Pennsylvania Main Street Program Wins Award in National Main Street Center Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – APRIL 19, 2021
American Express’ Shop Small ‘Order In, Help Out’ Innovation Challenge honored efforts to support restaurants during the pandemic.
Harrisburg, PA – April 19, 2021 – The Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) was awarded third place in the nation for the Shop Small ‘Order In, Help Out’ Innovation Challenge by American Express and the National Main Street Center. The challenge focused on efforts to promote local dining and encourage curbside pick-ups to support local restaurants. The recognition comes with a monetary award and Easton Main Street Initiative (EMSI) Manager Kim Kmetz was a featured speaker at the recent Main Street Now national conference.
“This is the first time in 15 years that Easton Main Street Initiative has earned a national recognition and I couldn’t be prouder!” Kmetz says. “Our outreach and campaigns these last 13 months have really been a team effort across all the programs of GEDP, and really reflect the passion and creativity of our team.” Since March 2020, GEDP programs including Easton Farmers’ Market, EMSI, Easton Public Market, West Ward Community Initiative, Easton Ambassadors, Easton Garden Works, and Special Events &
Promotions have been working to support local businesses as they struggled through shutdowns, limited capacity, recovery and reopening.
“I’m proud of the work our team has done these last 13 months,” said Jared Mast, Executive Director-GEDP. “We’re a small, but determined, nonprofit. We take our mission seriously — nurturing Easton’s economic well-being and cultural vibrancy — and work to do all we can to support our community.”
“Congratulations on this recognition,” said Julie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Downtown Center. “Easton has been responsive to the needs of their businesses prior to the pandemic, and evermore so since the pandemic. With the vast array of initiatives such as the SupportEaston.com – a fundraising and awareness campaign; #CurbsideFirst – encouraging purchasing directly from local restaurants; #TheNewWeekend – encouraging mid-week dining and take-out; and #FeastinInEaston – featuring restaurants in all four neighborhoods, GEDP is an innovative and resourceful leader in Easton.”
ABOUT: GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on Easton’s economic well-being, historical integrity, programmatic development, vibrant culture and hospitality. For more information, contact Executive Director Jared Mast at 610-250-2078 or jared@eastonpartnership.org. Visit online at EastonPartnership.org.
For more information on the concept of community revitalization, visit PDC’s website. For more information about designated Main Street or Elm Street programs, nationally accredited communities, or how PDC can help you make your town a better place, contact Maria Wherley at (717) 870-9334 or email here.
ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA DOWNTOWN CENTER
Founded in 1987, the mission of Pennsylvania Downtown Center is to build and support the capacity of local nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and individuals to enhance the overall well-being and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s core communities. PDC accomplishes this mission by engaging and educating local community leaders and volunteers, to advance the sense of place, quality of life and economic vitality of the Commonwealth’s downtowns, traditional neighborhood business districts and nearby residential areas. For more information about designated Main Street or Elm Street programs or nationally accredited communities, contact Maria Wherley at (717) 870-9334 or email here.
