Interested in learning more about the Main Street Program? Want to volunteer on one of our committees?  Find everything you need at www.collegevilledevelopment.org

     Linda Flederbach (left, with Pam Coleman of Souderton-Telford Main Streets) recently attended Pennsylvania Downtown Center's (PDC) 2009 statewide conference in Johnstown.  This year's conference theme was Community Marketing: Plotting a Course to Your Town's Tomorrow, which focused upon marketing tactics for enhancing community revitalization efforts, whether an organization's budget is large or small.

     Linda said, "After attending the Annual Conference, I have returned to Collegeville with fresh ideas that I will be sharing with each working committee and the Board of Directors."

     Conference attendees came from a variety of professional backgrounds, including Main Street and Elm Street mangers, representatives of local governments, community planners, engineers, landscape architects, fundraisers and communications and marketing specialists.  Content for the conference included nationally-recognized speakers, over two dozen educational sessions, mobile workshops, and evening networking events.

     The Mission of the Collegeville Economic Development Corporation, through which the Main Street Program is run, is to provide direction and overarching framework for advancement and promotion of economic and commercial development, economic revitalization, business, tourism, education and beautification within the Borough of Collegeville.   

     Footage on the conference can be viewed at WJACTV Coverage of State Conference 

 

DaVinci's Pub 

 

Fathers Day Brunch
Sunday, June 19th
Treat your father out to a Brunch hosted by DaVinci's
$19.95 per adult - $10.95 per child 10 years and under
(Children 3 and under are free!)
DaVinci's makes it special for all of our dads!
 
 
First Thursday of Every Month
DaVinci Complimentary Wine Tasting
Hosted by Caressa Canfield of DIAGEO 7:00 to 9:00
Come out for dinner and sample our new selections

 

 

The Irish Shop

 

     On Monday, May 18, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) began accepting rebate applications for residential and small business solar energy installations. The rebate program, called the PA Sunshine Program, was approved by the legislature last July under Gov. Rendell's $650 million Alternative Energy Funding Act, and allots $100 million for the Commonwealth's new solar initiative.
     In the wake of the new program, new solar companies are cropping up throughout our region. PA has an aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard, with 225 mW of required solar installed by the year 2015, and a developing SREC market. Thousands of kilowatts of PV are expected to be installed in the first year of the program.  One new local solar comapny, SunPower Solar has nearly 30 contracts in queue to receive funding. Once a 3 person operation, SunPower's staff of 20 now looks forward to hiring more installers and office staff, as well as increasing its office facilities to accommodate the business's growth in 2009.
     The beginning of the program may present a bumpy ride, as thousands of applications are filed in the first few days and the state grapples with new procedures and a lack of personnel to administer the program. In addition, the solar Thermal (solar water heating) portion of the program will be opening one week late, as a result of problems with the online application. However, PA is the first state in the US to open up a state-wide solar thermal program and its energy policy is quite progressive, ensuring a bright future for solar in PA. SunPower Solar has worked with legislators, the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association (MSEIA), and others throughout this program's development. As Ron Celentano, VP for MSEIA, states, "MSEIA worked very hard to help shape the Sunshine program design. Although not all of our recommendations were included, we are very happy to see this program finally launch."
     In addition to the PA Sunshine Program, several other initiatives are opening in the state to fund solar energy projects. The Commonwealth Financing Authority has also opened its Solar Energy Program, for larger solar projects as well as R&D and manufacturing. Details on this program can be found at www.newpa.com. The DEP is also accepting applications for Pennsylvania Economic Development Authority (PEDA) grants, which can be used for large-scale, innovative solar projects, and hopes to open a new program for nonprofits and municipalities called PA Conservation Works! in mid-June. Information on these, as well as the PA Sunshine Program can be found at www.depweb.state.pa.us/energindependent .

 

     Celebrating their 25th year as partners, Ursinus College and Saint Joseph's University have extended their articulation agreement through 2014. This allows  Saint Joseph's University to continue to offer four master's degrees on the Ursinus campus: "the part-time Professional MBA;" a Master of Science in Financial Services; a Master of Science in Health Administration; and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice
     "Our partnership with Ursinus College permits us to serve students throughout the area, offering them a convenient way to continue their education at the graduate level", said Rev. Timothy Lannon, President of Saint Joseph's University. "Ursinus offers us an excellent location and beautiful facilities, which we have been using to offer graduate programs for twenty-five years".
     John Strassburger, President of Ursinus College, said that Ursinus is "delighted to partner with Saint Joseph's in delivering these graduate programs in our area. We especially value the fact that these graduate degrees serve diverse needs for business, health administration and criminal justice programs. I look forward to our continued relationship."
     Saint Joseph's University has received the #1 ranking in Southeastern Pennsylvania and placed in the top 25 universities by US News and Reports 2010 for its part-time Professional MBA program.