A focus on the - Erie Downtown Partnership

A focus on the
Future
2015 ANNUAL REPORT
OUR MISSION
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Erie Downtown Partnership is a non-profit membership organization
created to revitalize Downtown by improving its image, business climate,
physical environment, and design. Based on the National Main Street Model,
the Partnership—one of more than 800 improvement districts in the United
States—addresses three specific downtown concerns: Economic Restructuring,
Design, and Special Events.
TIM WACHTER, ESQ.
The Knox Law Firm,
Board President
DAVID SHERMAN
Owner, Isaac Baker Menswear,
Board Vice President
CHUCK SCALISE
OUR HISTORY
Positive change requires collective action. That principle motivated the 2004
creation of the Downtown Improvement District by more than 500 merchants,
property owners, businesses and organizations dedicated to the renewal of
Erie’s historic and economically vital central business district. Now known as
the Erie Downtown Partnership, the organization is an agent of change in the
area bounded by Presque Isle Bay to the north, the 14th Street railway bridge
to the south, and stretching from Sassafras to Holland Streets. Stakeholders
within this area have been empowered to determine effective methods—in
services provided, initiatives begun, and projects to be carried out—to increase
downtown vibrancy.
Property owners within the designated area contribute to the organization
according to an assessment formula based on the value of land and buildings,
all with the coherent and single-minded goal of making Downtown Erie a
better place to live, work, visit, shop, learn, play and do business. In addition
to supporting property owners and helping to grow our business community,
the Erie Downtown Partnership assists in ensuring that our Downtown is clean,
attractive and welcoming to our guests.
President, H.A.N.D.S, Board Treasurer
KEITH TAYLOR, PHD
President, Gannon University
represented by Erika Ramalho,
Board Secretary
THOMAS “TIPPY” DWORZANSKI
Owner, Sherlock’s/Park Place
RAY MASSING
Executive Director, Erie Parking Authority
AMANDA BROWN-SISSEM
Executive Director, Erie Arts & Culture
RAY MOLUSKI
Vice President General Services,
UPMC Hamot Medical Center
SHAWNTA PULLIAM
Executive Director, Nurturing Hearts
JOSEPH SINNOTT, ESQ.
MARCI HONARD
Mayor, City of Erie represented by Kim Green
Owner, Calamari’s Squid Row
GEORGE WILLIS, PE
WILLIAM J. MATROGRAN, CIC, AIC, AIS
Senior Vice President and Office Manager,
Urban Engineers
Vice President, Construction Management
& Operations, Corporate Services Division,
Erie Insurance Group
OUR STAFF
Chief Executive Officer
Assistant Director
Accountant
21%
JOHN BUCHNA
CHRISTINA KATEN
KELLY HILLING
Maintenance Technician
GARY GEISLER
Maintenance Technician
DAVID LITTLE
MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
While we celebrated many successes and implemented many new initiatives,
we never lost focus of our ultimate goal: to construct a viable strategy for
downtown growth and development that will take Erie to remarkable
new heights.
As a non-profit entity, public and private sector participation has been key in
helping us establish a new vision for the Downtown region. I want to personally
thank all of you who have selflessly and generously offered your time, your
energy and your expertise.
Although 2015 set the stage for the Downtown Master Plan development, it also
was a banner year for progress throughout Downtown Erie. The continuation
of the Security Camera Grant program and Facade Grant Program—as well as
the introduction of new business and marketing services—positions us well for
future endeavors and is certain to have a positive impact on our community for
decades to come.
Highly successful, community centric events such as the Downtown Block
Parties and Downtown d’Lights also continued in 2015. These annual crowd
favorites serve as wonderful momentum builders as we work tirelessly to ensure
Downtown Erie remains a dynamic, welcoming destination for us all.
The future of Erie starts downtown. Together, we can take a vital step forward.
2015
Program
Expenses
FINANCIALS
20%
Administrative
s
se
as
It was a year dedicated to collaborative planning, to thinking well beyond the
short term, to investing heavily in our future.
59%
No
Without question, 2015 was a pivotal year of change at the Erie Downtown
Partnership—and our community as a whole.
Core Services
sm
en
td
o ll
ars
go to
ru
s.
nning event
Investing in the future.
Developing
a vibrant
Downtown.
Positive change. It’s what defines the Erie Downtown Partnership
as we concentrate our long-term efforts on the revitalization of
Downtown Erie. By improving its image, business climate, physical
environment and design, we aim to create a safe, thriving Downtown
region that appeals to businesses, tourists and residents alike—and
ultimately benefits our entire community.
In 2015, the Erie Downtown Partnership began constructing the
framework of a new Downtown Master Plan. This major initiative is
poised to bolster continued development throughout the Downtown
district and help aid economic growth and revitalization endeavors
well into the future.
Today we are introducing the Downtown Master Plan, which, in part,
will designate four new themed districts in Downtown Erie true to
their history, natural assets and existing resources. Identifying the
four districts and defining objectives and strategies specific for each
district will simplify the continuing revitalization process by making
each district unique, distinct and recognizable to the public.
Once adopted, the Downtown Master Plan will help generate interest,
create energy and improve the overall experience of Downtown Erie
as our city, business and community leaders work together to create
exciting new economic and cultural opportunities.
2015
Developmental highlights
Coinciding with the development of the Downtown Master Plan,
2015 ushered in a new era for the Erie Downtown Partnership
and effectively set the stage for greater things to come:
Introduced the
Security Camera Grant Program
Co-op Television Campaign
We created a new co-op television
Introduction of the
Cultural Loop Trolley Service
Piloted by the Erie Downtown Partnership,
Erie Arts & Culture and the Erie Metropolitan
Transit Authority, this new program provides
visitors with shuttle rides from the Erie
We continued our 10-year tradition of hosting
Intermodal Center to downtown
10 downtown summer block parties that
cultural events and restaurants.
earned local charities a record $58,576.
Our 10th annual holiday program featured
more than 750,000 lights in West Perry
Façade Grants
We awarded a total of six $2,000 grants to
advertising campaign that promoted
Square and part of East Perry Square. The
We offered another round of grants to assist
local businesses to help cover the costs of
downtown businesses, restaurants as well
celebration marked the first official event at
downtown establishments in making much
exterior security cameras.
as entertainment and sporting events.
the new multi-use pavilion along State Street.
needed façade improvements.
Marketing Excellence
Introduced the
Downtown Foodhub
Hello Downtown Mobile App
We received several awards recognizing our
We developed the new app in cooperation
awards included a Gold Niagara Award, Best
efforts to promote Downtown Erie. These
We continued our research into the
with VisitErie which allows users to quickly
development of a market area meant to
and easily self-navigate the entire district and
A segment was produced featuring
of America N/W Chapter, a Gold ADDY®
provide fresh, healthy foods year-round to
provides an in-depth, 24-7 guide to everything
Downtown Erie and provided a virtual “boots
and a Townie Award from the Pennsylvania
Downtown Erie residents.
Downtown Erie has to offer.
on the ground” Downtown experience.
Downtown Center (PDC).
of Show from the Public Relations Society
2015 MEMBERS
1031 State Street, LLC
1201 Kitchen
12th & State, LLC
1839 Realty
715 Investors
814 Pub & Grille
ACES (Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System)
Advanced Window’s & Siding
Altair Real Estate Management
Amelia’s
American Surplus
Anchor Marine, Ltd.
Angelo’s Beauty Supply
Arby’s
Arena Sports Bar
Asian & Sushi Cuisine
Attorneys Amoriello, Schroeder
and Mansmann Avalon Hotel
Bayfront Gallery
Bayfront Grille
Bayside Pharmacy
Benjamin’s
Bertrand’s Bistro
Blasco Library
Boardwalk Complex
Boston Store
Bourbon Barrel
Box of Light Studios
Brewerie at Union Station
Brightstar Healthcare
Calamari’s Squid Row
Cappabianca Travel
Casablanca Hookah Lounge
Casablanca Sandwich Express
Catfish Kitchen
Cathedral Center
Cathedral of St. Paul
CATV
Charisma Salon
Cherish Boutique
Chido’s Cleaners
Citizen’s Bank
City of Erie
Cleckley’s Barber Shop
Cloud 9 Wine Bar & Tapas
Community Health Net
Connoisseur Media
Conrail Erie Federal Credit Union
Cove
Crowner Architects
D’ Denniston Gallery of Fine Art
Dafmark Dance Theartre
Dewy’s
Docksider’s
Dollar General
Dominick’s Eatery
Downtown Deli
Early Connections
El Amigos
Elderkin Law Firm
Epic Web Studios
Erie Ale House
Erie Art Museum
Erie Arts & Culture
Erie BayHawks
Erie City Mission
Erie Club
Erie Community Credit Union
Erie Community Foundation
Erie County Historical Society
Erie County Mental Health
Erie County Public Library
Erie County Recycling Program
Erie Events
Erie Explosion
Erie Federal Credit Union
Erie General Tire
Erie Instant Print
Erie Insurance Group
Erie Maritime Museum
Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority
Erie Multimedia
Erie Otters
Erie Parking Authority
Erie Philharmonic
Erie Playhouse
Erie Port Authority
Erie Promotions & Expos Inc.
Erie Seawolves
ERIEBANK
ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum
Fainstein Photography
Family Dollar
Fast Signs
First Amendment Tees
First National Bank
First United Methodist Church
Fisher Jewelers
Flagship Niagara League
Franco’s Café
Fred’s Furniture
Gannon Small Business Development Center
Gannon University
Gaudenzia Erie
GECAC
Gem City Elks
George Carroll House
Glass Block Specialties by Bruno
Glass Growers Gallery
Golf Revolution
Grace Fellowship Church
Great Lakes Institute of Technology
Griswold Enterprises
H.A.N.D.S
Hagan Business Machines
Happy Garden
Harborview Minature Golf
Hardinger & Clement Opticians
Health South
Hookah Café
Hungry Howie’s Pizza
Impromtu Gift Shop
Initial Broadcasting of Pennslyvania
Isaac Baker Menswear
James Fugate
Jekyll & Hyde’s
Jones School Associates
Jr.’s Last Laugh Comedy Club
Kerr’s Tire Korner
Khao Tai
Kidder Wachter Architecture Firm
Kindercare
Knight’s Club
Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall & Sennett
Lake Erie Ballet
Lakeshore Towing Services
Last Illusions Hair & Make Up
Lavery Brewing
Legacy Financial
LifeWorks Erie
Like My Thai, Inc.
Logistics Plus
Lovell Place
Lucky’s Food Mart
Lund Boat Works
Macdonald Law Offices
Madelene’s Beauty Salon
Magic Cookie Co.
Maritime Museum
Marquette Savings Bank
Mason Jars Company
Masonic Temple
Methodist Towers, Inc.
McCarthy, Martone & Peasley
McCoy’s Barrelhouse & Grill
McDonald’s
Metropolitan Dance Club
Michael’s Hair Salon
Modern Adult
Modern Dental
Modern Tool Reality
Molly Brannigan’s
Monacella Massage
NAMI of Erie County
National Fuel
Niagara Realty, LLC
Nora’s Soaps & Scents
Northwest Savings Bank
Nurturing Hearts
Palace Business Center
Peanut Shoppe
Penn Shore Winery
Pero Realty
Pfeffer Insurance Agency
Plaza 900
Plymouth Tavern
PNC Bank
Potter Silk Screen
Presque Isle Angler Dockside
Preservation Erie
Professional Development Associates
Quantum Balance Erie
Ralph Miller Jewelers
Red Door School Uniforms
Renaissance Center
Richford Arms
Rite Aide Pharmacy
Rose Beauty
Rose Garden Café
Rum Runner’s
Russo’s Barber Shop
Samir’s Market
Sanners Office Supply
Schuster Gallery
Scully’s Pub
Sesler & Sesler
Shawnee Optical & Kidspecs
Shell Gas Station
Sherlock’s/Park Place
Shooting Star Transportation Systems
Signs by Todd
SKS, Inc.
Sluggers Sports Bar
Smugglers Wharf
St Patrick’s Haven
St. Patrick’s Church
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Standard Square
Starbucks
State Street Law Offices
State Street Market
Steve O’s Pizza
Subway
Sumner Building
Sunoco
Taco Bell
Tickle’s Deli
Turnpike Building
UPMC Hamot
Urban Engineers
Urraro Gallery
Victorian Princess
Viva Wraps & Pitas
Warner Theatre
Wendy’s
Ye Old Sweets
YMCA
SPONSORS
STAKEHOLDERS
PARTNERS
140 East 5th Street • Erie, PA 16507 • 814.455.3743
WWW.ERIEDOWNTOWN.COM
/ErieDowntownPartnership
@ERIDTN
@eriedowntown