|
Please Forward this E-Newsletter!
Spread the word about the great things happening in YOUR downtown by clicking on "Forward Email" located at the bottom of this column.
|
|
A PROGRAM OF
Alleghenty County Economic Development |
|
| ALLEGHENY TOGETHER |
Allegheny Together endeavors to encourage well-planned, well-designed and geographically-focused investment in the established, urban commercial districts of Allegheny County while respecting the unique history, character, and built environment of each. The program aims to help organize and empower each community to fulfill its collective vision. |
|
|
Downtown Recognition Award
When VIP (Verona in Progress) broke into committees, they created several very active groups of residents that have added to the well-being of Verona. This month we would like to recognize the hard-working volunteers from two initiatives who plan the "Concerts in the Park" and the "Movies in the Park".
Members of the "Concerts in the Park" committee are: LeaAnn Grill, Mary Ann Yingling, Patti Tumminello, and Chris Kozera. They planned and produced three concerts in May, June, and July and even offered free treats--thanks to local merchants.
The popularity of the casual setting grew, until the parklet was full of lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and folks enjoying the music.
Members of the "Movies in the Park" committee are Earl Hendricks, David Ricupero, Peggy Suchevich, Nancy O'Neill, and Liz Malay. Three movies were shown this year: "Finding Nemo," "The Bee Movie," and "Monsters Inc." A special thanks goes to Jim Dixon who figured out how to show the movies in the park.
Free Popcorn and a Daily's Hug were offered as youngsters and their parents spread their blankets. Some tots were well-prepared by wearing their jammies and bringing their sleeping bags.
Eiler's Hardware provided the sign to announce various events in the community. The sign was placed near the steps of the parklet. JessieCo, Inc. devised the screen for the movies.
This program also grew with each movie offering. Plans are being formulated by both committees for next year.
|
|
Upcoming Events
Twin Boro Christmas Parade/Light Up Night
Nov. 21 at 5 p.m.
The parade will step off in Verona and end in Oakmont. Verona's Allegheny River Boulevard will be lined with luminaria. Following the parade, children can visit with Santa on the porch of the One Block Shoppe. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served and a barrel fire will be lit to keep everyone warm!
|
DowntownProperties.net
Introducing TCA's New Business Recruitment Tool
Are you looking for a storefront to buy or lease for your business location? Do you own a downtown property that is currently for sale or for lease?
Be sure to check out www.DowntownProperties.net! Town Center Associate's innovative new business recruitment program includes this website, which is one hundred percent devoted to properties for sale or lease in your downtown's central business district, as well as other local business districts.
DowntownProperties.net features the vacant/available downtown properties in your business district complete with:
- Property Photos
- Property Owner Contact Information
- Address Information
- The ability to add additional information to each listing, such as realtor contact information or details about the property
- Features that enable you to email listings to interested parties, map listings, as well as print listings
More than just a website, the DowntownProperties.net program offers key benefits to the municipality. Benefits include having a central source of property contact information, and a readily available resource to attract new businesses-by marketing vacancies and available properties.
Additionally, TCA will provide property owners with a free, colorful DowntownProperties.net poster to put in their vacant or available storefront window to demonstrate that the building is available.
If you have a vacant or available downtown property that is not currently listed on the site, let us know. Just send an email to tca@towncenter.info, or call us at 412-577-7447 or 724-728-0500.
| |
|
PHLF Update The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) is involved in main street revitalizations across Southwestern Pennsylvania. As we come across model examples in this work, we will make an effort to share them with our Allegheny Together partners. It may be that you will see an opportunity to take one of these ideas and tailor it to the circumstances that exist in your community.
In this issue, we want to highlight an investment trust that nine local women have set up in Leechburg, which is part of a State adopted regional main street program. The trust, known as Leechburg Investment Projects (LIPS), is a consortium set up by the women to develop viable businesses in downtown Leechburg, get them up and running on solid footing and then sell them. Sales proceeds will go back into the fund enabling them to focus on another business. LIPS intends to repeat this process until all of Leechburg's store fronts are filled.
The nine investors each put in $2,000, which has enabled the fund to launch its first business: Books and Beans, a used bookstore and coffee shop. The investor group includes a wealth of experience in setting up and operating successful small-scale retail. They are drawing on this experience, and putting in a lot of sweat equity, as they work toward a mid-October grand opening. Books and Beans will offer Presto George coffee & teas, gourmet breakfast and lunch items, free WIFI, a strong selection of used books, and audio book rentals.
LIPs is a great example of just how much a small group of committed volunteers can accomplish with limited funds. This includes:
- Creating new jobs.
- Rehabilitating old, empty storefronts in historic buildings.
- Diversifying the business mix in town.
- Involving experienced business-people to act as mentors for new owners.
- Building stronger relationships as a part of the project work.
If you are interested in learning more about LIPs to see if this model might work for your downtown, please call Ethan Raup at PHLF at 412 471 5808.
|
| This e-newsletter was created by Town Center Asociates for the Allegheny Together Program of Allegheny County Economic Development. For more information about the Allegheny Together program, please visit www.alleghenytogether.com. | |
|
|
|
|
|
