Connellsville to detail plan during event
CONNELLSVILLE – Local business owners and individuals will have the opportunity to learn firsthand how they will benefit from the city’s plan to become a state-designated Main Street Community and how they can lend their assistance during an upcoming informal gathering of the Connellsville Chamber of Commerce. The April 18 mixer will be co-hosted by the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority and the Connellsville Cultural Trust, the two entities that are overseeing the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) application process for the program.
“We are going to have to have the support of these business leaders if this is to be a successful undertaking,” said Michael Edwards, trust president and chamber board member. “This program will benefit the community and those that offer goods and services to the public.
“It will also assist those looking to start a new business.”
The trust, a nonprofit organization, will administer the Main Street program if the city receives approval of the application.
Cindy Gormley, DCED human resources specialist, and David Kahley, Progress Fund chief executive officer, will offer information to those in attendance.
The Main Street program is a revitalization initiative for communities and also provides funding sources to enrich various projects.
A partner program, the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), also enhances community development and for a contribution from a state-tax paying business, there are tax credits available, said Gormley.
The tax credit is 50 percent of the contribution, which would include services, supplies, property and cash contributions, she added.
“(The cooperative effort) forms interest with companies and communities,” said Gormley. “The (trust) is currently looking at tax credit options to secure projects (and) enhancing the Main Street project would be a great fit for the NAP.”
The Progress Fund provides capital and coaching to new or expanding businesses that seek to create jobs and opportunity, said Cathy McCollum, regional director of the Trail Town Program for the Progress Fund.
“It supports businesses that build the rural economy while honoring the environment, reusing historic structures, reinvigorating traditional business districts and creating living wage jobs,” she said.
With the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., and an increase in users of the bike trail, Connellsville, added McCollum, is in a unique position to capitalize on the economic impact of the tourist market.
“The trail goes right through the town,” she said. “Connellsville is the only place along the trail where this occurs, so there is plenty of opportunity for businesses to expand or new business to start.”
City and trail officials, the cultural trust and the redevelopment authority have embraced the initiatives, said McCollum, and coupled with the city’s proximity to the river and trail along with the nearby locations of other recreational activities, the city has a unique opportunity.
“I think Connellsville is poised to take off with comprehensive vision and planning,” she said.
Bryan Kisiel, chamber president, said that the organization plans to take a more active role in the community and to more aggressively assist existing businesses and to attract new ones.
“We want to be a catalyst for making things happen,” he said. “We want to actively participate in the economic development of our community and the county.
“This activity is a first step.”
The mixer will be held at Gallery MD, located at 502 S. Pittsburgh St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
To make reservations or for additional information, call the chamber office at 724-628-5500 or the authority at 724-626-1645 by Monday.