centerPiecePENNSYLVANIA DOWNTOWN CENTER’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FALL 2015

P8 | jim zublerMeet the man behind the many phases of Lewistown's Success

P2 |pa'S bUDGET IMPASSEWhat next in a world of uncertainty

FOOD TRUCKSFriend or Foe | p16

FALL 20152

A s of the time that this newsletter is going to print, the budget impasse between

Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania General Assembly remains in place. Despite what have from time to time been reported as constructive talks or talks that have made some progress, there is still not a spending plan in place for the 2015-2016 Commonwealth fiscal year. Obviously this impasse is holding up the allocation of funds from the 2015-2016 fiscal year in support of community revitalization efforts.

“While this is not unusual for situations when we have split government in Pennsylvania, it is still disappointing that there is no budget in place at this time” said PDC Executive Director Bill Fontana.

Governor Wolf 's budget plan calls for a significant increase in the Keystone Community Program, from $6 million in the 2014-2015 fiscal year budget to $21million this year. The budget bill passed by the General Assembly and sent to the Governor only increased the program to $6.3 million. The Governor obviously vetoed the entire GOP–driven spending plan that was presented to him. “There is still time for those interested in a more appropriate spending level for community revitalization assistance to contact their state legislators” said the PDC Executive Director.

PDC is continuing to talk to advocates for Governor Wolf ’s position of $21 million for the Main Street, Elm Street and other revitalization efforts funded by the Keystone Communities Program. “When you consider that we are spending less than $.50 per resident of Pennsylvania on community revitalization that equates to 0.016% of the average per capita tax payment made in 2011” said the Executive Director.

More than just this fiscal year’s funding however, the lack of a budget is keeping DCED from being able to lay out its plans for the future of the Keystone Communities Program. Without knowing how much will be available in that line item, the ability of DCED to deal with a host of potential program revisions, including the possibility of putting some level of funding back in place to support local Main Street and Elm Street managers, is difficult to attain.

“You have to make sure that you are out there waving the flag on this issue," said Mr. Fontana. “We can say all we want here in Harrisburg, but it is the local voters that carry the most weight. Like we have said before, no changes in the funding level are likely to occur if your senator or representative doesn’t hear from you, your local businesses and local residents.”

For more information on advocacy letters of support please contact Maria Wherley at PDC.

PA'sBudget Impasse

“You have to make sure that you are out there waving the flag on this issue," said Mr. Fontana. “We can say all we want here in Harrisburg,

but it is the local voters that carry the most weight. Like we have said before, no changes in the funding level are likely to occur if your

senator or representative doesn’t hear from you, your local businesses and local residents.” - Bill Fontana, PDC Executive Director

PENNSYLVANIA DOWNTOWN CENTER’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 3

2015 EVENTS

CalendarFor more information or to register for an event or

training, please visit our online events calendar.

EVENT DATE TIME LOCATIONManager's MeetingEAST

Wednesday, Oct. 14 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. The Altamont Hotel145 West Broad StreetHazleton, PA

Leadership ForumEAST

Wednesday, Oct. 14 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon The Altamont Hotel145 West Broad StreetHazleton, PA

Manager's MeetingWEST

Wednesday, Oct. 21 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Coney642 Philadelphia StreetIndiana, PA

Leadership ForumWEST

Wednesday, Oct. 21 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon The Coney642 Philadelphia StreetIndiana, PA

Reimagining Economic Restructuring Think Tank

Monday, Oct. 26 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Dixon University Center2986 North Second StreetHarrisburg, PA

Community Revitalization Network Meeting

Wednesday, Oct. 28 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Settlers Inn4 Main AvenueHawley, PA

Leadership Forum Wednesday, Oct. 28 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The Settlers Inn4 Main AvenueHawley, PA

New Manager Training Monday, Nov. 16- Tuesday, Nov. 17

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PDC OfficesHarrisburg, PA

Community Revitalization Academy: Community Marketing

Wednesday, Nov. 18-Thursday, Nov. 19

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PDC OfficesHarrisburg, PA

Community Revitalization Network Meeting

Wednesday, Dec. 16 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Borough of Downingtown4 W. Lancaster Ave.Downingtown, PA

Leadership Forum Wednesday, Dec. 16 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Borough of Downingtown4 W. Lancaster Ave.Downingtown, PA

Thank you to Derck & Edson for co-sponsoring our Community Revitalization Networking Meetings.

FALL 20154

With the start of the 2015-2016 fiscal year, PDC saw one of the largest turnover’s on the board of directors since 2000. Six new board members took seats on the PDC board, these include:

• Kim Barnes, the Deputy Director of the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission.• Donn Henderson, The Borough Manager of Charleroi and a former Main Street Manager.• Stephanie McIlwee, with PA Interfaith Community Programs Inc and the current Elm Street Manager in Gettysburg.• Linda Nitch, the Executive Director of the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation.• Maureen Safko, a Planner and Grants Administrator with the Huntingdon County Planning and Development Department, and • Clyde Stoltzfus, Director of Government Marketing Program Assistance with the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center.

These mostly new faces (Kim Barnes previously served on the PDC board) join:

• Sloan Achincloss, a transit advocate from Harrisburg.•Charles Broad, Reading's BID and Main Street Manager.• Pam Coleman, Regional Coordinator for the Delaware and Lehigh Landmark Towns Program.• Lisa Keck, Elm Street Manager in the City of Bradford.• Susan Kefover, Potter County Commissioner.• State Representative Patty Kim from Harrisburg.

• Blanda Nace, Senior Manager for the Development with the York County Economic Alliance.• Naomi Naylor, Executive Director and Main Street Manager with Quakertown Alive!• Larry Newman, Executive Director of the Diamond City Partnership, Wilkes-Barre BID organization.• James Rodriguez, former business consultant with the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center.

PDC Executive Director Bill Fontana expressed his pleasure with the 2015-2016 board and his gratitude for their willingness to serve. “We don’t reimburse our board members for their time or their expenses” said Mr. Fontana. “Some of our members are travelling long distances and incurring overnight stay expenses. Plus we are asking them to take on some tough issues over the next few years. I really appreciate those who are willing to serve on the board."

The officers of PDC for the 2015-2016 fiscal year are:• Larry Newman, Board Chair• Naomi Naylor, Board Vice Chair• Chuck Broad, Executive Committee Member at Large• Sloan Auchincloss, Corporate Secretary• James Rodriguez, Corporate Treasurer

New Board Takes Over at PDC

PDC UPDATES

Parker to be Designated a Trail TownParker may be a city, but after Saturday, it will be

designated as a Trail Town along the national North

Country Scenic Trail. The North Country Trail

Association, a national organization aiming to promote

the 4,600-mile long trail designated as a National

Trail, is naming the tiny city as its third Trail Town in

Pennsylvania.

Read the complete story

IN THE NEWSLocal History Comes to Smartphones in LititzErik Schouten's latest business started with a question.

He and his wife, Jackie, went to Philadelphia to see the

art collection at The Barnes Foundation. Schouten saw

staff handing out free digital audio guides. "Why doesn't

everybody already have this on their phones?" he won-

dered. Then he thought back to their hometown. "That

would be cool to do in Lititz." A few years later, Lititz

has a tour you can follow on your smartphone.

READ THE COMPLETE STORY

PENNSYLVANIA DOWNTOWN CENTER’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 5

Main Street HanoverJustine Kilkelly, ManagerSouth Hanover resident Justine Kilkelly became the manager of Main Street Hanover the first week of January 2015. With the new year and Justine's new role came another milestone for mindful economic expansion in Hanover. Main Street Hanover is a collective effort between the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, Hanover Borough and York County Economic Alliance. Justine has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and public relations, with a minor in art history from Duquesne University.

West Reading Community Revitalization FoundationChristin Kelly, Main Street ManagerA lover of all things local, Christin Kelley is thrilled to say hello to her new neighbors as the West Reading Main Street Manager! A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, Christin spent the beginning of her career at SSM Group, Inc., a local engineering and consulting firm, as a Marketing Coordinator, learning municipal government and immersing herself in the community. Now joining forces with Dean Rohrbach, the dynamic duo are excited to synergize the Main Street and Elm Street efforts to further the mission of the WRCRF to make the Borough an even better place to call home for our residents and businesses.

Hollidaysburg Community PartnershipMichael Balchin, Main Street ManagerMichael Balchin is a Windber Area High School graduate and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with a concentration in Advertising and Marketing from Clarion University. He brings to Hollidaysburg 8 years of experience and accomplishments that will contribute greatly to the Main Street Program. Michael was responsible for many special events ranging from golf tournaments to award galas as well as membership growth while with previous employers. Michael is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Growth and Relationships of Young Professionals and the Rotary Club of Hollidaysburg. He was also recognized as PA Business Central’s Foremost Under 40 in 2012.

Downtown Hazleton Alliance for ProgressKrista Schneider, Executive DirectorBefore becoming the Executive Director of the Downtown Hazleton Alliance, Krista worked as project manager for a Hazleton-based multi-disciplinary engineering firm. Krista's professional background also includes experience in historic preservation. In 2008, she founded Heritage Strategies, LLC, a national preservation planning consulting service. In 2008 she also founded the Center for Landscape Design & Stewardship (CLDS).

Krista's previous experience also includes teaching planning and design studios and Geographic Information Systems technology as Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky. Krista holds a master’s degree in Urban Design from Harvard University and a bachelor’s from the Pennsylvania State University

THE NEWEST FACESon Main Street

FALL 20156

“I am honored that Secretary Dunn thought enough of the work that PDC is doing to nominate me to a seat on the Governor’s Advisory Board, and doubly honored that the Governor affirmed her nomination,” said Fontana.

The board is made up of thirty-three individuals including numerous department secretaries, all of whom are focusing on providing guidance to Governor Wolf on the topic of community revitalization. In addition to Secretary Dunn, Secretary Dennis Davin from the Department of Community and Economic Development also sits on the board.

“It is clear that this advisory council has a larger purview than just traditional community revitalization,” said the PDC Executive Director. Consider that also serving on the board are a number of individuals from the law enforcement and corrections field and the PA National Guard, along with a host of others.

The general principles that were presented to the board include a focus on both people and places. From a people perspective the board has a mission to assist the Governor with advancing underserved and economically disadvantaged populations and improving the quality of life. With regard to places, the board’s role is to help inform the Governor how to better use the Commonwealth’s natural assets to enhance communities and make them better places to live, work and play, and to ensure that proper land use and neighborhood revitalization strategies are put in place.

The initial “issue buckets” defined for the board include public safety, recreation and parks, modern infrastructure, job growth and retention, children and youth, and arts and culture. The Board held its first meeting on July 30 at the Governor’s Residence.

Fontana Appointed to Governor’s Advisory Council on Community

Development

PDC Executive Director Bill Fontana has been appointed to serve on Governor Tom Wolf ’s Advisory Board on Community Development. Fontana was nominated by Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources Secretary, Cindy Dunn. Fontana is not the only person on the board with a connection

to PDC. Past PDC chairperson Jane Conover, the CEO and President of the York County Community Foundation, also has a seat on the Advisory Board.

PENNSYLVANIA DOWNTOWN CENTER’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 7

As someone with a passion for public service and for my home state, developing a career in economic, workforce, and community development has been a rewarding and challenging endeavor. In joining the team at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, I hope to bring a unique perspective and a great deal of enthusiasm to the work I will be doing everyday in support of communities and regions across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania has amazing natural beauty, an incredible history, and a population full of individuals who are industrious, creative, and passionately committed to civic engagement. Having spent time working with economic developers around the state, I have been very fortunate to learn from the very best and brightest minds. We are at a moment of great opportunity to bring together the best practices and ideas from the pillars of growth (education along with economic, community, and workforce development) in a new and exciting way that can pay tremendous dividends for our communities and our state for decades to come.

From my experience and professional development thus far, I see breaking down the silos that have kept economic and community development apart in the minds of many for so long as paramount to building a model of sustainability and prosperity. Targeted community development initiatives in commercial and residential districts combined with project-based economic development asset investments (industrial parks, infrastructure, building revitalization, etc.) are the building blocks of successful and sustainable long

term strategies. Augmenting civic and economic improvements with workforce development strategies and educational initiatives that address both the current and forecasted needs of a community, county, or region turn the possibilities for future growth into reality.

While there is no “silver bullet” to act as a panacea for the concerns of a community, what each community does have before it is the opportunity to find a path towards continued prosperity and growth. Critical to

any successful strategy is bringing together stakeholders to share and build upon a common purpose. The expertise of so many within communities and regions often goes untapped; engendering a spirit of civic engagement amongst our neighbors and fellow citizens can go a long way towards developing the achievable goals that become success stories. Building constituencies that share a common vision is never

easy work, but it is amongst the most rewarding work that any of us can do in the place or places that we love and call home. I hope to get to know all of you better soon and to see all the wonderful work that is being done in your community. Most of all, I look forward to working with all of you and being a valuable asset in your work to make your town a better place.

PDC WelcomesDave Zellers

Field Services Specialist

Dave zellersField Services SpecialistPennsylvania Downtown Centerdavidzellers@padowntown.org

FALL 20158

The Man Behind the Many Phases of Lewistown’s Success

by Stefan Klosowski

PENNSYLVANIA DOWNTOWN CENTER’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 9

Mr. Zubler’s role as Executive Director of Downtown Lewistown, Inc. began in August 2000. Before that he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce in Danville and was employed by the SEDA-COG Community Resource Center providing outreach and downtown organizational development assistance to communities throughout Central PA and the Northern Tier. He initially worked with Lewistown at SEDA-COG providing technical assistance to their downtown effort. These early interactions led to SEDA-COG working with Lewistown to establish a “charter” plan for downtown development which helped secure the Main Street designation in early 2000.

Lewistown experienced Urban Renewal in the late 60’s that cleared a section of town providing new opportunities for retail and office uses and into the early 70’s following Hurricane Agnes’ devastation to the community in June of 1972. The

“redevelopment” block still contains one of the only downtown Bon-Ton Department stores in the nation in addition to a former Danks Department store building that has been fully redeveloped into medical, office & educational use. Since these early beginnings, Lewistown has moved from a predominantly retail focused downtown to a mix of human service, education

and office uses intermingled with restaurant and personal service functions.

Jim’s approach has been to assist residents and business owners with physical improvements that help maintain a stable tax base while respecting the character of the subject property. Since the inception, the Design Program has directly provided support to 43 projects in the downtown and neighborhood. The Program is comprehensive and addresses the building envelope in its entirety. Working in conjunction with the Borough Code

Jim Zubler is one of Pennsylvania’s most seasoned Main Street Managers. Jim has been working to change the face of Lewistown for the past fifteen years. He has also been a Main Street Manager in the towns of Towanda

and Honesdale. Jim graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Community Studies and a minor in

Recreation & Parks in 1986. His experience includes writing historic district nominations. He got his first taste of community revitalization

work through an internship and later on an independent study with the Bellefonte Main Street Project.

FALL 201510

Enforcement Office, an inspection is conducted noting any issues of non-compliance or maintenance, and a scope of work developed including any façade renovations. Once the project is complete with all identified issues addressed, it is considered code compliant.

Here are some of the program highlights of the Lewistown Main Street program:

• Former vacant industrial buildings and land were donated to the municipality for the construction of a new street allowing for greater access to the Neighborhood and Regional Recreation Park. • DLI secured federal TEA-21 funding that aided in lighting the new street and other developments. These federal dollars were leveraged with state PA DCNR funds to construct a trailhead parking lot and rehabilitate an abandoned railroad bridge that crosses a creek cutting through the downtown affording pedestrian access to the south end of the Borough. • The Kish Riverwalk Trail Development garnered a Community Planning Award from the Mifflin County Planning Commission in 2008.• The former Hotel Lewistown property was purchased by a private developer and rehabilitated into 20 market rate apartments. DLI worked with the SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation to secure prospects for the conversion of the 5 story hotel to apartments.

The Mann Edge Tool Company ceased operation in the mid-2000’s, furloughing roughly 60 employees. Equipment from the site was shipped to Mexico and the buildings razed with the exception of a vacant warehouse building. The warehouse was purchased by a human service agency with the intent to locate related services together under one roof. The result is the COMPASS center, Community Partners Allied Service System, with six provider agencies currently and a tally of 80 employees. The remainder of the property was vacant until the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation purchased the site. After analysis and testing utilizing funds from the Brownfields Program of the PA Department of Environmental Protection, MCIDC and the SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation began a redevelopment of the site that saw the completion of 31 units of elderly housing in 2012, with another 35 units to come with the recent announcement of available financing from the PA Housing & Finance Agency.

The construction of a community park was recently completed and included the placement of a fountain. Named Fountain

Square Park in recognition of an earlier fountain at the intersection, the Park was dedicated on August 21, 2015. (Photo).

The Park and its amenities is an example of successful local fund-raising that has been a key strength of the organization. Reaching out to families with long standing community ties was a key success in raising funds for the placement of the fountain. With the recent emphasis by the PA Department of Community & Economic Development on sustainability, DLI conducted a “Keystone Campaign” to raise funds locally and has raised $250,000 to date for the five year Keystone Community designation with additional funds promised.

On a more personal note, Jim had grown up on a farm and pursued a vocational-academic course of study in high school. This provided him with both a background and education that reinforces a practical knowledge of “how to fix things”. On a regular basis, this instruction is put to use in the day to day work of implementing a revitalization program.

His avocation is restoring his family farmstead in central Pennsylvania. His sense of appreciation and expertise in historic preservation has facilitated the rehabilitation of an 1820’s

stone farmhouse and an 1883 Pennsylvania bank barn while incorporating renewable energy and conservation improvements. A 10 KW solar array on the roof of the barn, as an example, has generated over 25 Megawatts of power since installation in late summer 2013. Applying this knowledge and passion has also inspired rehabilitation of the 1848 Greek Revival Chapel at the German ancestral cemetery adjoining the Farm. Jim’s home and his work downtown both reflect a sincere appreciation of his historic environment and his agrarian roots to “fix things”, whereby he manifests the true meaning of adaptability and revitalization.

Jim ZublerMain Street Manager Executive DirectorDowntown Lewistown, Inc.152 East Market Street, Suite 109Lewistown, PA 17044jim@downtownlewistown.comwww.downtownlewistown.com(717) 248-9606

PENNSYLVANIA DOWNTOWN CENTER’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 11

FALL 201512

Summer 2015 has been a very busy time for Clearfield Borough and the Clearfield Revitalization Corporation – Main Street Program. Two high profile construction projects are underway. The first is a $3 million streetscape project that includes the central business district. New sidewalks, curbing, lighting, street furniture and trees will transform this County Seat community. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the Fall 2015 construction season.

While the downtown is receiving its make-over, just across the river, work has begun on a $2 million Riverwalk project that will bring new vitality to not only Clearfield Borough, but to the entire

region. Several years of planning and property acquisition have lead to this highly anticipated renewal of a former scrap yard. The plans call for the construction of a one-mile Riverwalk loop to connect the Nichols and Market Street Bridges, as well as for a public park at the former Novey Recycling site at the intersection of West Front and West Pine streets. Future plans for this area include the development of a hotel and possible restaurant / brewpub. Local residents and area officials are pleased with the progress of the river walk. The project is also scheduled to be completed in late Fall 2015.

Clearfield Make-Over New Vitality to the Borough, Region

by Rick Viglione

Join Pennsylvania Downtown Center for a series of Community Revitalization Network Meetings throughout the Commonwealth, where professionals passionate

about and invested in community revitalization can convene to discuss how they can collectively and efficiently better serve their communities.

Find a meeting near you and register today!

Thank you to Derck & Edson for co-sponsoring our Community Revitalization Networking Meetings.

Meetings hosted from 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration required. No fee to attend. Leadership Forums for Designated and Recognized Program Volunteers hosted from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00

p.m. Registration required. No fee to attend.

FALL 201514

14

“…because it keeps us connected,” from Miss Ruby and her daddy, Rian.

Even having attended many state and annual conferences throughout the country since 1985, I'm still always impressed at the high

quality of the educational sessions and presentations at the PDC Annual Conference. I always return to West Chester with relevant

information that's applicable to our downtown situation and refreshed by the break I spend with friends and peers.

- Malcolm Johnstone, West Chester BID

ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCEOrganizational Partnership Bradford Main Street, BACC Downtown Partnership Projects PROMOTIONS & MARKETING AWARDSImage & ID Erie Downtown Partnership, Enjoy Downtown Erie

Special or Neighborhood EventsManheim Downtown Development, Rock ‘n Glow 5k & after party ASSET ENHANCEMENT AWARDBradford Elm Street – Pearl & School Street TownhomesWaynesboro, Destination ARTS!

ANCHOR BUILDING AWARDQuakertown Alive!, “Best Made Center” SAFE CLEAN GREEN: CLEANLINESS Manheim Downtown Development Group, Cigarette Litter Prevention Program VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Building a Better Boyertown, Shannon Anthony (Oktoberfest) CHAIRMAN’S AWARD FOR YOUTH INVOLVMENTRobert J. Miller, Boy Scout Troop 99 – Gazebo Improvements Market St., Manheim

2015 Townie Award Winners

Congratulations (and a free conference registration!) went to the Easton Main Street Initiative for their entry in PDC's 2015 "Show the Love" Valentine's Day campaign. Says Kim Kmetz, Main Street Manager: "Thank you for giving us this opportunity. It was a great community building promotion." What did the winners have to say about why they love their town?

by Julie Fitzpatrick

PENNSYLVANIA DOWNTOWN CENTER’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 17

W hether you consider yourself a gastrophile, a foodie, or just

appreciate a good burger – food trucks have become all the rage. Nowadays, the trucks with their intricately painted murals or the shiny airstreams are a far cry from the food trucks of yesteryear, both in their style and in their offerings. Street food is nothing new to towns and cities, in fact some of the freshest and most authentic grub can be found along a street corner or near a park benchMany years ago, when I was a student in Philadelphia, food trucks lined the streets of every corner on campus. We had the traditional bagel and coffee truck with the classic blue and white Greek coffee cups and the best egg bagel around. Then there was the gourmet coffee “truck” that wasn’t much more than a guy at a folding table serving up highly caffeinated Americanos to sleepy undergraduates. By the late 1990’s the university eliminated the food trucks, but provided a bricks and mortar location for those who were interested in relocating. Many of the students weren’t fans of this strategy. They eliminated this undeniably unique asset off the streets, their variety of sights and smells that once greeted us between classes were gone – as were the personalities behind every awning. Even the interaction among students shifted, no longer congregating on the lawn and benches around the food trucks, a main component of our third place had left.

Fast forward twenty years, food trucks are back and they are everywhere - well, almost everywhere. We’re still a bit divided on food trucks – some communities have ordinances encouraging and supporting them, while others limit their hours and location.

In York city, food trucks have been embraced, for the most part, with legalizing their presence, even though there is some concern that they detract from the weekday lunch crowds at Central Market. They’re celebrated at their annual Foodstruck: A Food /Truck Party, where forty food carts and trucks take over a city block for a day. In Lancaster, Prince Street Park has become a seasonal, although temporary food truck hub, and soon the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design will host lunchtime events on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lancaster has not been as willing to embrace the trucks on a continual basis, but supports them during special events or with limited hours.

When visiting our City of Brotherly Love, it’s difficult to find a street corner without a food truck or cart. Philadelphia has a food truck of every fusion, flavor, and finding. They line the streets of the neighborhoods during the night markets and of every college campus during the day. They even have their own organization, the Philly Mobile Food Association and a great location resource, Food Truck Philly. And, if you’re in the Iron City, two great links to food trucks like Franktuary or Oh My Grill are:PGH Mobile Food and Made in PGH.

As a business incubator a food truck provides an ideal setting for testing out a new business venture with only a fraction of the costs of a bricks and mortar establishment. It also provides a perfect audience for testing a new concept, a new menu item, or a new ingredient. Because many food trucks lack a permanent address – most food truck businesses stay very connected to their customers via social media, and in turn have the potential for an expanded customer base or trade area. This impermanence allows the food truck to maximize its potential without the constraints of its location. So, is it the reinvented solution to the age old issue of business viability - location, location, location?

Food trucks have similar potential as a pop-up business, as they can be a catalyst to help jump start the revitalization of a downtown and add to the town’s appeal as a destination. They are often considered to be competition to bricks and mortar restaurants and cafés, but they don’t have to be. They could be seen as alternatives, as they appeal to a broad range of users. There are times when we need a quick bite that only a food truck can provide, but sometimes we’re still looking for an experience that only a sit down restaurant provides. There is room for everyone. Welcome food trucks.

DIXON UNIVERSITY CENTER2986 North Second Street, Harrisburg Register online today at padowntown.org

THE THINK TANK DISCUSSION IS THE FIRST EVENT TO KICK-OFF OUR 2015-2016 THEME OF RE-IMAGINING

ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING, CULMINATING WITH OUR CONFERENCE IN JUNE 2016. THE THINK TANK DISCUSSION

WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 26TH, 2015 FROM 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. AT THE DIXON UNIVERSITY CENTER,

2986 NORTH SECOND STREET, HARRISBURG.

$25 PDC MEMBERS / $50 NON-MEMBERS