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
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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
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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