Economic Development
The Economic Development Committee is charged with the responsibilities to plan and implement that are directly aligned with the Four Point Main Street approach to downtown revitalization and economic restructuring that consists of the following:
- Provide information and business resources for downtown businesses, including informational workshops and print materials.
- Provide assistance in real estate development, particularly blighted and vacant properties, by supplying resources and statistical data, partner coordination and conduct onsite property tours.
- Maintain an inventory of data pertaining to downtown, such as businesses, property owners and vacant properties.
- Assist with the businesses recruitment for available space in downtown DuBois.
- Advocate for downtown DuBois when public funds are available for projects such as streetscape or transportation enhancement.
- Advocate for downtown DuBois businesses for common causes and public policy development, including zoning, signage and land use.
Interested in helping out? Call or email us – manager@downtowndubois.com or 814-371-3064
Beautification and Community Enhancement as a part of the Strategic Goals:
DDRG’S strategic goals tie in some way to parts of all four of our core values. We have developed “Performance Outcomes” related to those core values in which DDRG will deliver a value-add service to the community, and “Performance Means” – what is necessary to achieve the Performance Outcomes. DDRG has structured its core work plan according to these roles, which are organized along committee and Board structure:
The overall goal is to recruit new businesses for downtown vacancies, maintain the vitality of current businesses and amenities and reduce blight, leading to job growth and property value improvement. This goal also addresses the community development by identifying and capitalizing on assets and working to fill identified gaps.
Implementation Goals:
- Facilitate the development of a business recruitment strategy that is pro-active with a distinct protocol for lead generation and management.
- Working with key partners such as the Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce, City of DuBois, Sandy Township, Clearfield County Economic Development Corp., public utilities, etc. Identify business types as targets for recruitment.
- Develop and Return on Investment/Value Statement.
- Take a partnership role in downtown real estate redevelopment of blighted properties. Advocate and help to identify potential projects.
- Working in partnership with the City of DuBois Redevelopment Authority.
- Explore feasibility of a Small Business Incubator in downtown DuBois.
- This would include identification of property, work with property owner, seek public funds if available, recruit small businesses for relocation or establishment at the incubator, and manage this property with a net income goal.
- A potential partner in the project is Penn State Dubois.
- Provide information on tools and/or incentives to promote business growth, business retention, and property management .Expand the boundaries of downtown as the Main Street program requirements are lifted with the end of program designations, bringing services and soliciting the participation of additional downtown DuBois businesses.
- This may include conducting referrals, keeping a current inventory of resources and/or hosting information events.
- Advocate and assist partners who are addressing residential needs in downtown area including residential space in downtown buildings.
- Participate and assist in further efforts toward Elm Street designation.
- Facilitate and participate in larger project-based development projects.
- Bring together key community stakeholders towards the development and execution of a Master Plan for a large project-based development projects.
- Identify critical needs or gaps in community assets and advocate for opportunities to address those.
- i.e., large event space, recreation, and sports.