Purpose:  To revitalize our communities, protect and develop our resources, and inspire community confidence and pride through a shared vision.

Action Items:

FIRST FRIDAYS

…Continue to work with the First Fridays Committee and Main Street to ensure its continued growth.

MAIN STREET

Purpose:  To revitalize the commercial districts within six Main Street communities in Lycoming County, including: Williamsport, Hughesville, Jersey Shore, Montgomery, Montoursville and Muncy Boroughs through the identification, preservation and adaptive reuse of historic assets such as buildings and public open spaces. 

New…Develop a five-year funding and program strategy, including one-year work plans for each program.

New…Implement Façade Improvement Program for the City of Williamsport, for which funding was applied from DCED.

New…Create a Façade Improvement Program implementation plan for the Regional Main Street program and apply for DCED Façade Improvement Grant. 

New…Identify the individual borough and city “community vision” and build on their assets.

New…Complete the Williamsport Main Street program mission, vision, and strategic plans.

New…Move to storefront locations to have better accessibility and visibility for downtown citizens.

…Continue to promote Main Street through public speaking opportunities with local service organizations (e.g. Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Merchants Associations and Historical Societies).

…Continue strengthening the committees using the Main Street Four Point Approach.

…Continue Williamsport Main Street program’s involvement with the First Fridays Committee as it works to expand and improve upon the First Fridays’ concept in Downtown Williamsport.

COLLEGE TOWN  

Action Items:

New…Develop a comprehensive program of activities complimenting those of Penn College and Lycoming College to welcome families visiting the community during the 2008 Parent/Family Weekend in October.

New…Partner with the Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) program to develop an internship fair that will partner businesses with potential interns and highlight the contributions of interns to area companies.

…Conduct a College Town “Town Meeting” to develop a strategic plan that would assist in determining the needs of the students in relationship to town/gown relations.

…In partnership with the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, continue a monthly College Town newspaper column.

…Continue the Students of the Month Program in partnership with the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, the City of Williamsport, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lycoming College, and The Newport Business Institute, including recognition of students at Williamsport City Council several times per year.  Reach out to journalism students to assist with this effort and build upon it by featuring one of these students in more depth on a quarterly basis.

…Participate in college welcome and orientation activities providing to students and prospective students information about the College Town initiative.

…Work with the three institutions to select the “Alumni of the Year” awards recognizing graduates who have remained in Lycoming County and contributed to our communities.

…Implement and enhance the current marketing plan, including billboards, print, College Town website and other advertising media to familiarize the community with the College Town theme. The plan will also include how to involve the students in the community.

…Identify and participate in community events such as the Grand Slam Parade and the Downtown Santa Parade.