CLEARFIELD – She was born and raised in Clearfield. Kellie Truman said her life’s paths and heart have always led her “home” and ultimately into her role as the new main street manager.
“I graduated from Clearfield Area High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh. Living in a big city, you learn a lot about yourself,” she said.
“I realized the values of small town life. My path always led me back to Clearfield. I love it here.”
Truman was hired by the Clearfield Revitalization Corp. for its Main Street program earlier this month. She said she had previously volunteered on the promotion’s committee for the CRC. She said she realized the potential success for many of their projects and applied for the main street manager position.
“I wanted to take the lead and (carry out projects) with my own hands. I’m excited to do it with those who share in that same passion. I’m going to market with my heart. And, my heart is in Clearfield,” she said.
As the new manager, Truman said her first goal is to educate community members about the Main Street program. She said their program is based on a four-step approach: promotion, design, economic restructuring and organization. She said each of the steps holds equal importance to the revitalization of downtown Clearfield.
She said promotion involves branding the downtown image through special events and retail sales. She said they’d convey a visual image for the beautification and preservation of historic features through the design phase. She said they will also be unveiling a façade program in the upcoming year.
Truman said they would develop a strategy to economically restructure the downtown. She said their strategy would support existing businesses while also identifying future businesses. She said both would lead to a thriving business district that focuses on meeting and exceeding the needs of local residents.
Truman said the Main Street program is under the umbrella of the CRC, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. She said they are currently funded by the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development. She said they will be funded through the state for five years.
She said the state will gradually reduce the amount of funding each year. She said they must guide coordination, cooperation and commitment of the Clearfield community in order to be self-sustained by local economy.
According to Truman, the CRC is staffed mostly with volunteers who serve on its four committees that are directly correlated with each of the four steps to the Main Street program. She said she is currently the only paid position.
“Volunteers are critical. It’s critical for them to do their part. It’s also critical for the community to get on board,” she said.
“We can have the revitalization set up. But we need the community to buy into our program and make an investment for it to happen.”
Truman emphasized that local residents will not wake up and find a completely new downtown Clearfield.
“It’s not going to happen overnight. They will see increments of a lot of little things that will lead to the big picture,” Truman said.
She said the state realized Clearfield’s potential due to its modern business center and position as the county seat. She said Clearfield is also the gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds region and has emerged into the alternative energy market.
Because both the state and she saw Clearfield’s potential, Truman challenges the community to invest in the Main Street program. She said once they do so, everyone will see its impact and realize the betterment of Clearfield
“(We’re a home for) a safe environment to live, work and play. We have so much potential. It’s just a matter of getting it started. Our downtown will only be as strong as its core. It’s very important for the community to be educated and supportive,” she said.
She said so far, she has received overwhelming support from the community. She said she thanks community members not only for their support, but also in sharing her excitement for the future of downtown Clearfield.
“We want to grow. We want to be a success. Everyone must work together as a team though,” she said.
For additional information or to make a contribution, please contact the Clearfield Revitalization Corp., P.O. Box 75, Clearfield, PA 16830.
Kellie Truman, main street manager, can be contacted via phone at 765-6000, or by e-mail at crc.manager@gmail.com. She also invited community members to become a fan of the “Clearfield Revitalization Corp.” on Facebook.
Truman said she would like to network with local artists and photographers. She said any who have historical paintings or photographs of Clearfield that they’re willing to donate are encouraged to contact her at the office. She said she would like to display them in the Main Street program office.