Jun 2, 2010 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A local firm with strong ties to the city was named Tuesday as the program liaison for the Downtown Connellsville initiative. McCarthy Public Relations Inc. was selected from a field of 8 candidates by the Downtown Connellsville steering committee to work with local businesses, organizations and others to promote the city.

The hiring evolved after the city learned earlier this year that it would not be designated by the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) as a Main Street Program designate or receive funding to implement the plan. The steering committee that had been in place for two years developing a plan, preparing the application and soliciting local contributions to meet the DCED requirements opted to move forward with local contributions and execute a scaled-back version of the state plan.

“One of the important aspects of the initiative is to have someone to coordinate the plan that has been developed by (Downtown Connellsville) committees,” said Becky McLuckey, steering committee member.

Committee member Bryan Kisiel said the firm owner, Susan McCarthy, along with Nancy Henry, will implement several priorities the committee has established, including the institution of a working relationship with downtown businesses.

“The businesses are not only the benefactors, but the resource to make this work,” he said. “It is important for the businesses to be onboard with this plan.

“Although the state has not blessed us with funding, we are still committed to making this work, and the first step is reaching out to them to let them know this is real and viable and will, with their help, make it successful.”

Connellsville Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Michael Edwards said that in addition to working with in-place businesses, there will also be a plan to lure other business to Connellsville and enhance the image of the main corridor.

Recently, 15 flower baskets were placed on the light fixtures along West Crawford Avenue and the Trail Town Outreach Corps has scheduled several Saturday clean-up dates for certain areas of the city.

McLuckey said that the McCarthy firm will also be responsible for coordinating activities that take place in the downtown area and will further develop a website to communicate with the public about festivals, concerts or tours.

“We’ve had many discussions about the need to get the word out,” said McLuckey.

The website, too, said committee member Marie Jaffe, is to help those with now empty buildings to secure buyers or leasees.

Another initiative is to improve building facades.

The current $24,000 initiative budget for the remainder of the year sets aside funding for building improvement grants that provide up to $1,000 for façade enhancements and up to $500 for new signs with the building owner contributing a similar amount. The budget also includes the salary for the firm and other related costs.

“We have a very solid foundation to build on, so it will be up to us to create excitement for the various ideas that have been given to us,” said McCarthy. “We have a lot to do and a lot to accomplish, but the future is very bright for Connellsville.”

Henry said that it is a goal of the firm to garner a vision of hope among the business and property owners in addition to the residents.

“We want to bring back the magic moments that once took place in Connellsville and bring our community back,” she said.

The website can be accessed at www.downtownconnellsville.org.