Press Release Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 9, 2009

For More Information Contact
Christine Vilardo
The Ardmore Initiative
610-645-0540
Christine@theardmoreinitiative.org

Ardmore Initiative Receives Two Grants for Enhanced Business District Marketing and Streetscape Improvements

Ardmore, PA —Despite the current economic challenges, there is very good news for Ardmore's merchants and the general community. The Ardmore Initiative (A.I.) is proud to announce it has received two important economic development grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (D.C.E.D.). The first, a New Communities Grant for $100,000, is to assist the Initiative with Marketing Outreach and Streetscape Improvements, and to continue the Facade Renovation Grant Program. The second is a Community Revitalization grant for $10,000 which will be used for Streetscape enhancements.

"We are very pleased that that D.C.E.D. recognizes the hard work our organization is doing on behalf of Ardmore's business district." says attorney Mike Silver, Ardmore Initiative Chair. "Competition for these grants was exceedingly strong. We are pleased that the Department has acknowledged Ardmore's commercial importance to the Township, the County, and the Commonwealth."

"In this year's economic climate we feel it is not just important, but vital, to support our downtown merchants with increased marketing efforts", says Christine Vilardo, the A.I.'s Executive Director. "These efforts include weekly ads in our local Main Line Times, an upcoming Ardmore Community Spotlight publication of Main Line Today magazine and participation in the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau 'Towns of Philadelphia and the Countryside.' We are planning significant enhancements to our web site in order to increase its user-friendliness and functionality, and we are working with the Ardmore Business Association to provide an electronic presence for every merchant in our district".

"There is an expanded emphasis on special events, which will draw crowds to the shopping district. These include Ardmore Blossoms, slated for the first Saturday in June, and "A Taste of Ardmore" in October, as well as direct support for the very popular First Friday Main Line events. We have engaged marketing consultant Jim Shulman of Marketing Results to assist us with these programs and more, including enhanced participation with social networking sites, updated promotional materials for the business district, and the beginning of a hometown viral video program intended to help publicize the diversity and expertise of our merchants.

"The Ardmore Initiative is also responsible for such streetscape amenities as sidewalk cleaning, holiday and branding lighting (the distinctive Ardmore 'As' on poles along Lancaster and Rittenhouse Aves.), downtown beautification, benches, waste receptacles and other key improvements. We are actively working on increasing parking signage and bike hitches. In the near future, shopping directory kiosks will be placed at strategic downtown locations. The DCED funds will help us to reach more of these goals."

Mike Silver adds, "The Facade Grant program is very popular. It allows us to reimburse merchants 50% of the costs of approved facade renovations. We are proud to support those business and property owners who are making an effort to improve their property--and the overall look of our town."

This good news could only be improved with one more addition: YOU! Please visit the easily walkable Ardmore business district, while you enjoy Ardmore's special events throughout the year. For business owners who desire additional information on Facade Grants, or wish to participate in the Initiative's marketing and streetscape efforts, please contact Christine Vilardo at Christine@ardmoreinitiative.org. For all, please visit the A.I. website at www.ardmoreinitiative.org

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