one of the keys to revitalizing Hellertown’s Main Street.” The Hellertown Business Revitalization Program (HBRP) also purchased brochure racks with the HBRP logo. They will distribute these racks to local merchants so the guide can be easily seen and distributed.
The guide was developed in conjunction with the Hellertown Business Revitalization Program and the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber (partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce). All information was collected by volunteers of the HBRP. The Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber was the primary sponsor, contributing $1,200 towards the publication of the guide. Other sponsors placed advertisements. All of the profits will be used towards the ongoing revitalization efforts of Hellertown.
The Hellertown Business Revitalization Program is a participating community in the Borough Business Revitalization program, a regional Main Street Program. It is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Lehigh & Northampton counties, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the nine Boroughs: Alburtis, Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown, Macungie, North Catasauqua and Wilson. The goal of the program is to revitalize the urban cores of the participating communities.
# # #
Mike
NEWS RELEASE
Hellertown Business Revitalization Program releases Hellertown-Lower Saucon Restaurant Guide
Guide designed to promote Saucon Valley restaurants and eateries
Hellertown Business Revitalization Program releases Hellertown-Lower Saucon Restaurant Guide
Guide designed to promote Saucon Valley restaurants and eateries
Hellertown, PA (February 15) – Michael Schlossberg, Hellertown Business Revitalization Coordinator, announced today that the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Restaurant Guide has been printed and is ready for distribution. The guide gives information and discounts on 35 restaurants and eateries in Hellertown and Lower Saucon. It will be displayed at government centers, tourist attractions and other local businesses.
“Very few people realize that there is a wide variety of eating options in the Saucon Valley,” noted Schlossberg. “Capitalizing on this strength is one of the keys to revitalizing Hellertown’s Main Street.” The Hellertown Business Revitalization Program (HBRP) also purchased brochure racks with the HBRP logo. They will distribute these racks to local merchants so the guide can be easily seen and distributed.
The guide was developed in conjunction with the Hellertown Business Revitalization Program and the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber (partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce). All information was collected by volunteers of the HBRP. The Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber was the primary sponsor, contributing $1,200 towards the publication of the guide. Other sponsors placed advertisements. All of the profits will be used towards the ongoing revitalization efforts of Hellertown.
The Hellertown Business Revitalization Program is a participating community in the Borough Business Revitalization program, a regional Main Street Program. It is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Lehigh & Northampton counties, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the nine Boroughs: Alburtis, Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown, Macungie, North Catasauqua and Wilson. The goal of the program is to revitalize the urban cores of the participating communities.
# # #
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Lehigh County Executive Cunningham Proposes Safe Streets Initative
It goes without saying that no urban revitalization effort can occur without safety. Safe streets and a low to non-existant crime rate are absolutely critical towards any revitalization effort. Without safety (and the perception of safety), no revitalization effort can occur.
Forunately, this is a trend that has been recognized by Lehigh County. To that end, Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham has rolled out their Safe Streets program. The program establishes a $1 million fund to pay for half of the cost of designated community police officers in municipalities who submit a community policing plan for a particular neighborhood or downtown area. In other words, Lehigh County will help cover the costs of police for your community.
This program is NOT just for big cities - it is actually for every community in the Lehigh Valley, regardless of size. Click here for more information on the Safe Streets program and here for the State of the County address.
Forunately, this is a trend that has been recognized by Lehigh County. To that end, Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham has rolled out their Safe Streets program. The program establishes a $1 million fund to pay for half of the cost of designated community police officers in municipalities who submit a community policing plan for a particular neighborhood or downtown area. In other words, Lehigh County will help cover the costs of police for your community.
This program is NOT just for big cities - it is actually for every community in the Lehigh Valley, regardless of size. Click here for more information on the Safe Streets program and here for the State of the County address.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Lehigh County Grants: Money for your Main Street!
With the new year comes a new chance at grant money for your community! I'm pleased to announce that Lehigh County is once again offering their Streetscape Amenities and Planning grants to Main Street communities.
First, here's the description on the Streetscape Amenities grant:
The Department of Community and Economic Development is the interface to the community, the twenty-five municipalities in Lehigh County, our neighboring counties and the economic development partners in the region. The department was restructured in January of 2006 to promote the economic development and well-being of the community by focusing on urban revitalization, regional partnerships, job creation initiatives, housing programs, grant management and quality of life initiatives. In keeping with the goal of urban revitalization, the Streetscape Amenities Grant has been created to assist municipalities and Main Street/Elm Street-based programs in purchasing streetscape amenities such as banners and benches. When coupled with larger streetscape projects, these items will visually enhance a community’s downtown.
And here's the description of the Planning grant:
The Department of Community and Economic Development is the interface to the community, the twenty-five municipalities in Lehigh County, our neighboring counties and the economic development partners in the region. The department was restructured in January of 2006 to promote the economic development and well-being of the community by focusing on urban revitalization, regional partnerships, job creation initiatives, housing programs, grant management and quality of life initiatives. Having a comprehensive downtown or master plan that a community can implement is a critical element in the economic development and revitalization process. In order to aid in this effort, funding to develop these types of plans has been made available through the Planning Grant program.
First, here's the description on the Streetscape Amenities grant:
The Department of Community and Economic Development is the interface to the community, the twenty-five municipalities in Lehigh County, our neighboring counties and the economic development partners in the region. The department was restructured in January of 2006 to promote the economic development and well-being of the community by focusing on urban revitalization, regional partnerships, job creation initiatives, housing programs, grant management and quality of life initiatives. In keeping with the goal of urban revitalization, the Streetscape Amenities Grant has been created to assist municipalities and Main Street/Elm Street-based programs in purchasing streetscape amenities such as banners and benches. When coupled with larger streetscape projects, these items will visually enhance a community’s downtown.
And here's the description of the Planning grant:
The Department of Community and Economic Development is the interface to the community, the twenty-five municipalities in Lehigh County, our neighboring counties and the economic development partners in the region. The department was restructured in January of 2006 to promote the economic development and well-being of the community by focusing on urban revitalization, regional partnerships, job creation initiatives, housing programs, grant management and quality of life initiatives. Having a comprehensive downtown or master plan that a community can implement is a critical element in the economic development and revitalization process. In order to aid in this effort, funding to develop these types of plans has been made available through the Planning Grant program.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Alburtis Business Revitalization Program completes successful Historical Plaque project
Here's a press release that I just sent out in regards to the historical plaque program in Alburtis. This project was first starting when I arrived with the BBRP, so it feels nice to have seen the whole thing go through from begining to end! You can also see a picture of the final work.
Alburtis Business Revitalization Program completes successful Historical Plaque project
840 Hamilton Street, Suite 205 – Allentown, PA 18101
NEWS RELEASE Contact: Mike Schlossberg
484-809-1796
Historic Plaque Project emphasizes historical homes in Alburtis’ downtown
Alburtis, PA (February 1) – Michael Schlossberg, Alburtis Business Revitalization Coordinator, has announced the successful completion of the Alburtis Historical Plaque project. The project, first initiated in 2007, has subsidized the costs of Historical Plaques for 17 properties along Main and Franklin Streets in Alburtis. In order to qualify for the signs, the homes must be located within the Main Street District and have been built before 1907.
“This project has been extremely rewarding,” stated Tracey Hartley, project coordinator and chair of the Promotions Committee of the ABRP. Hartley went on to thank the four sponsors of the effort: The Alburtis Historical Society ($250), Norm’s ($100), the Alburtis Animal Hospital ($50) and Canns Bilco Distributors ($50), Due to the sponsorships, these historical signs only cost residents $30. “The goal of our committee is to emphasize the positives of Alburtis. Our historical residences are one of this community’s greatest assets. We wanted to emphasize these homes as much as possible, and the historical plaques gave us the perfect opportunity to do so.”
“Without question, there is strong investment on behalf of the citizens, businesses and government of Alburtis,” said Schlossberg. “The results of this project are very encouraging and further demonstrate the continued investment of the people of Alburtis in their community.” Those interested in purchasing historical signs in the future can contact Michael Schlossberg at 484-809-1796 or MikeS@lehighvalleychamber.org.
840 Hamilton Street, Suite 205 – Allentown, PA 18101
NEWS RELEASE Contact: Mike Schlossberg
484-809-1796
Historic Plaque Project emphasizes historical homes in Alburtis’ downtown
Alburtis, PA (February 1) – Michael Schlossberg, Alburtis Business Revitalization Coordinator, has announced the successful completion of the Alburtis Historical Plaque project. The project, first initiated in 2007, has subsidized the costs of Historical Plaques for 17 properties along Main and Franklin Streets in Alburtis. In order to qualify for the signs, the homes must be located within the Main Street District and have been built before 1907.
“This project has been extremely rewarding,” stated Tracey Hartley, project coordinator and chair of the Promotions Committee of the ABRP. Hartley went on to thank the four sponsors of the effort: The Alburtis Historical Society ($250), Norm’s ($100), the Alburtis Animal Hospital ($50) and Canns Bilco Distributors ($50), Due to the sponsorships, these historical signs only cost residents $30. “The goal of our committee is to emphasize the positives of Alburtis. Our historical residences are one of this community’s greatest assets. We wanted to emphasize these homes as much as possible, and the historical plaques gave us the perfect opportunity to do so.”
“Without question, there is strong investment on behalf of the citizens, businesses and government of Alburtis,” said Schlossberg. “The results of this project are very encouraging and further demonstrate the continued investment of the people of Alburtis in their community.” Those interested in purchasing historical signs in the future can contact Michael Schlossberg at 484-809-1796 or MikeS@lehighvalleychamber.org.
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