An interesting (and pretty depressing) article from Reuters today. According to a recent survey, Americans are expected to increase their holiday spending from last year, but the percentage of that increase will be the smallest since the company conducting the poll first began surveying in 2002. The article goes on to note that many large-retailers, such as Saks, Abercrombie & Fitch and Target missed their sales projections in September, another indication of the problems facing the American economy. Indeed, retailers (particularly luxury retailers) have been hit particularly hard by the current economic climate.
All of these figures raise a particularly troubling question from an urban revitalization prospective. Urban retailers often have enough trouble competing with mall and big-box counter-parts. How will they fare in a depressed economic climate?
UPDATE: More bad news. The economy shrank .3% in the third quarter.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
The importance of the internet
I'm writing this entry based on some of my recent conversations with the Chamber about the importance of the internet.
Let me start with this: no small business should be without a website. Over 215 million Americans use the internet on a regular basis - that's more than 2/3 of the Country. Further, 163 million Americans have made purchases on the internet. Depending on the procuct, over 40-60% of Americans check the internet first to do research on the product and find nearby locations to make a purchase. Not having a website means that small business owners lose these customers. The internet is no longer the trend of the future: it is the trend of right now, and it is vital to the success of small business that they establish a website as fast as possible. Put another way, are there any Fortune 500 companies, major political campaigns or celebraties that no longer have an internet website? Of course not - not having a website means cutting yourself off to one of the most popular and well travelled methods of acquiring information.
That being said, having a website is not necessarily enough for small businesses anymore. As the internet has continued to grow and expand, so has the methods by which small businesses can reach out to customers. Blogs (like this one) are a great example - one recent estimate noted that there are over 70 million blogs on the internet now. Over 100 million Americans are members of social networking groups like Facebook, MySpace or LinkedIn. These networks provide another method for individuals and small businesses to share information about themselves or their businesses/products. In this fast-paced world, businesses have to do everything they can to capture the increasingly shrinking attention of their customer. This means being active and advertising in every avenue possible. An internet website is no longer enough.
I hope to have more on this subject in the coming days.
Let me start with this: no small business should be without a website. Over 215 million Americans use the internet on a regular basis - that's more than 2/3 of the Country. Further, 163 million Americans have made purchases on the internet. Depending on the procuct, over 40-60% of Americans check the internet first to do research on the product and find nearby locations to make a purchase. Not having a website means that small business owners lose these customers. The internet is no longer the trend of the future: it is the trend of right now, and it is vital to the success of small business that they establish a website as fast as possible. Put another way, are there any Fortune 500 companies, major political campaigns or celebraties that no longer have an internet website? Of course not - not having a website means cutting yourself off to one of the most popular and well travelled methods of acquiring information.
That being said, having a website is not necessarily enough for small businesses anymore. As the internet has continued to grow and expand, so has the methods by which small businesses can reach out to customers. Blogs (like this one) are a great example - one recent estimate noted that there are over 70 million blogs on the internet now. Over 100 million Americans are members of social networking groups like Facebook, MySpace or LinkedIn. These networks provide another method for individuals and small businesses to share information about themselves or their businesses/products. In this fast-paced world, businesses have to do everything they can to capture the increasingly shrinking attention of their customer. This means being active and advertising in every avenue possible. An internet website is no longer enough.
I hope to have more on this subject in the coming days.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Why we need rail in the Lehigh Valley
Yesterday, I had the privilege of appearing as a guest on Business Matters, arguing in favor of bringing rail to the Lehigh Valley. It was an incredibly lively show that will air on November 24, 7:30 on WFMZ-TV.
I do strongly favor light rail, as long as its light rail done right. Right now, a transportation study is in the works to determine the feasibility of linking the NJ-Transit line to the Lehigh Valley and how much that would cost to construct. As proposed, the study would cost $250,000 - Lehigh and Northampton Counties are budgeting $75,000 each, with LVEDC picking up the remaining $100,000. Thus far, the study has been endorsed by Renew Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors, among others.
There are many reasons as to why we need rail. First, it will control development and reduce (if not eliminate) the need to widen Route 22. Where roads go, development and suburban sprawl follows. If you reduce the amount of roads built, you reduce the amount of suburban sprawl. This will create more incentives to redevelop our urban cores, not further develop and destroy our greenspace. Further, if rail stations are placed throughout a city (not just in the affluent areas, but downtown near office, retail and major tourist attractions like Coca Cola Stadium), you create more incentive for offices, retail and restaurants to move near those stations. If you do rail the right way, you can create major incentives for businesses to move to cities.
Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Lancaster are just some of the major regional areas that already have rail networks in the area. The United States is the only major developed country that does not have a rail system, and we are at risk of being left behind. The national average for gas is currently just under $3.00 per gallon, and that is going to rise once this economic crises ends. The cost of building new roads and the materials related to those roads has skyrocketed, with the cost of some items (such as asphalt) doubling. Pennsylvania is one of the national leaders in structurally deficient bridges. Pennsylvania needs an estimated $1.6 billion to repair our roads and bridges. Nationwide, that need is over $1.6 trillion in the next five years. We can, quite literally, no longer afford our current transportation system.
Rail will help more than just urban residents. Ron Angle asked a very good question on our show: what will this do for the retired couple that lives in Pen Argyl, Hellertown or Lower Macungie? How will rail help them?
Well, does this retired couple pay taxes? Because they will benefit from reduced taxes thanks to controlled sprawl and less funding for road and bridge construction and maintenance. They will benefit from the improved quality of life that comes with more open space. And they will be able to travel anywhere in the East Coast via rail, thanks to being connected to the regional rail network.
As far as I can tell, rail is the future of the Lehigh Valley. It is best for our cities, suburbs and the entire region. Of course, what we need more than anything else is the data to back up the theory. I am eagerly awaiting the results of the upcoming transportation study.
For more information on bringing rail to the Valley, visit Lehigh Valley Trains.
PLEASE NOTE: I am speaking here only in my capacity as someone who works with urban communities, not on behalf of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. The GLVCC has not taken an official position on bringing rail to the Valley.
I do strongly favor light rail, as long as its light rail done right. Right now, a transportation study is in the works to determine the feasibility of linking the NJ-Transit line to the Lehigh Valley and how much that would cost to construct. As proposed, the study would cost $250,000 - Lehigh and Northampton Counties are budgeting $75,000 each, with LVEDC picking up the remaining $100,000. Thus far, the study has been endorsed by Renew Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors, among others.
There are many reasons as to why we need rail. First, it will control development and reduce (if not eliminate) the need to widen Route 22. Where roads go, development and suburban sprawl follows. If you reduce the amount of roads built, you reduce the amount of suburban sprawl. This will create more incentives to redevelop our urban cores, not further develop and destroy our greenspace. Further, if rail stations are placed throughout a city (not just in the affluent areas, but downtown near office, retail and major tourist attractions like Coca Cola Stadium), you create more incentive for offices, retail and restaurants to move near those stations. If you do rail the right way, you can create major incentives for businesses to move to cities.
Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Lancaster are just some of the major regional areas that already have rail networks in the area. The United States is the only major developed country that does not have a rail system, and we are at risk of being left behind. The national average for gas is currently just under $3.00 per gallon, and that is going to rise once this economic crises ends. The cost of building new roads and the materials related to those roads has skyrocketed, with the cost of some items (such as asphalt) doubling. Pennsylvania is one of the national leaders in structurally deficient bridges. Pennsylvania needs an estimated $1.6 billion to repair our roads and bridges. Nationwide, that need is over $1.6 trillion in the next five years. We can, quite literally, no longer afford our current transportation system.
Rail will help more than just urban residents. Ron Angle asked a very good question on our show: what will this do for the retired couple that lives in Pen Argyl, Hellertown or Lower Macungie? How will rail help them?
Well, does this retired couple pay taxes? Because they will benefit from reduced taxes thanks to controlled sprawl and less funding for road and bridge construction and maintenance. They will benefit from the improved quality of life that comes with more open space. And they will be able to travel anywhere in the East Coast via rail, thanks to being connected to the regional rail network.
As far as I can tell, rail is the future of the Lehigh Valley. It is best for our cities, suburbs and the entire region. Of course, what we need more than anything else is the data to back up the theory. I am eagerly awaiting the results of the upcoming transportation study.
For more information on bringing rail to the Valley, visit Lehigh Valley Trains.
PLEASE NOTE: I am speaking here only in my capacity as someone who works with urban communities, not on behalf of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. The GLVCC has not taken an official position on bringing rail to the Valley.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Facade Loan Program
We just sent out this press release on our new Facade Loan Programs. In eight of our nine communities (with the last one, Macungie, expected to be up shortly), we have established low-interest rate loan programs. The goal of these programs, of course, is to create incentives so that people can better afford improvements to their home. In this economic climate, it is more vital than ever that teh public and private sector work together on urban revitalization.
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Borough Business Revitalization Program announces creation of Façade Loan Program in partnership with community banks
Program will make it easier for residents and business owners to improve their properties
Lehigh Valley, PA – The Borough Business Revitalization Program today announced the creation of reduced interest-rate Façade Loan programs in six Lehigh Valley communities. These programs, effective in the Boroughs of Alburtis, Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown, North Catasauqua and Wilson, will give property and business owners reduced interest rates for improvements to their facades.
“The purpose of these programs is to act as an incentive,” said Michael Schlossberg, one of the Borough Business Revitalization Coordinators. “We understand that property and business owners want to improve their properties pproperties but may not have the financial means to do so. Accordingly, we partnered with community banks to create reduced interest-rate programs that will make it less expensive for property and business owners to make their desired improvements. This will benefit both the property owner and the community at large.” He went on to note that these programs are for residential or business properties that are located anywhere in the six participating Boroughs.
“Urban revitalization is all about creating viable community partnerships,” said Sharon Davis, Borough Business Revitalization Coordinator. “We want to do whatever we can in order to improve the physical appearance of our traditional downtowns. Fortunately, these banks were more than willing to partner with us to help improve their communities. These reduced interest-rate programs have the potential to allow for physical improvements throughout all of our communities, and we are incredibly grateful to the participating banks for their support.”
This program is also designed to work in conjunction with the Façade Program that is ongoing in these six boroughs as well as Catasauqua, Macungie and North Catasauqua. The Façade Program is a 1-1 matching grant program (up to $5,000) whereby property and business owners can apply to make exterior improvements to their property. The program is eligible to properties within the downtown districts of participating communities. Accordingly, interested participants can use these loans to cover their payment for the Façade Program. They can also use this reduced interest-rate program independently of the Façade Program.
The specific information on each community is as follows:
· Alburtis & Bath: First Star Bank
· Bangor: Merchants National Bank
· Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown, North Catasauqua and Wilson: KNBT
For more information on these programs in Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, North Catasauqua and Wilson, contact Sharon Davis at 610-793-4404841-5840 or SharonD@lehighvalleychamber.org. For more information in Alburtis, Coopersburg, Hellertown or Macungie, contact Michael Schlossberg at 484-809-1796 or MikeS@lehighvalleychamber.org.
The Borough Business Revitalization Program is 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 eight Boroughs: Alburtis, Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown, Macungie and Wilson. The goal of the program is to revitalize the urban cores of the participating communities.
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Borough Business Revitalization Program announces creation of Façade Loan Program in partnership with community banks
Program will make it easier for residents and business owners to improve their properties
Lehigh Valley, PA – The Borough Business Revitalization Program today announced the creation of reduced interest-rate Façade Loan programs in six Lehigh Valley communities. These programs, effective in the Boroughs of Alburtis, Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown, North Catasauqua and Wilson, will give property and business owners reduced interest rates for improvements to their facades.
“The purpose of these programs is to act as an incentive,” said Michael Schlossberg, one of the Borough Business Revitalization Coordinators. “We understand that property and business owners want to improve their properties pproperties but may not have the financial means to do so. Accordingly, we partnered with community banks to create reduced interest-rate programs that will make it less expensive for property and business owners to make their desired improvements. This will benefit both the property owner and the community at large.” He went on to note that these programs are for residential or business properties that are located anywhere in the six participating Boroughs.
“Urban revitalization is all about creating viable community partnerships,” said Sharon Davis, Borough Business Revitalization Coordinator. “We want to do whatever we can in order to improve the physical appearance of our traditional downtowns. Fortunately, these banks were more than willing to partner with us to help improve their communities. These reduced interest-rate programs have the potential to allow for physical improvements throughout all of our communities, and we are incredibly grateful to the participating banks for their support.”
This program is also designed to work in conjunction with the Façade Program that is ongoing in these six boroughs as well as Catasauqua, Macungie and North Catasauqua. The Façade Program is a 1-1 matching grant program (up to $5,000) whereby property and business owners can apply to make exterior improvements to their property. The program is eligible to properties within the downtown districts of participating communities. Accordingly, interested participants can use these loans to cover their payment for the Façade Program. They can also use this reduced interest-rate program independently of the Façade Program.
The specific information on each community is as follows:
· Alburtis & Bath: First Star Bank
· Bangor: Merchants National Bank
· Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown, North Catasauqua and Wilson: KNBT
For more information on these programs in Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, North Catasauqua and Wilson, contact Sharon Davis at 610-793-4404841-5840 or SharonD@lehighvalleychamber.org. For more information in Alburtis, Coopersburg, Hellertown or Macungie, contact Michael Schlossberg at 484-809-1796 or MikeS@lehighvalleychamber.org.
The Borough Business Revitalization Program is 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 eight Boroughs: Alburtis, Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown, Macungie and Wilson. The goal of the program is to revitalize the urban cores of the participating communities.
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Do McCain and Obama have an urban agenda?
Here's an interesting article from the Philadelphia Daily News regarding the Presidential candidates and their urban agendas. Of late, the economy has clearly been getting the bulk of the coverage and attention from the Presidential candidates and the media, and while there is no doubt that this is an incredibly pressing issue, little attention has been given to how the candidates would address crime, poverty, public housing or a plethora of other important issues that affect urban areas. This article sheds some light on some of these questions.
New DCED Secretary
Hi everyone,
The Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development is John Blake. According to the press release from DCED, Blake has served as the executive deputy secretary of the department since 2007. Incidentally, Blake has apparently done some work with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the organization which assists in the operation of the Main and Elm Street programs, so I feel pretty good about this pick!
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Governor Rendell Names John Blake Acting DCED Secretary
HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell today named John Blake as acting secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development following the resignation of Secretary Dennis Yablonsky, effective later this month.
Blake has served as DCED’s executive deputy secretary since February 2007 where he has been responsible for the daily administration and operational oversight of the department. He has more than 25 years of experience in housing, community, and economic development in the public and private sectors.
Prior to his DCED appointment, Blake was the director of Governor Rendell’s Northeast Regional Office where, for four years, he served as the primary liaison to local government and to the business and economic development community in 15 counties of Northeast PA.
“John’s portfolio of experience, achievement and practical savvy that he brings to the position will serve Pennsylvania’s business and communities well as we face challenging economic times,” said Governor Rendell. “I am confident John will help us to build upon the track record of outstanding achievements of DCED.”
Prior to joining the administration, Blake worked as vice president and senior development advisor for PNC Bank’s northeast and central Pennsylvania markets, where he helped manage and grow a $35 million portfolio of community development loans and investments; served as the primary community development advisor; and served on the PNC Foundation’s allocation committees in both markets.
In 1998 Blake was selected from among 9,000 applicants nationwide to serve a two-year Community Builders Fellowship with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Philadelphia. In that capacity, he represented HUD to 17 eastern Pennsylvania counties marketing HUD programs and monitoring contracts for compliance and performance.
He also served as executive director for the Lackawanna County Redevelopment Authority where he secured and leveraged more than $50 million in federal, state and private investment for housing, public works and infrastructure improvement projects to support business and job growth over the course of 15 years.
He holds a number of professional affiliations, including service with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the Advocacy Alliance, the Great Valley Technology Alliance, and the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority.
Blake, a lifelong resident of Archbald, is a graduate of Villanova University and holds master’s degrees from Marywood College and the University of Scranton. He is married with two children.
The Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development is John Blake. According to the press release from DCED, Blake has served as the executive deputy secretary of the department since 2007. Incidentally, Blake has apparently done some work with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the organization which assists in the operation of the Main and Elm Street programs, so I feel pretty good about this pick!
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Governor Rendell Names John Blake Acting DCED Secretary
HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell today named John Blake as acting secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development following the resignation of Secretary Dennis Yablonsky, effective later this month.
Blake has served as DCED’s executive deputy secretary since February 2007 where he has been responsible for the daily administration and operational oversight of the department. He has more than 25 years of experience in housing, community, and economic development in the public and private sectors.
Prior to his DCED appointment, Blake was the director of Governor Rendell’s Northeast Regional Office where, for four years, he served as the primary liaison to local government and to the business and economic development community in 15 counties of Northeast PA.
“John’s portfolio of experience, achievement and practical savvy that he brings to the position will serve Pennsylvania’s business and communities well as we face challenging economic times,” said Governor Rendell. “I am confident John will help us to build upon the track record of outstanding achievements of DCED.”
Prior to joining the administration, Blake worked as vice president and senior development advisor for PNC Bank’s northeast and central Pennsylvania markets, where he helped manage and grow a $35 million portfolio of community development loans and investments; served as the primary community development advisor; and served on the PNC Foundation’s allocation committees in both markets.
In 1998 Blake was selected from among 9,000 applicants nationwide to serve a two-year Community Builders Fellowship with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Philadelphia. In that capacity, he represented HUD to 17 eastern Pennsylvania counties marketing HUD programs and monitoring contracts for compliance and performance.
He also served as executive director for the Lackawanna County Redevelopment Authority where he secured and leveraged more than $50 million in federal, state and private investment for housing, public works and infrastructure improvement projects to support business and job growth over the course of 15 years.
He holds a number of professional affiliations, including service with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the Advocacy Alliance, the Great Valley Technology Alliance, and the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority.
Blake, a lifelong resident of Archbald, is a graduate of Villanova University and holds master’s degrees from Marywood College and the University of Scranton. He is married with two children.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Secretary Yablosnky resigns
According to the Morning Call, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Dennis Yablonsky has resigned. As the head of DCED, Secretary Yablonsky oversaw a variety of programs, including Main and Elm Street. The official press release from DCED is as follows:
Governor Rendell Announces Resignation of DCED Secretary Dennis Yablonsky
HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell today said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky will resign, effective Oct. 23, to return to the private sector.
The Governor lauded Yablonsky’s service to Pennsylvania’s working men and women, which drove economic growth throughout the commonwealth.
“It is hard to imagine any secretary of DCED or Commerce had a greater impact in creating a stronger Pennsylvania economy than Dennis Yablonsky,” Governor Rendell said. “He was at the forefront in attracting billions in new capital investments that have enabled us to create thousands of new jobs, revitalize our communities, diversify our economy and put Pennsylvania in a better position than most states.
“Dennis and I worked hand-in-hand with the General Assembly to get my economic stimulus package passed that invested more than $3 billion to support more than 2,600 projects statewide. This state investment has been able to leverage more than $8.8 billion in additional investments—far more than our original projection of $5 billion.
The Governor cited figures showing that the commonwealth has more than 200,000 more people working today than in 2003. Pennsylvania’s gross domestic product has jumped more than 20 percent – from $423 billion in 2002 to $531 billion in 2007 – and exports have nearly doubled from $15.8 billion to almost $30 billion. Venture capital investments in Pennsylvania have also skyrocketed from $455 million to $835 million during that same time period.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to work for Governor Rendell in advancing his community and economic development agenda,” Yablonsky said. “We are at the very beginning of seeing the full impact of the Governor’s economic stimulus package.”
During his tenure, DCED has focused on helping existing Pennsylvania businesses expand and attract out-of-state businesses. The Governor’s Action Team has successfully completed 1,030 projects with 109,627 committed new jobs and $12.5 billion of private investment since January 2003. Additionally, through the Governor’s World Trade PA initiative, Pennsylvania has emerged as a major player in the global marketplace with foreign companies investing $406 million here over the past three years with plans to create 4,200 jobs.
“Dennis and his team were also instrumental in working with legislators to pass the extension of Keystone Opportunity Zones and our $650 million Alternative Energy package to expand renewable energy investments in the commonwealth. This legislation will further enhance the set of tools that the commonwealth has at its disposal to continue to drive economic growth.”
Yablonsky also worked to improve Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness by strongly advocating a reduction in the number of earned income tax collectors from 560 to 69, which the Governor signed into law this summer. The consolidation has eliminated a fragmented system that cost municipalities and school districts $237 million each year – enough to hire 3,000 teachers and 3,000 more police officers.
Leading industry groups and publications have noticed Pennsylvania’s growth. IBM Plant Location International ranked Pennsylvania first in the U.S and Canada for cross border investments and number one for manufacturing projects. Global Insight and the National Venture Capital Association ranked Pennsylvania first among all 50 states in the rate of new job creation by venture-backed firms. Business Facilities magazine has ranked Pennsylvania’s biotechnology sector first in the country.
The Governor also praised the secretary’s work to revitalize Pennsylvania’s core communities, citing 80 revitalization projects through the Community Action Team Program. He also noted the progress Pittsburgh has made under Act 47.
“I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention how far Pittsburgh has come in just under four years after DCED designated our second largest city as financially distressed in 2004,” the Governor said. “Pittsburgh has gone from projected deficits exceeding $100 million to surpluses in each of the past three years, due, in part, to the assistance provided by DCED and the Act 47 Recovery Team.”
For information on DCED programs and initiatives, visit http://www.newpa.com/ or call 1-866-466-3972.
Governor Rendell Announces Resignation of DCED Secretary Dennis Yablonsky
HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell today said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky will resign, effective Oct. 23, to return to the private sector.
The Governor lauded Yablonsky’s service to Pennsylvania’s working men and women, which drove economic growth throughout the commonwealth.
“It is hard to imagine any secretary of DCED or Commerce had a greater impact in creating a stronger Pennsylvania economy than Dennis Yablonsky,” Governor Rendell said. “He was at the forefront in attracting billions in new capital investments that have enabled us to create thousands of new jobs, revitalize our communities, diversify our economy and put Pennsylvania in a better position than most states.
“Dennis and I worked hand-in-hand with the General Assembly to get my economic stimulus package passed that invested more than $3 billion to support more than 2,600 projects statewide. This state investment has been able to leverage more than $8.8 billion in additional investments—far more than our original projection of $5 billion.
The Governor cited figures showing that the commonwealth has more than 200,000 more people working today than in 2003. Pennsylvania’s gross domestic product has jumped more than 20 percent – from $423 billion in 2002 to $531 billion in 2007 – and exports have nearly doubled from $15.8 billion to almost $30 billion. Venture capital investments in Pennsylvania have also skyrocketed from $455 million to $835 million during that same time period.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to work for Governor Rendell in advancing his community and economic development agenda,” Yablonsky said. “We are at the very beginning of seeing the full impact of the Governor’s economic stimulus package.”
During his tenure, DCED has focused on helping existing Pennsylvania businesses expand and attract out-of-state businesses. The Governor’s Action Team has successfully completed 1,030 projects with 109,627 committed new jobs and $12.5 billion of private investment since January 2003. Additionally, through the Governor’s World Trade PA initiative, Pennsylvania has emerged as a major player in the global marketplace with foreign companies investing $406 million here over the past three years with plans to create 4,200 jobs.
“Dennis and his team were also instrumental in working with legislators to pass the extension of Keystone Opportunity Zones and our $650 million Alternative Energy package to expand renewable energy investments in the commonwealth. This legislation will further enhance the set of tools that the commonwealth has at its disposal to continue to drive economic growth.”
Yablonsky also worked to improve Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness by strongly advocating a reduction in the number of earned income tax collectors from 560 to 69, which the Governor signed into law this summer. The consolidation has eliminated a fragmented system that cost municipalities and school districts $237 million each year – enough to hire 3,000 teachers and 3,000 more police officers.
Leading industry groups and publications have noticed Pennsylvania’s growth. IBM Plant Location International ranked Pennsylvania first in the U.S and Canada for cross border investments and number one for manufacturing projects. Global Insight and the National Venture Capital Association ranked Pennsylvania first among all 50 states in the rate of new job creation by venture-backed firms. Business Facilities magazine has ranked Pennsylvania’s biotechnology sector first in the country.
The Governor also praised the secretary’s work to revitalize Pennsylvania’s core communities, citing 80 revitalization projects through the Community Action Team Program. He also noted the progress Pittsburgh has made under Act 47.
“I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention how far Pittsburgh has come in just under four years after DCED designated our second largest city as financially distressed in 2004,” the Governor said. “Pittsburgh has gone from projected deficits exceeding $100 million to surpluses in each of the past three years, due, in part, to the assistance provided by DCED and the Act 47 Recovery Team.”
For information on DCED programs and initiatives, visit http://www.newpa.com/ or call 1-866-466-3972.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Welcome to Coopersburg
It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Coopersburg Business Revitalization Program, to announce that our gateway sign program is virtually complete! The first sign has been placed and the second sign should be up by the end of the day. This is what vehicles and pedestrians will see when they first enter Coopersburg from Main Street.
Congrats to the hard working volunteers of the CBRP for completing this project!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thanks, Lehigh County
One of the things I have talked about over and over again, including in my recent Morning Call op-ed, is that increased regionalization efforts are critical towards helping to enhance urban areas and keeping all local governments afloat from a financial perspective. One of the state leaders in that effort has been Lehigh County. Here are just some of their recent initatives to promote urban revitalization and regionalization efforts:
* Safe Streets Inititiative: Lehigh County County provide $1 million in matching grant money for community police officers in downtowns and boroughs
*$3 million in county funding to link the back office data centers of the all 17 Lehigh County police departments to enable creation of a regional Crime Data Center
* Main Street improvements & planning: More than $100,000 in county grant money for Main Street improvements and to fund any cross municipal planning
* Commitment of two county positions to work with cities and borough and township leaders on downtown improvements and regional efforts
* The creation of the Congress of Governments, which is thriving and getting full participation from all 25 local governments
* Record investment during the last 3 years in farmland preservation, making Lehigh County the third ranking county in preserved farms.
* Safe Streets Inititiative: Lehigh County County provide $1 million in matching grant money for community police officers in downtowns and boroughs
*$3 million in county funding to link the back office data centers of the all 17 Lehigh County police departments to enable creation of a regional Crime Data Center
* Main Street improvements & planning: More than $100,000 in county grant money for Main Street improvements and to fund any cross municipal planning
* Commitment of two county positions to work with cities and borough and township leaders on downtown improvements and regional efforts
* The creation of the Congress of Governments, which is thriving and getting full participation from all 25 local governments
* Record investment during the last 3 years in farmland preservation, making Lehigh County the third ranking county in preserved farms.
Trouble for Local Governments
As if local governments didn't already have enough burdens; their troubles are about to grow. Check out this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The summary is that local governments are also in real trouble with the current state of the economy - prices continue to rise while revenues decrease. The revenue decrease is for a couple of reasons: primarily, it is because the real estate transfer tax (tax due to governments when homes are sold) is dramatically decreasing due to a slow real estate market. Furthermore, as homes are forecloused, people do not pay their property taxes.
Local governments are under seige from a variety of different sources - increasing expenses, inflation, decreasing revenue and an increasing demand on their services. To balance the books, look for governments to cut back on services, increase taxes, or both, and this at a time when services and low taxes are needed most.
This is unquestionably one of the major crises facing America today, and it is one of the quieter ones as well. It will be interesting to see how local governments respond.
Local governments are under seige from a variety of different sources - increasing expenses, inflation, decreasing revenue and an increasing demand on their services. To balance the books, look for governments to cut back on services, increase taxes, or both, and this at a time when services and low taxes are needed most.
This is unquestionably one of the major crises facing America today, and it is one of the quieter ones as well. It will be interesting to see how local governments respond.
Morning Call Coverage
Hi everyone,
The Morning Call was kind enough to our program and urban revitalization efforts some great coverage on Sunday. First, they published an op-ed that I wrote. Second, they covered our upcoming zip code survey.
This was a good Sunday!!
The Morning Call was kind enough to our program and urban revitalization efforts some great coverage on Sunday. First, they published an op-ed that I wrote. Second, they covered our upcoming zip code survey.
This was a good Sunday!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Valley Vision 2015
Hi everyone,
Please see the card below for a message from Valley Vision 2015, or click here visit their website. This is an amazing initative being run through the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Coopersburg to unveil two new gateway signs
Hi everyone,
I am VERY pleased to report our two new gateway signs are going to be unveiled shortly in Coopersburg! These signs were designed, ordered and paid for completely by the volunteers of the Coopersburg Business Revitalization Program.
The official unveiling of the signs will be at 2:00pm on Sunday, October 12 at 615 S. Main Street in Coopersburg. This is a public event, and we encourage you to attend!
I am VERY pleased to report our two new gateway signs are going to be unveiled shortly in Coopersburg! These signs were designed, ordered and paid for completely by the volunteers of the Coopersburg Business Revitalization Program.
The official unveiling of the signs will be at 2:00pm on Sunday, October 12 at 615 S. Main Street in Coopersburg. This is a public event, and we encourage you to attend!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Watch Walmart Spread!
One of the favorite targets of those involved in urban revitalization are national chains and big box stores like Walmart or Home Depot. The main crux of the argument against these places is that they destroy Main Streets by creating an all-in-one shopping area that sucks the life, vitality and civic pride out of traditional downtowns.
This website provides a graphical demonstration of Walmart's spread across America. You can watch new stores pop-up across the country.
Scary, huh?
This website provides a graphical demonstration of Walmart's spread across America. You can watch new stores pop-up across the country.
Scary, huh?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Zip Code Survey
Here is a press release we just sent out. I spent yesterday sending out over 150 letters to businesses, asking them to participate (yeah, yesterday was a lot of fun). This is the first in a series of efforts designed to take the BBRP in a more economic direction.
Enjoy!
NEWS RELEASE
Borough Business Revitalization Program to begin zip code study
----------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Schlossberg
October 6, 2008 484-809-1796
Lehigh Valley, PA (October 6) – Michael Schlossberg and Sharon Davis, Borough Business Revitalization Coordinators for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, have announced that the Borough Business Revitalization Program (BBRP) will be conducting a zip code study designed to assist small businesses get more customers and better understand their market.
“In this economic climate, small businesses need all the help they can get,” said Schlossberg, coordinator for Alburtis, Coopersburg, Hellertown and Macungie. “We are conducting this study, at no charge to the business, in an effort to help them succeed as much as possible.”
“All we are asking is that merchants ask their customers what zip code they are from,” said Davis, coordinator for Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua and Wilson. “We will not track how much they spent or what merchandise they bought, and we will not ask for personal information.”
The zip codes will be analyzed by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. From there, a profile will be built of the customers that shop in these Boroughs. The information delivered to the participating businesses will include:
The demographic information and location of their customer base, thus allowing them to better promote and advertise their business.
The psycho-demographics of their communities’ customer base, thus allowing you to have a better idea of who you are marketing to and what those customers are looking for.
The specific needs and demands of the customers who frequent their Borough, thus allowing then to better serve your customers.
“Main Street is in constant competition with big-box stores and malls. All chains will ask for zip code information or phone numbers so that they can constantly be conducting surveys like these,” said Schlossberg. “This study will help our communities better understand their customers and compete with the Walmarts of the Lehigh Valley.”
Sharon Davis noted that, “We want to do everything we can to help our small businesses. They are the backbone of the American economy, and without them, the face of our country and our community will change forever. We want to do everything we can to help these businesses thrive, and this project is such a great example. For barely doing any work, our businesses can learn a great deal about their customers.
This service is provided jointly by the Borough Business Revitalization Program and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Lehigh and Northampton counties have purchased memberships for the eight participating Boroughs with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, this qualifying them for these surveys.
Letters asking businesses to participate will be sent out at the beginning of October. The survey itself will take place from November 2 – November 15.
For general questions or questions related to Alburtis, Coopersburg, Hellertown and Macungie, please contact Mike Schlossberg at 484-809-1796. For questions related to Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua or Wilson, please contact Sharon Davis at 610-841-5840.
The Borough Business Revitalization Program is 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 eight Boroughs: Alburtis, Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown, Macungie and Wilson. The goal of the program is to revitalize the urban cores of the participating communities.
# # #
Enjoy!
NEWS RELEASE
Borough Business Revitalization Program to begin zip code study
----------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Schlossberg
October 6, 2008 484-809-1796
Lehigh Valley, PA (October 6) – Michael Schlossberg and Sharon Davis, Borough Business Revitalization Coordinators for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, have announced that the Borough Business Revitalization Program (BBRP) will be conducting a zip code study designed to assist small businesses get more customers and better understand their market.
“In this economic climate, small businesses need all the help they can get,” said Schlossberg, coordinator for Alburtis, Coopersburg, Hellertown and Macungie. “We are conducting this study, at no charge to the business, in an effort to help them succeed as much as possible.”
“All we are asking is that merchants ask their customers what zip code they are from,” said Davis, coordinator for Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua and Wilson. “We will not track how much they spent or what merchandise they bought, and we will not ask for personal information.”
The zip codes will be analyzed by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. From there, a profile will be built of the customers that shop in these Boroughs. The information delivered to the participating businesses will include:
The demographic information and location of their customer base, thus allowing them to better promote and advertise their business.
The psycho-demographics of their communities’ customer base, thus allowing you to have a better idea of who you are marketing to and what those customers are looking for.
The specific needs and demands of the customers who frequent their Borough, thus allowing then to better serve your customers.
“Main Street is in constant competition with big-box stores and malls. All chains will ask for zip code information or phone numbers so that they can constantly be conducting surveys like these,” said Schlossberg. “This study will help our communities better understand their customers and compete with the Walmarts of the Lehigh Valley.”
Sharon Davis noted that, “We want to do everything we can to help our small businesses. They are the backbone of the American economy, and without them, the face of our country and our community will change forever. We want to do everything we can to help these businesses thrive, and this project is such a great example. For barely doing any work, our businesses can learn a great deal about their customers.
This service is provided jointly by the Borough Business Revitalization Program and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Lehigh and Northampton counties have purchased memberships for the eight participating Boroughs with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, this qualifying them for these surveys.
Letters asking businesses to participate will be sent out at the beginning of October. The survey itself will take place from November 2 – November 15.
For general questions or questions related to Alburtis, Coopersburg, Hellertown and Macungie, please contact Mike Schlossberg at 484-809-1796. For questions related to Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua or Wilson, please contact Sharon Davis at 610-841-5840.
The Borough Business Revitalization Program is 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 eight Boroughs: Alburtis, Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown, Macungie and Wilson. The goal of the program is to revitalize the urban cores of the participating communities.
# # #
Don't Build Parking and They'll Come--Without Cars
This article comes to us courtesy of Robin Spilner, a volunteer with North by Northwest in Bethlehem.
The article makes a point that affects all urban areas, big and small: Parking is not as big of a problem as some may think. Many cities, in an attempt to accommodate the automobile or slow down development, have enacted stringent minimum parking requirements. The unintentional result of these requirements, however, is that businesses are driven away from urban areas since meeting these parking requirements is often too expensive or logistically not possible. Furthermore, one of the biggest strengths of cities is that they are walkable - accordingly, parking often goes unused because people walk or use mass transit to arrive at a location.
Locally, Alburits and Hellertown are in the midst of implementing parking changes that result from studies pursued by the BBRP. It will be interesting to see what changes we can enact.
The article makes a point that affects all urban areas, big and small: Parking is not as big of a problem as some may think. Many cities, in an attempt to accommodate the automobile or slow down development, have enacted stringent minimum parking requirements. The unintentional result of these requirements, however, is that businesses are driven away from urban areas since meeting these parking requirements is often too expensive or logistically not possible. Furthermore, one of the biggest strengths of cities is that they are walkable - accordingly, parking often goes unused because people walk or use mass transit to arrive at a location.
Locally, Alburits and Hellertown are in the midst of implementing parking changes that result from studies pursued by the BBRP. It will be interesting to see what changes we can enact.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Business Loan Rates Reduced by State
I just got this press release from Virginia. As you may know, Pennsylvania is very much involved with community and economic development efforts around the state. In an effort to keep Pennsylvania competititve in the current economic climate, the Commonwealth has reduced business loans through three of their business loan programs: The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund and Small Business First loan program.
See the press release below for more info.
-------------------------
Governor Rendell Says Interest Rates on Business Loan Programs Reduced; Change Will Keep PA’s Business Climate Competitive
Industrial Development Authority Cuts Rates to Two Points Below Prime
HARRISBURG – Continuing efforts to stave off the effects of the national economic downturn, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that the Commonwealth has reduced interest rates on three of its key business loan programs to position Pennsylvania for continued economic growth.
“Pennsylvania is feeling the effects of recent events on Wall Street and a stagnant national economy,” said Governor Rendell. “While Pennsylvania is well-positioned to deal with this situation, we must continue to be proactive and provide incentives for businesses to invest, grow and create jobs.”
The Governor said the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority voted today to reduce the interest rate on its loans to 3 percent for all future projects. The commonwealth will also set interest rates to 3 percent for projects approved through the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund and Small Business First loan programs.
Today’s cuts continue the practice of holding rates on these commonwealth loan programs to two points below prime.
The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority provides capital for infrastructure acquisition, creation and renovation projects primarily for manufacturers, industrial developers, research and development firms, agricultural processors and employers looking to establish national or regional headquarters in Pennsylvania.
“While we have fared better than many other states up to this point, recent declines in jobs and revenues flowing into the state show that we cannot stand by and wait for Washington to act,” said the Governor. “Now is the time to invest in our businesses and workers by providing the resources they need to weather this economic downturn.”
Governor Rendell also announced the PIDA board approved the first two loans with the reduced rate that will create more than 45 jobs and leverage more than $3.6 million in private commitments:
Clearfield County
Paris Cleaners Inc. will receive a $2.1 million PIDA loan to construct a new, state-of-the art automated laundry facility adjacent to its existing plant in the Dubois Industrial Park. The $5.3 million project is expected to create 40 jobs. The Clearfield County Economic Development Corp. is the sponsoring economic development agency.
Philadelphia County
The Forman Sign Co. will receive an $850,000 PIDA loan to acquire and renovate an existing building at Red Lion South Industrial Park in Philadelphia. The $1.9 million project is expected to create eight jobs. The PIDC Financing Corp. is the sponsoring agency.
Since 2003, PIDA has funded more than 400 projects with more than $385 million in loans, creating more than 9,500 new jobs and retaining more than 35,000 existing positions.
For information on any of the above programs and others administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit www.NewPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.
###
The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: www.governor.state.pa.us.
See the press release below for more info.
-------------------------
Governor Rendell Says Interest Rates on Business Loan Programs Reduced; Change Will Keep PA’s Business Climate Competitive
Industrial Development Authority Cuts Rates to Two Points Below Prime
HARRISBURG – Continuing efforts to stave off the effects of the national economic downturn, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that the Commonwealth has reduced interest rates on three of its key business loan programs to position Pennsylvania for continued economic growth.
“Pennsylvania is feeling the effects of recent events on Wall Street and a stagnant national economy,” said Governor Rendell. “While Pennsylvania is well-positioned to deal with this situation, we must continue to be proactive and provide incentives for businesses to invest, grow and create jobs.”
The Governor said the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority voted today to reduce the interest rate on its loans to 3 percent for all future projects. The commonwealth will also set interest rates to 3 percent for projects approved through the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund and Small Business First loan programs.
Today’s cuts continue the practice of holding rates on these commonwealth loan programs to two points below prime.
The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority provides capital for infrastructure acquisition, creation and renovation projects primarily for manufacturers, industrial developers, research and development firms, agricultural processors and employers looking to establish national or regional headquarters in Pennsylvania.
“While we have fared better than many other states up to this point, recent declines in jobs and revenues flowing into the state show that we cannot stand by and wait for Washington to act,” said the Governor. “Now is the time to invest in our businesses and workers by providing the resources they need to weather this economic downturn.”
Governor Rendell also announced the PIDA board approved the first two loans with the reduced rate that will create more than 45 jobs and leverage more than $3.6 million in private commitments:
Clearfield County
Paris Cleaners Inc. will receive a $2.1 million PIDA loan to construct a new, state-of-the art automated laundry facility adjacent to its existing plant in the Dubois Industrial Park. The $5.3 million project is expected to create 40 jobs. The Clearfield County Economic Development Corp. is the sponsoring economic development agency.
Philadelphia County
The Forman Sign Co. will receive an $850,000 PIDA loan to acquire and renovate an existing building at Red Lion South Industrial Park in Philadelphia. The $1.9 million project is expected to create eight jobs. The PIDC Financing Corp. is the sponsoring agency.
Since 2003, PIDA has funded more than 400 projects with more than $385 million in loans, creating more than 9,500 new jobs and retaining more than 35,000 existing positions.
For information on any of the above programs and others administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit www.NewPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.
###
The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: www.governor.state.pa.us.
More funding for Macungie
Hi everyone,
I received (more) great news from Lehigh County today. Our application for a Master Plan for $7,500 has been approved! The approval is contingent upon receiving $15,000 in funding from the State's LUPTAP (Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program) funding source, but indications from the State are very positive that we will be awarded the funding. This funding is in addition to the $5,000 we were already awarded from Representative Doug Reichley. Assuming that we do secure the $15,000 from the State, this means that we will only have an estimated $2,500 funding gap that will hopefully be filled by the Borough.
This is really great news for Macungie!
I received (more) great news from Lehigh County today. Our application for a Master Plan for $7,500 has been approved! The approval is contingent upon receiving $15,000 in funding from the State's LUPTAP (Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program) funding source, but indications from the State are very positive that we will be awarded the funding. This funding is in addition to the $5,000 we were already awarded from Representative Doug Reichley. Assuming that we do secure the $15,000 from the State, this means that we will only have an estimated $2,500 funding gap that will hopefully be filled by the Borough.
This is really great news for Macungie!
Great news from Lehigh County!
Well, great news from Lehigh County! The proposed funding and position cuts were all defeated! Our Main Street program and the funding and grants that support it remain fully in tact! See the E-mail from the County Executive for more information:
Dear Friend,
Earlier this week, I wrote you to make you aware of proposed funding cuts for my 2009 budget that would have affected your organization and/or initiatives in which we are partnered or you are interested.
We had tremendous response to that outreach and many of you showed up for Thursday night’s Board of Commissioner budget hearing. Instead of being voted on in relative darkness, with you being there it created an open discussion in clear light Thursday night. I am happy to report that because of that response – and the strong support of a majority of the Commissioners – all of those proposed cuts were defeated.
Therefore, the 2009 Lehigh County budget will contain the funding levels that I proposed for:
Quality of Life grants to more than 20 cultural arts and community organizations
Farmland preservation
Open space preservation
Borough revitalization funding
Community partnership grants for townships
Community police matching grants
Urban parks funding
Brownfield/industrial land economic development
Regional economic development funding
Passenger rail study/mass transit funding
Remember, the 2009 budget is a modest 1.1 percent higher than this year’s budget. It contains NO tax increase and continues a balanced investment in the operations of Lehigh County government while supporting our community partnerships, our downtowns, public safety, our cultural arts institutions and community events, regional efforts across municipalities, mass transit and passenger rail development, preservation of open space and farmland and the development of urban parks.
I honor those partnerships with our municipal governments, our community and cultural arts organizations and our various partners, like LVEDC and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Together, we make Lehigh County and the Lehigh Valley a very special place. Thanks for your help.
For more information on the 2009 budget, please contact the County Executive Office at 610-782-3001.
Sincerely,
Don Cunningham
Dear Friend,
Earlier this week, I wrote you to make you aware of proposed funding cuts for my 2009 budget that would have affected your organization and/or initiatives in which we are partnered or you are interested.
We had tremendous response to that outreach and many of you showed up for Thursday night’s Board of Commissioner budget hearing. Instead of being voted on in relative darkness, with you being there it created an open discussion in clear light Thursday night. I am happy to report that because of that response – and the strong support of a majority of the Commissioners – all of those proposed cuts were defeated.
Therefore, the 2009 Lehigh County budget will contain the funding levels that I proposed for:
Quality of Life grants to more than 20 cultural arts and community organizations
Farmland preservation
Open space preservation
Borough revitalization funding
Community partnership grants for townships
Community police matching grants
Urban parks funding
Brownfield/industrial land economic development
Regional economic development funding
Passenger rail study/mass transit funding
Remember, the 2009 budget is a modest 1.1 percent higher than this year’s budget. It contains NO tax increase and continues a balanced investment in the operations of Lehigh County government while supporting our community partnerships, our downtowns, public safety, our cultural arts institutions and community events, regional efforts across municipalities, mass transit and passenger rail development, preservation of open space and farmland and the development of urban parks.
I honor those partnerships with our municipal governments, our community and cultural arts organizations and our various partners, like LVEDC and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Together, we make Lehigh County and the Lehigh Valley a very special place. Thanks for your help.
For more information on the 2009 budget, please contact the County Executive Office at 610-782-3001.
Sincerely,
Don Cunningham
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Treevitalize article
The Morning Call ran an article on our upcoming meetings in Alburtis and Coopersburg for Treevitalize. Check it out.
Cities facing credit crunch
Everyone in America is being affected by the credit crunch and economic crisis that is sweeping our nation. Unfortunately, municipal governments are no exception. Check out this story from CBS news. With decreasing revenues and a massive spike in borrowing/credit costs, governments across the country are starting to feel the pinch, with major municipal governments in danger of going bankrupt. Locally, Pennsylvania state revenues have been down three months in a row and major cities, including Easton, are suffering from revenue decreases that will cause a tax increase.
This is something we should all be concerned about.
This is something we should all be concerned about.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Coopersburg Bridge Contest
Hi everyone,
Coopersburg is in the middle of a very interesting project. They have a bridge on their Main Street, just next to Borough Hall, that is badly in need of a new paint job. Here's what the bridge looks like right now:
Coopersburg is in the middle of a very interesting project. They have a bridge on their Main Street, just next to Borough Hall, that is badly in need of a new paint job. Here's what the bridge looks like right now:
We'd like to repaint it, but we don't know what color to repaint it! Accordingly, the CBRP Steering Committee Chair, Mark McCormick, designed renderings of what the bridges would look like in maroon, green and black. Here are those pictures:
So, it's a vote (for Coopersburg residents only, of course). To make your selection, check out the pictures and E-mail me at MikeS@lehighvalleychamber.org. Please provide your street address so we can confirm you are a Coopersburg resident (we do not sell or give away E-mails, so no worries there). The deadline is 11/5, so please vote before then!
Thanks for participating!
IMPORTANT NOTICE - Proposed Funding Cuts at Lehigh County for Revitalization Funding
Friends,
I have some disturbing news from our Lehigh County Executive, Don Cunningham. It would seem that at least one Lehigh County Commissioner is attempting to reduce or eliminate funding for Lehigh County’s Department of Community & Economic Development. As you can see from the County Executive’s E-mail below, this elimination would have a dramatic negative effect on our program, as it would eliminate vital grant funding that has been of significant assistance to urban communities. Alburtis, Coopersburg and Macungie have all received either Streetscape or Planning grants as part of the BBRP program. Without county support, many BBRP initiatives would be reduced or completely eliminated.
If possible, please attend the meeting tomorrow (10/2, 6:pm in the County Government Center (17 S. 7th Street, Allentown) and speak about how seriously eliminating this funding would affect your community. I also encourage you to contact the Commissioners office (610-782-7050) and inform them directly about how this would affect our efforts to revitalize urban communities in Lehigh County. Please do this; it is VERY important that the Commissioners are made aware of just how significantly this would affect our efforts.
Thank you for your time and your consideration. Please see the E-mail from Executive Cunningham below.
------------
Dear Friend,
I am writing to notify you that some or all of the funding
proposed in my 2009 budget related to your organization and/or the
initiative in which we are partnered or you have expressed interest has
been targeted for reduction or elimination in a motion introduced by a
county commissioner.
This Thursday (10/2), the Lehigh County Board of
Commissioners will hold its final 2009 budget hearing at 6 p.m. in the
County Government Center at 7th and Hamilton Streets in Allentown. The
board will consider millions of dollars of proposed funding cuts to the
following areas:
* Quality of Life grants to more than 20 cultural arts and
community organizations
* Farmland preservation
* Open space preservation
* Borough revitalization funding
* Community partnership grants for townships
* Community police matching grants
* Urban parks funding
* Brownfield/industrial land economic development
* Regional economic development funding
* Passenger rail study/mass transit funding
My proposed 2009 budget is a modest 1.1 percent higher than
this year's budget. It contains NO tax increase and continues a balanced
investment in the operations of Lehigh County government while
supporting our community partnerships, our downtowns, public safety, our
cultural arts institutions and community events, regional efforts across
municipalities, mass transit and passenger rail development,
preservation of open space and farmland and the development of urban
parks.
Proposals will be considered and voted upon Thursday that would
alter that agenda and affect our partnerships and/or funding for your
organization or municipal government. That should not occur without you
having a voice in the matter. You may want to attend this important
meeting to represent the interests of your group or initiative.
For more information on the proposed funding cuts, please
contact the County Executive Office at 610-782-3001 or the County
Commissioner Office at 610-782-3050.
Don Cunningham
Lehigh County Executive
Government Center
17 S. 7th St.
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3001
I have some disturbing news from our Lehigh County Executive, Don Cunningham. It would seem that at least one Lehigh County Commissioner is attempting to reduce or eliminate funding for Lehigh County’s Department of Community & Economic Development. As you can see from the County Executive’s E-mail below, this elimination would have a dramatic negative effect on our program, as it would eliminate vital grant funding that has been of significant assistance to urban communities. Alburtis, Coopersburg and Macungie have all received either Streetscape or Planning grants as part of the BBRP program. Without county support, many BBRP initiatives would be reduced or completely eliminated.
If possible, please attend the meeting tomorrow (10/2, 6:pm in the County Government Center (17 S. 7th Street, Allentown) and speak about how seriously eliminating this funding would affect your community. I also encourage you to contact the Commissioners office (610-782-7050) and inform them directly about how this would affect our efforts to revitalize urban communities in Lehigh County. Please do this; it is VERY important that the Commissioners are made aware of just how significantly this would affect our efforts.
Thank you for your time and your consideration. Please see the E-mail from Executive Cunningham below.
------------
Dear Friend,
I am writing to notify you that some or all of the funding
proposed in my 2009 budget related to your organization and/or the
initiative in which we are partnered or you have expressed interest has
been targeted for reduction or elimination in a motion introduced by a
county commissioner.
This Thursday (10/2), the Lehigh County Board of
Commissioners will hold its final 2009 budget hearing at 6 p.m. in the
County Government Center at 7th and Hamilton Streets in Allentown. The
board will consider millions of dollars of proposed funding cuts to the
following areas:
* Quality of Life grants to more than 20 cultural arts and
community organizations
* Farmland preservation
* Open space preservation
* Borough revitalization funding
* Community partnership grants for townships
* Community police matching grants
* Urban parks funding
* Brownfield/industrial land economic development
* Regional economic development funding
* Passenger rail study/mass transit funding
My proposed 2009 budget is a modest 1.1 percent higher than
this year's budget. It contains NO tax increase and continues a balanced
investment in the operations of Lehigh County government while
supporting our community partnerships, our downtowns, public safety, our
cultural arts institutions and community events, regional efforts across
municipalities, mass transit and passenger rail development,
preservation of open space and farmland and the development of urban
parks.
Proposals will be considered and voted upon Thursday that would
alter that agenda and affect our partnerships and/or funding for your
organization or municipal government. That should not occur without you
having a voice in the matter. You may want to attend this important
meeting to represent the interests of your group or initiative.
For more information on the proposed funding cuts, please
contact the County Executive Office at 610-782-3001 or the County
Commissioner Office at 610-782-3050.
Don Cunningham
Lehigh County Executive
Government Center
17 S. 7th St.
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3001
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