Pottstown Area Industrial Development, Inc.’s (PAID) Public Meeting

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Tonight, in the Hill School library, PAID’s new governing body was introduced to the public.  Jason Bobst, Pottstown Borough Manager and PAID’s first President ran the meeting.

Basically, most of the meeting was taken up with revisiting what has gone on in the past and talking about where we find ourselves today.  Dr. Lindley introduced each board member and gave bullet points about their resume.  There are familiar faces and new faces on the 13 member board.  The skill sets of the new board are very impressive and should lend themselves to the task at hand; making sure Pottstown has a bright future and realizes its potential.

The big news was about the new Executive Director search.  This person will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of PAID and will become the central point of contact for economic development in Pottstown. 

I was relieved to learn that an extensive national search is being conducted.  I had heard rumors that we might be recycling to fill this position.  At this juncture we need the most qualified person possible.  It would in fact be better if this person was not from “around here” and would come to Pottstown with a clean slate and fresh ideas.  It sounds like the board might feel this way also.  Jason told us the job has been posted and we are accepting resumes.

Once a “short list” of candidates emerges, there will be another public part where residents may have the opportunity to hear candidates speak about themselves and the task at hand.  I hope so!

Jason said there will be four committees within PAID that will be working on specific tasks.  It will be easier to get the smaller committees together than all 13 board members.  The committees are marketing/visioning, infrastructure, business and grants/funding.  PAID will also be looking for a long-term funding source to make sure the organization is self-sufficient.

We currently have a consultant who is working with PAID until the new Director is hired.  We are not fiddling while Rome burns. 

A new spirit of cooperation and coordination will hopefully develop from this venture.  Pottstown is looking to work with regional and state entities for economic development purposes and marketing.  It is hoped that all the factions in Pottstown can finally come together with a unity of vision and purpose.

Jason said one thing Pottstown needs to improve upon is showcasing its successes.  I totally agree with that statement.  We tend to be our own worst enemy when it comes to civic pride.  We need to market, market, market this town, put our best foot forward and smile the whole time!  We might have better luck attracting people and business if were positive about POTTSTOWN!  What a radical idea.

The meeting was opened up to questions. 

Tom Carroll (Schuylkill River Heritage Trail) stated he was concerned there was no representation from MCCC on the board.  Tom pointed out the importance of the West Campus to Pottstown and that we should leverage our relationship with MCCC to help achieve mutually beneficial successes.  It was pointed out that while MCCC is not now represented on the board, there is room to add representation from MCCC down the road.  I hope this happens!

Erika Hornburg-Cooper (Galley School) brought up the arts component in revitalization.  The board is definitely aware how important arts and culture are to revitalization, quality of life issues and attracting residents.

Another member of the audience asked about the involvement of the Pottsgroves and Coventries.  The answer is we are concentrating on the borough first and then a more regional focus will naturally evolve.  I am glad we are concentrating on Pottstown first, for once!

I realize this has taken longer to carry out than many of us were hoping, however it does sound like a great deal of planning and thought have gone into assembling a board and getting a good cross-section of community representation.  At last, the Executive Director position is being advertised.  It would seem we are now on our way.  We wish PAID much success with the task at hand.  We will be watching and reporting.

PAID will be using the 2008 Pottstown Economic Development Strategic Plan and the 2009 ULI report to set priorities.

2008 Pottstown Economic Development Strategic Plan:  http://www.pottstown.org/PDF/EconomicDevelopmentStrategicPlan.pdf

2009 ULI Report:

http://www.uli.org/CommunityBuilding/AdvisoryService/~/media/CommunityBuilding/AdvisoryServices/PowerPoints/Pottstown%20%20PA%20October%202009.ashx

Here is the job description for the Executive Director:

http://www.pottstown.org/PDF/employment/job-executive-director-2011-04-27.pdf

Casey Abrams Sent Packing On American Idol Results Night

I think the eccentricities and the “growling” were a distraction for viewers and failed to bring Casey the support he needed to go further in the competition.  I cannot say I am surprised by this as Casey is not mainstream enough to be the next American Idol.

Song choice is always important.  Casey tended to pick obscure songs that viewers could not relate to.  Of all the material from Carol King week to choose from; case in point.

Farewell Casey.  You are a talented musician and hopefully will find your niche in jazz.

American Idol Top Six Performances

Last night, the top six American Idol hopefuls pulled out all the stops.  While some performances were better than others, all were very good.  I loved the Carol King night theme!

Randy said James was “in it to win it” and went as far as saying he thinks James might be the next American Idol.  James’ performance was excellent as always.  Jennifer praised James for his consistency, week after week.  Consistency is the name of the game.  James also has a great knack for song selection.  He always picks songs that emphasis his considerable talent.  It was the stand out performance of the night.

Sadly, someone will go home this evening.  However, it will not be for lack of effort on anyone’s part.  We congratulate all six contestants for an evening of great performances.

Let’s Talk – Pottstown Community Meeting On April 28th

Genesis Housing Corporation, a 501(c)3  non-profit corporation, will hold a Community Meeting on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. at the Ricketts Center, 640 Beech Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.  Community members will be asked for their ideas for a new mural at the Chestnut Street Park and to help to set priorities and develop future projects.  An update on Washington Street neighborhood projects including the new community garden will be discussed.  Information on the Science in the Park event and other upcoming events will be provided.  Community concerns about this area and other sections of the Pottstown will be explored with the hope of setting priorities for future projects.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the proposed mural in the Washington St. neighborhood will speak volumes on the tenacity and determination driving the revitalization of Pottstown.  Genesis Housing Corporation, The Gallery on High and Citizens for Pottstown’s Revitalization are in collaboration to develop a mural at the park located at Washington and Chestnut Streets.  The artistic coordinators, Cathy Paretti and Erika Hornburg-Cooper of the Gallery on High have selected Robert Louis Williams, an accomplished local artist to design and create the proposed park mural.  Let’s talk about the different types of murals and what this mural should look like – this is the chance for your input.

Judith Memberg, Executive Director of Genesis Housing Corporation, will provide an update on their Washington Street neighborhood housing developments including the rehabilitation of vacant properties for new home buyers and the homeowner rehab programs.  Information about the Pottstown Homeowner Rehab Program will be provided.

Genesis Housing Corporation serves Montgomery County as a non-profit community development organization and is dedicated to the development of affordable housing and to the education of consumers on housing and financial issues.  Genesis Housing Corporation has worked with government agencies, other non-profit agencies and private housing developers to create affordable housing.  Genesis Housing Corporation is certified for counseling for FannieMae, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), PA Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and many banks and local government programs.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.genesishousing.org or call 610-275-4357.

Exxon Reaps Record Setting Profits For First Quarter

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This is a big part of the problem with the economy.  Companies like Exxon are profiting on the backs of our economic recovery.  High gas prices have increased the cost of most items and taken a huge chunk out of the average American’s discretionary income.  Discretionary income is what American’s have to spend after paying taxes and bills.  Less discretionary income means people shop less, eat out less, take fewer trips, and cut back overall to close the ever-widening gap caused by rising gasoline prices.

So Exxon comes along and announces they made almost $11 billion dollars in profits for the first quarter after we just learned that economic growth was stunted, in part, from high gas prices.  I am not advocating a departure from capitalism, however in light of the recent economic downturn; maybe these behemoth companies might make a little less profit so the economy can recover!

What I find hysterical is that Exxon officials know this news will “P-O” the public and are wondering how to “spin” the negative effects of their greed.  You deserve all the negative publicity you get!

Economic Growth Slowed In First Quarter

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High gas prices, bad weather, the housing slump and a myriad of other problems kept economic growth at bay for the first quarter of 2011.  The U.S. economy only grew by 1.8% during the first quarter of 2011 as opposed to a growth rate around 3% for the fourth quarter of 2010.

Experts say this is “temporary” and we should expect to see economic growth at 3% for the rest of the year.  Experts are also saying gas prices should stabilize, but gas prices have gone up .30 cents since the end of the first quarter.  The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.88 as of today.

What can we do?  Cut back unnecessary spending and hope for the best.

I can say from personal experience, at least around Pottstown, that people were out in force shopping for Easter.  Shopping centers, malls, grocery stores and restaurants benefitted from the spring holiday.  One local store said their sales were at Christmas levels over the Easter weekend.