January 2008 - Posts

• Notes from Steering Committee Discussions

  Technology and Innovation Group Discussion What do you think is the best approach for promoting new technological innovations? What support should be provided for local innovators and entrepreneurs?      Technology             /\           /    \         /       \ Talent ------ Capitol Technology – From existing companies Talent – Innovation, Workforce, U. Pitt, R&D Capitol – Pre-seed -> Venture Capitol -> Expansion Capitol      Need Attraction Strategy UPB – Entrepreneurship Program – Missing Engineering UPB Initiative – Scarnatti Support Not have 2 year tech associate program BASD – 2008 – Pre-engineering program Mechanical Engineering – 4 year      Energy and Manufacturing Difficult to recruit engineers to region – need attraction strategy Workforce education and development program      Respond quickly Great supportive community – incubation, networking, clearinghouse Need to provide opportunities Angel Investing – Asset statistics good Infrastructure support needed Changing workstyles      Tech commutes, high speed internet access      Need FIOS Advanced Manufacturing Technology – support strong local manufacturing sector Consortium of local industries with UPB BRMC – significant tech needs     Technology services to support BRMC UPB     Workforce Development     Innovation Engine Energy Institute – alternative technologies Leverage Energy Wealth – Diversify Tech development – tertiary recovery Downtown Aesthetics and Gateways Group Discussion What do you think are the critical priorities in improving the downtown and gateways? Where should we focus our effort? Common Themes – Tree planting, Greenspace, Signage, Parking Clean-up, Lighting, Public Transit (bike racks, bike access, bus shelter) Gateway – Foreman Street -> Elm Street Foreman -> Davis, Boyleston, Main,      Elm        |                           |             |            |    Davis                    Davis     E Main     Davis Issues: RR along Davis Street Ownership of roads – Main:Davis = PennDOT TOPS Market Best Western Triangle at Foreman Street Wayfinding Signage – develop and review Geren Spaces, sidewalks, trails Parking NOT an issue Traffic flow to attractions       Trails, Zippo, UPB, BRMC, State Park, ANF, Historic District Veteran’s Square Issues: Building Owners Ownership of roadways Traffic patterns Stream Development Issues: Army Corp. of Engineers Floor Control Fish and boat Cost Land Campus Drive Issues: Greenspace Ownership Gateway Traffic patterns – public transportation Students living off campus Retail connection Campus growth Elevator Concept Pine/Main Chestnut/Main Ownership   Retail Group Discussion Which retail gaps do you think are most critical or are most likely to be addressed in downtown Bradford? What course of action would you suggest to meet this goal? 1 – Need to look at socio-economic issues within community 2 – Look at retailers, which will thrive 3 – May be tough to attract national chains Most critical retail gaps Building Materials Electronics Food service Sporting goods Home furnishings What is the best fit for downtown Sporting goods Music and bookstore Food service Encourage local entrepreneur and investment Need to develop property (location?) Develop recruitment strategy for select national retailers West Washington Street – possible commercial corridor (traffic pattern may need to be altered) Look at former Bovaird property for possible commercial development (is unsightly) Recruit restaurants like Spaghetti Warehouse – develop restaurant district Identify different customer bases Examples – students, local residents, Tourists/regional residents Recruit smaller sporting goods retailer – blend into historic district or small development area Maybe Old Navy Gateway community Course of Action 1 – Identify needs of different sectors – students, tourism, local 2 – Develop recruitment strategy for smaller national and regional retailers 3 – Determine location – existing buildings or develop new property for development 4 – Set up system (shared expenses) to attract new businesses Posted Jan 08 2008, 02:37 PM by Amy Maceyko with no comments Filed under: Sub-Committees, Meeting Minutes, Discussion

• Notes from Retail Discussions

  Economic Planning Subcommittee and Downtown Strategy & Regional Business Subcommittee Break-out small group discussion Which retail opportunities do you think are the best fit for 1. Main Street? 2. East Main Street? 3. Foster Brook/Bradford Mall? How do you think retail vendors should be attracted? -------------------------------------  Retail Discussion – Group #1 Retail opportunities 1 – Bookstores featuring college and high school appropriate material plus coffee shop on small scale. 2 – Micro-brewery, specialty food retailers 3 – General merchandise store featuring American made products 4 – Sporting goods 5 – Diverse clothing stores 6 – Hotel and lodging 7 – Places to eat and gather 8 – Electronics/small appliances 9 – Hobby and/or craft supply store 10 – Hardware / building materials / paint 11 – Winery   Retail Discussion – Group #2 Food Service – Restaurants -Destination and unique places -Ramada and Marriott – this is a college town -Control design specs on new stores -Sporting goods – smaller claims, relate to trails -Use Bradford Armory -Book store -Another drug store? -Furniture -Appliances -Home accessories -Clothing – Old Nacy -Whole Foods -College oriented retail -Party place – banquet facility How to attract? How to encourage expansion? -Attitude improvement – Ambassador’s program -Identity – personal contact ----must be driven by personal champion ----marketing orientation ----recruitment program -Merchandising – service attitude -Tax break – loan programs -Training – lecture program, merchandising ----1-stop center for training, etc. Nice bar – lounge John Williams! BYOB places Garden clubs – for green areas Retail Discussion – Group #3 How should retail vendors be attracted? 1 – Prepare marketing and recruitment strategy 2 – Identify existing or property for new development. New to recruit or start up new retail business 3 – Work with existing retailers to transition into new business owners 4 – Work with existing retailers to expand existing businesses to fill retail needs 5 – Develop volunteer groups to work with existing businesses 6 – Bring in speakers and professionals to help organize and support retail group. 7 - Start up mentoring program. 8 - Discussion with existing businesses to identify areas of growth and expansion. Build a toolbox for them to use. 9 – Need extensive public relations/marketing plan. Joint marketing. 10 – Need help from business community. Posted Jan 08 2008, 02:18 PM by Amy Maceyko with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Sub-Committees, Meeting Minutes, Discussion