It’s a fact that town-revitalization is a community effort, but most people don’t realize how easy it is to get involved and make a difference. Here are a few simple ways for you to help support the CRC and the revitalization efforts of downtown Clearfield.
#1. Purchase locally. Let me explain how this kick-starts our local economy by illustrating “The 3/50 Project.”
3: What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Stop in. Say hello. Pick something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.
50: If half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Image the positive impact if ¾ the employed population did that, and imagine the economic impact if everyone did that in Clearfield.
68: For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 dollars stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.
1: The number of people it takes to start the trend….you.
Take the 3/50 Downtown Challenge and spend $50 at three locally owned businesses each month. Maybe that means rethinking where you currently invest your money, opting to pick up that birthday card or gallon of milk in a locally owned independent businesses instead of the big box you’ve been going to. Or maybe it means eating out once a month because you realize slamming the breaks on all spending stalls economic recovery. For more information about the 350 Project, visit the350project.org.
2. Get involved. The CRC has four subcommittees: Design, Promotions, Business Retention & Recruitment, and Organization. Whether it’s one hour or five hours a month, your time is valuable to the destiny of our town. Ask how you can get involved and donate your time and talent with your local main street program and live the All-America dream to become an All-America city.
3. Attend community celebrations downtown. When there are special events and celebrations in your community, take part or take time and attend to show your support. Most are local events where the proceeds help fund the event each year (which then go back into your local economy), so it’s only natural that your support helps keep these community events alive. The CRC hosted its first two community events during the Riverfront Festival: “The Amazing Race: Downtown Clearfield Challenge” ( A foot race between downtown merchants) and the “Anything that Floats” Boat Regatta (held on the Susquehanna River). During the Riverfront Festival, there are many activities and events that are fun for your entire family.
4. Walk-don’t drive-to really see what your downtown has to offer: Check out the historical architecture. Thinking of making an improvement to your building? Stop and look at the historical features. We want to restore these assets and make them “pop” which can be as simple as adding a can of paint. If you are unsure how you can restore the historical features of your building, or would like ideas of improvement, contact the CRC’s Design Committee who administers the Facade Improvement Grant to downtown businesses twice a year. The deadline for our next grant applications is June 21st.
For any questions regarding The 3/50 Project, special events and facade improvement grant, or if you are interested in getting involved, please email crc.manager@gmail.com or call 765-6000.