DUBOIS – After recently being accepted into the states Main Street Program, members of the Main Street Committee held town meeting to give residents and business owners an update on the program.
“Main Street” is a special program funded through local fundraising, as well as a state grant, to encourage economic development, promotion, apprearance and the organization of downtown into a viable destination for residents, visitiors, business owners, investors and any others who wish to see downtown DuBois thrive.
Jim Papp, president of the Downtown Revitilization Group opened the meeting, thanking those involved as well as giving a rundown of the group’s progress.
“We’ve been on a voyage for the last couple of years,” said Papp. “We’ve made a lot of headway.”
The program had updates from each of its committee chairs. Papp, who chairs the organization committee stated that the group is moving forward and is currently awaiting second year funding. He also said that the group is working on a job description for a Main Street Manager.
“Hopefully in a few weeks we’ll be doing some advertising.
Erin Chorney, head of the economic restructuring committee said that her committee is looking at various grants and how to obtain them. She said that her committee has also been keeping track of the number of retail spaces that are occupied and available downtown. They are also working on a parking study, according to Chorney.
“That’s on our radar,” said Chorney.
“We have good ideas about what businesses would be supported downtown,” added Chorney.
Chorney also said that a shopper’s survey is in the works and that her committee is looking to work on e-commerce issues with businesses.
Chorney also cited a study that business students at Penn State DuBois conducted. She said that 36 percent of businesses downtown believe that the downtown would benefit from an improved pedestrian area. The study said that 48 percent of businesses have a Web site.
“That means that 52 percent don’t have a Web site,” commented Chorney.
She said that 43 percent of businesses noted that expanded parking is needed. 54 percent believed that wireless internet would be beneficial to the downtown.
“It doesn’t just end with the survey on paper,” said Chorney. “We’ll take that that and work with it.”
Chorney also thanked the Penn State DuBois for their work on the survey.
Julie Stewart, head of the design committee said that her group is working with the DuBois Area School District to have art students work on a mural downtown. Stewart said that the mural could be done by winter.
Stewart also said that her committee works with businesses on window displays among other things. She said that a professional will be brought in to give a seminar on window displays. Stewart added that the program is working on a façade grant program as well.
“People thought that was important,” said Stewart. “The window displays could be a real focal point.”
“I would like to encourage everyone to keep going,” said Stewart.
Holly Means, head of the promotions committee said that they are working with the Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development on the Downtown Christmas Light Up.
She encouraged people to volunteer and said that her committee is looking for volunteers.
Nancy Micks, executive director of the Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development explained that the chamber was working on a tourism book. The book will work of the state’s Pennsylvania Wilds program and will be titled “Stepping Into the PA Wilds.”
The book will focus on daytrips within the PA Wilds Region from Clearfield County.
Micks also commented on the Main Street Program. She said that the state recently decided to only award third class cities main street status.
“It’s the whole area that’s going to benefit from this program,” said Micks.
After the committee reports Papp said that the Main Street Program will be located on 109 N. Brady Street above Planet Bike.
“Keep up the good work,” said DuBois City Mayor John “Herm” Suplizio.