Empty storefronts: 'get bold'

Members of the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce heard a presentation by John Wright, executive director of the Potter County Redevelopment Authority, on economic development issues during Tuesday's monthly membership meeting at the Hotel Crittenden.

Wright said public/private partnerships are an important component of planned business growth in communities affected by job losses and other economic setbacks. He advocated an aggressive approach in what is becoming an increasingly competitive search for public funding.

"Realistically, in a town like Coudersport where about one-third of the downtown storefronts are empty, the time has come for some bold moves," Wright told Endeavor News.

Businesses are increasingly looking for incentives to start up or relocate in a rural area, he added, and those communities that can offer the most appealing packages will be the winners.

In other action Tuesday, a Chamber committee tallied results from the recent election of officers, which concluded this week. Four members were chosen for the organization's board of directors, with their terms beginning in January.

Incumbent Paul Heimel (Endeavor Media) was re-elected. Newcomers to the board are Alanna Huck (Coudersport Area High School Principal), Mark Moore (Morgan AM&T) and Gerry Montgomery (retired).

They'll join the following board members whose terms continue in 2007: Mike Harris (president), Doug Morley (treasurer), Jole'e Mack, Stan Swank and Dolores Gartside.

Huck, Moore and Montgomery are filling the seats being vacated by Jeff Miller, Rick Weaver and Jerry Schreffler at the end of the year.