Schedule
2024 Conference Schedule
Sunday, June 23
12:00-5:00 PM | Registration Desk Open
1:00-4:00 PM | Community Revitalization 101
Bill Arrowood, PDC
This introductory session tailored to volunteers and managers seeking to better understand how to effectively lead a revitalization organization. Topics will include vision and action strategy; approaches to revitalization; fundraising; roles of volunteers and staff; and resources available to support your efforts.
2:00-4:00 | Leadership Forum
Julie Fitzpatrick, PDC, and Debra Thompson, Strategy Solutions
These forums provide local revitalization organizations and municipalities an opportunity to interact with and learn from the staff of PDC and other local revitalization efforts in their communities. Meetings are open to board members and committee chairs of your community’s revitalization organizations. Managers are not permitted to attend the forum.
During this session, Debra Thompson will speak about “10 Board Habits to Kick.” This interactive session offers a provocative look at board behaviors, particularly those “personalities” that show up that stand in the way of good performance. Learn board orientation and onboarding strategies to ensure that board members understand their role(s) and how to support the organization. Learn how to “spot” these challenging behaviors when they do occur and interventions that can help get board engagement and performance on the right track.
1:00-4:00 PM | MOBILE TOUR
Experience the Heritage Rail Trail Communities & Tips to Invest in the Outdoor Economy
Silas Chamberlin, PhD, YCEA, and David Gonzalez, YCEA
Join Explore York, Northern Central Railway, and the York County Economic Alliance to visit communities along the York County Heritage Rail Trail and hear directly from partners on the benefits of efforts to help bolster economic activity in communities in proximity to recreational amenities. The session will show attendees how the potential of the outdoor economy is leveraged to support business growth, improve visitor experiences and the placemaking of communities. The York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) is leading two large initiatives to leverage the outdoor economy as a driver for business growth and community resiliency. Join this session to hear how the YCEA is leading these strategic initiatives that are building the prominence of outdoor assets and how these will lead to economic change.
1:00-4:00 PM | MOBILE BIKE TOUR
Ride the Heritage Rail Trail for Yourself
Sam Pearson, PDC/WalkWorks
The Heritage Rail Trail provides the opportunity to travel by bike from the heart of the city both south and north along Codorus Creek. If you have the time and stamina, you can go all the way to the Maryland line and beyond, some 20 miles, but this group bike ride will be an out and back loop. This group will set out from the Yorktowne Hotel and take the King Street cycletrack to the Heritage Trail. From there we will follow the trail as it leaves from the transit hub where King Street crosses the creek along the gradual decline to the south for a mile or two, to get to the York College connection and see how the rail-with-trail installation is handled. We will then turn around and head back to the center of town and continue north along the more recently developed Northern Extension, a scenic route taking us just under 6 miles through and to several parks. The ride will ultimately cover approximately 20 miles all told. Participants should bring their own bikes, though a limited number of bikes, e-bikes, and an e-trike are available on loan from the PDC’s Micro-Mobility Micro-Fleet.
2:00-4:00 PM | MOBILE WALKING TOUR
Haunted Downtown York Walking Tour
Rissa Miller, Native Yorker & Historian
Thin time isn’t only in autumn, it happens near midsummer as well (June 24). That’s when the spirit world moves closer to the mortal world… Join storyteller and historian Rissa Miller to explore the mysterious side of York’s past and present. Guests will travel by foot from the Yorktowne Hotel to allegedly haunted locations around downtown. Stories include ghosts, poltergeists, fortune tellers, cannibals, witches, urban legends, and cryptids. History will stretch from the days of Natives into the 1970s, so yep, we’ll be talking wars, Underground Railroad, industry, art, murder, and more. There are about 12 stops on the tour, and two allow for seating to rest. Guests will hear about 20 stories and legends.
5:30-9:00 PM | YORK WELCOME EVENT
Murals, Makers, and Merchants: A Tour of Royal Square District, presented by Royal Square Development & Construction
Downtown York’s Royal Square District is full of art, music, and unique shops. This micro-district has undergone revitalization over the last decade to become a vibrant spot in our city. We invite you to tour the spaces that make up our unique neighborhood, build a one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home, visit the recently created Mural Park, learn about the redevelopment process, and end with a networking welcome reception at The Bond’s Royal Square Gardens.
Monday, June 24
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Registration Desk Open
8:00-9:00 AM | WELCOME BREAKFAST
Mayor Michael Helfrich, City of York | YCEA Rep | Julie Fitzpatrick, PDC
9:30-11:45 AM | MOBILE WALKING TOUR
Redevelopment of the Historic York Armory into a Neighborhood Anchor and Community Hub for Families
Jessica Brubaker, ED of Keystone Kidspace
In 2021, Keystone Kidspace completed its redevelopment of the historic York Armory building in Downtown York, PA. The property is now a nonprofit STEAM makerspace for the region’s kids and their grownups, as well as an anchor at the northern gateway to our downtown, a unique third place for area families, and a trusted community partner. The session will provide an overview of how the process unfolded, focusing particularly on financing, design, and construction.
9:30-11:30 AM | MOBILE BUS TOUR
Brownfield Revitalization as a Catalyst for Economic Development in York City
Mark Smith, Element Environmental Solutions, Inc.
Many of York City’s brownfields and redevelopment projects are located downtown and I’ve participated in or led several walking tours and brownfield conferences downtown. This session would highlight several of those projects which range from proposed to completed sites. If this topic is accepted, I would put together a panel of experts from the city and county redevelopment authorities, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, developers, and environmental consultants who have been involved with the projects.
9:30-11:30 AM | CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Why York? How destination marketing has driven tourism for Downtown York & York County (and how you can do the same)
Katie Mahoney, YCEA, Melissa Beaverson, Explore York, and Justine Trucksess, PDC
Learn how Destination Marketing Organizations, Downtown Inc. and Explore York, have created robust marketing campaigns to increase foot traffic in the Downtown and County-wide. This session will outline partnerships local Main Street programs can create between local businesses and the destination marketing organizations that serve their district to produce successful events.
Conflict Management Training Session
Stephanie Fuentes, Connect the Dots and Anneke Kat, Connect the Dots
Building upon the Connect the Dots Guide for Managing Conflict in the Public Participatory Process, this training + exercise session will equip planners who are seeking guidance on approaches to follow before, during, and after public meetings to make them less stressful and more productive for everyone involved. During this workshop, participants will learn about managing conflict, build safety plans for themselves and for teams, and practice these tools by role-playing conflict scenarios.
The Yorktowne Hotel Project Story, Saving a Downtown Anchor
Kim Hogeman, YCEA
The Yorktowne Hotel historic rehabilitation was an uphill battle from the start. It took an entire community pulling together to save this community treasure. This panel discussion will cover the project life-cycle, funding strategies, strategic community partnerships, and some hardships along the way, along with some successes. After the session, attendees are invited to tour the property and hear some behind-the-scene details on the restoration.
How to Complete a DCED Single App and Main Street/Elm Street Designation App
Mandy Book and Christie Yerger, DCED & PDC Staff
During this session you will be guided through the Keystone Communities Main Street, Elm Street & Keystone Community programs – as both a designation and the funding programs associated with it. Learn about the eligibility requirements and benefits of designation, funding opportunities, and an introduction along with “tips and tricks” to the Electronic Single Application (ESA) for the funding process.
12:00-1:30 PM | LUNCH KEYNOTE
Shaylyn Romney Garrett, Author, Speaker, Changemaker
America’s Upswing: How Innovative Towns and Cities Once Led a National Revival, and Can Do It Again
From the invention of free public high schools and publicly-owned utilities to the passage of women’s suffrage and trust-busting legislation, the stories of some of America’s most enduring and impactful reforms began not in the halls of power, but in small towns and cities. During a time of crisis remarkably similar to our own–characterized by unprecedented social isolation, political polarization, economic inequality and cultural narcissism–everyday Americans at the turn of the twentieth century sparked a movement that turned a deep societal downturn into an enduring upswing, moving us toward greater social connectedness, civic engagement, economic equality, and political cooperation than ever before. Drawing upon her award-winning book, The Upswing: How America Came Together A Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again, Shaylyn Romney Garrett paints a sweeping yet remarkably accessible picture of the past 125 years of American history–in which local activists, social entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens played a starring role in reclaiming our nation’s promise. She offers an inspiring, thought-provoking historical perspective that invites local, rural, and small-town innovators to see the outsized significance of their work and leadership.
1:45-3:15 PM | MOBILE WALKING TOUR
Using Augmented Reality to Highlight History, Culture, and Attractions in Your Community
James Andrew Lynch, Vision Solutions AR, Elizabeth Waite and Andrea Ryan, Explore York
Gain a general understanding of Augmented Reality (AR) and learn how Explore York and Vision Solutions worked together to fund and identify sites. Learn how to source custom content for each site and to create interactive, cutting-edge experiences and then how to market the AR experience to bring in visitors to your community.
1:45-3:15 PM | MOBILE WALKING TOUR
Downtown York Architectual Tour
With Blake Gifford | Details coming soon!
1:45-3:00 PM | CONCURRENT SESSIONS
I DIDN’T GO TO SCHOOL FOR THIS: forging your own path in Pennsylvania’s downtowns.
Jane Lawler Smith, Derck & Edson
This session will offer many ways Main Street Managers and others in the business of downtown can enhance their knowledge, fight imposter syndrome, and grow within their role.
Implement a Community Calendar that Doesn’t Suck or Suck the Life Out of You
Brian Ostrovsky, Locable
This is an actionable session designed to revolutionize community calendar management. Drawing from Locable’s playbook & experience, it focuses on creating interactive, engaging calendars that enhance community involvement and simplify management processes. Participants will learn how to overcome common calendar challenges, use automation for efficient management, and utilize supplemental content to boost event visibility. This session will be enriched with successful examples from small to midsized communities which includes benefits to local businesses.
Communicating on Main Street During Times of Crisis
Alex Balloon, Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation
A crisis on Main Street can be overwhelming for an organization. Whether it’s an internal crisis or an external crisis it’s important to be prepared. In this session we will walk through important considerations when drafting a crisis strategy. This will include important board considerations, media techniques, and ways to help frame a response. This session will also highlight a real-world example and how an organization responded to public criticism.
Creating Livable Spaces | Strategies for Public Space Utilization
Ben Levenger, Downtown Redevelopment Services, LLC
Public spaces do not have one purpose; they must be adaptable and easy to use. This requires a detailed level of planning and assessment, helping to forecast current and future needs. As quoted in the documentary “Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” by William Whyte, “public spaces are a mechanism, nothing more and nothing less; they must provide adequate uses for everyone throughout all times of the day.”
The Upswing | A Deeper Dive
Shaylyn Romney Garrett, Author, Speaker, Changemaker
Dig a little deeper into “The Upswing” with keynote Shaylyn Romney Garrett.
3:30-4:15 PM | CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Connecting your Merchants with Capital Opportunities!
Sully Pinos, Bloom Business Empowerment Center, YCEA
Panel discussion from experts on the SSBCI loan program from the perspective of the state, local administrators, and a small business owner.
Sustaining Your Main Street Program in Partnership with Your Municipality
Lindsay Salas, Downtown Bedford, Inc. and Barbara E. Diehl, Bedford Borough Manager
This session will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the merger between Downtown Bedford, Inc. and the Borough of Bedford, with a specific focus on how the collaboration impacts administrative funding. It will shed light on the motivations, processes, benefits, challenges, and opportunities arising from this merger, ultimately encouraging discussion and knowledge sharing among the participants.
Utilizing Social Media as a Function of Merchant Engagement
Hannah Beard, Downtown Inc.
As the Marketing & Merchant Engagement Manager for Downtown Inc., I work to utilize relevant marketing tools as a function to increase our organization’s engagement with the small businesses in our community. This session will share best practices to improve merchant engagement using a variety of social media platforms while sharing examples of initiatives Downtown Inc. has implemented that have increased merchant satisfaction and visitation to Downtown York.
Maintaining Mayberry: How to Identify Economic Facadism and the Gentrification Redevelopment Bubble
Alec Hersh, City Avenue District, Philly
When main streets revitalize, they often rely heavily on tourism, nostalgia, and things that appear quaint/charming. Doing so, however, can create a gentrification bubble that relies on outdated practices and is destined to burst because they have not addressed the reasons why their downtown took a downturn in the first place. Through this session, we will dive into this problem, understanding how to identify these issues and tactics to generate succinct, proven economic development strategies.
5:00-6:00 PM | TOWNIE RECEPTION | Vendor Halls
6:00-9:00 PM | TOWNIE AWARD DINNER | Ballroom
*Townie Nominations are Closed for 2024*
Tuesday, June 25
7:00-5:00 PM Registration Desk Open
7:00-7:45 AM | MOBILE WALKING TOUR
Walk2Connect: Movement, Mindfulness & Connection
Jonathon Stalls, Walking Artist with Intrinsic Paths and the Pedestrian Dignity Project
Join us for a calming morning walk (or roll if you use a wheelchair) to engage the senses, invite mindfulness, and make meaningful connections to other conference participants. We will move at an unhurried pace in the downtown area and through a nearby park. We will make a loop back to our starting location. Jonathon will guide participants in a few breathing, centering, and connection activities while offering a reading or two from his book, WALK – Slow Down, Wake Up & Connect at 1-3 Miles Per Hour. We will begin with easy introductions and will start moving no later than 7:10. There is no need to register. Please plan to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and meet us at or just before 7:00 am at the side entrance of the hotel lobby.
8:00-9:15 AM | BREAKFAST PANEL
Building a Safe & Inclusive Community
Panelists: Aaron Anderson, LogosWork, Robin Shearer, Friends & Neighbors of PA, and Micheal Muldrow, York City Police Commissioner
Hear from three partners committed to public safety, group violence intervention, and the unhoused population crisis in America. They’ll discuss challenges present in York, which are true for many cities across the Commonwealth, and how they have begun to make substantial changes.
9:30 AM-1:30 PM | MOBILE BUS TOUR
Hanover’s History and it’s Future
Justine Kilkelly Trucksess, PDC
We will visit the following places and sites: Center Square – to get a layout of the downtown, history markers, the sofa signage, and the other traditional signage we use for wayfinding. Aldus Brewery & Hotel Hanover joining for The Anchor and Dolphin Pub opening Feb. Oak Artisan Cookery – from biz startup to full dining experience Brewery – either Fat Bat or Something Wicked for understanding what the breweries mean for downtown. Participants will enjoy lunch on their own in downtown Hanover.
9:30 AM-11:30 AM | MOBILE WALKING TOUR
Effectively Integrating Nonprofits, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives into Our Communities
Andrew Smith, Visual Realia, and Ophelia M. Chambliss, Fine Artist
The arts and entrepreneurial community and our communities as a whole work in a symbiotic relationship when operating effectively. Session attendees will discuss the role of establishing trust, building communities within communities, the role of arts in placemaking, and supporting our creatives. Optional post-session opportunities include a WeCo neighborhood walking tour and a conference-attendee public mural painting session.
9:45-11:00 PM | CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Creating a Year Long Sponsorship Package
Donna Ann Harris, Heritage Consulting Inc.
Learn why you should gather all your sponsorship opportunities for the year into one package, rather than wasting time soliciting sponsors one event at a time. We’ll show you three great examples of year-long sponsorship packages and explain how this simple marketing effort will bring in more revenue from existing sponsors by offering more sponsor opportunities, and why you should finetune your sponsorship benefits every year to increase and diversify your revenue.
Developing Housing Opportunities in York County’s Historic Boroughs
Silas Chamberlin, PhD, YCEA
Building and developing new housing through in-fill or redevelopment is challenging in main streets across the Commonwealth. However, increasing housing capacity in our communities offers competitive advantages and ignites energy into the local economy. This session will feature York County developers who have completed successful development projects in multiple boroughs, ranging in scale and offerings.
Embracing the Shadows for Economic Growth
Rissa Miller, Native Yorker & Historian
YCCE, Community Room
Nothing draws a curious crowd into a historic downtown like walking into the liminal. Rissa Miller will share evidence of how Dark Tourism works for small businesses by attracting travelers. Her experience as a tour guide, combined with years of in-depth research offers a fresh look into society’s fascination with the unknown. Nowadays, haunts aren’t just for Halloween, they are the riveting intersection between the present and the past.
First Timers: How to Start your National Register Nomination
Elizabeth Rairigh, Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office
PA SHPO staff will introduce you to the National Register program in Pennsylvania and explain how to approach this important national recognition program. We will walk through the entire process, from PASHARE search to eligibility, to listing! You will leave with an understanding of the benefits of listing, the National Register criteria, and how to see your resource as our next NR listing in the Commonwealth.
Every Welcome Sign is not a Welcoming Space: Why Your Downtown Should Invest in Creating a Sense of Belonging for the 110 Billion dollar African American Tourist Industry
Joanne Wilmore, Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast, and Elaine Bonneau, Bonneau & Associates
Join Sojourn Noir, experts in attracting African American tourism, for a conversation. As Black travelers contribute over $100 billion in tourism revenue, Sojourn Noir challenges destinations to provide the welcoming spaces they deserve. Get to know the team and what drives them to create dynamic training to better ensure your downtown meets the mark. Leave with a history of Black travel and a rich overview of Black travel motivations to inspire your downtown call to action.
11:30 AM-12:15 PM | CONCURRENT SESSIONS
From the Merchant Perspective – The Importance of Events
Alexandria Keener Hammond, My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe
Community events are part of almost every downtown area, whether they’re merchant-organized or main/Elm Street-organized. I believe as a merchant I can offer some insight that Main Street organizations may not take into consideration when it comes to the planning and execution of events.
How You Can Target Revitalization Efforts Using Catalytic Potential
Mike Newman, Landscape Architect, and Kendel Baier, Derck & Edson
“What’s most important?” and “Where do we start?” are the two primary questions every community faces at the start of a revitalization project. Using examples from Pennsylvania communities, this session will equip attendees to use Catalytic Potential analysis to answer both questions. Attendees will be guided through the development of a weighted factor chart and take away a draft plan for implementing Catalytic Potential in their own project.
Pennsylvania’s Demographic Future – Implications for Long-Term Planning
Dr. Kyle C. Kopko and Laura R. Dimino, Ph.D., Center for Rural PA
Over the next 30 years, Pennsylvania will experience three significant demographic changes: rural depopulation, an aging population, and a decrease in birth rate. These shocks will have ripple effects throughout the state economy and housing market. Using recently released county-level population projection data, this session will explore the historical roots of these demographic trends and highlight their regional differences.
Dealing With Problem Properties In Your Town
Bill Fontana, Former PDC Executive Director
Everyone has them – an abandoned building, a vacant lot, a “drug property,” a deteriorating structure. Left alone, these properties pose a significant impediment to the success of your revitalization effort. Unfortunately, in too many smaller and rural communities, there are neither the human nor financial resources available to deal with these problem properties and, even when there are, there may not be the knowledge base or the political will to address them effectively. In this session, the participant will learn the devastating effect that these types of properties may have on your ability to effectively implement your revitalization strategy. We will discuss how to engage your board so that they see the benefits of dealing with these problems. You will also learn some of the lesser-known tools you have at your disposal to combat these blighted properties and structures. Finally, we show you how your organization can partner with PDC’s non-profit subsidiary, Keystone CORE Services to address these problems and make sure that you are “making your town a better place.”
12:15-1:30 PM | LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
Downtown Lunch Options will be available shortly!
1:30-4:15 PM | MANAGER’S MEETING
Julie Fitzpatrick, PDC and Mandy Book & Christie Yerger, DCEC
Creating Welcoming Communities through Events and Partnership with Justine Trucksess & Rita Whitney or Kelley Gibson with YCEA
Get to Know Your SHPO! with Elizabeth Rairigh, SHPO
More to come.
1:30-2:45 PM | CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Trail Town Planning – Partnering, Design, and Heritage-Based Tourism Strategies
Mark Evans, Derck & Edson and Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward, Shippensburg University
We will highlight the role that the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail and strategic partnerships are playing in a period of revitalization and reconnection in Shippensburg. An overgrown area separating Shippensburg University from the downtown has transformed into a point of pride, with public art and railroad museums now lining the trail. The success of this heritage-oriented trail development has sparked a broader connectivity and revitalization planning process, with additional trails and community spaces underdeveloped.
York County Care Coordination Project
Natalie Williams, Healthy York Coalition and April J. Billet, Chief Probation Officer in York County
The York County Care Coordination Project began with 120+ concerned individuals from health systems, community-based organizations, local government, and local companies wanting to find new ways to improve community health and well-being in York County. During this session, we will explain our collaborative journey of taking this idea from concept to pilot.
3:00-4:15 PM | CONCURRENT SESSIONS
New Zoning for Old Towns
Eric Mains, Borough of Hanover, and Shawn Rairigh, Gannett Fleming
Hanover Borough undertook a large zoning update in 2019 to support economic development in the downtown and the creation of new mixed-use districts for neighborhood corridors. This session is for municipal leaders, zoning officials, and public planners rethinking their zoning ordinances, and consultants engaging in similar projects. Learn how the rewrite team changed requirements to reflect existing neighborhoods, and “right-sized” parking requirements, addressed hot zoning topics, and established a regular amendment process to address unpredicted outcomes.
Buying Back Our Town! Bringing Community-Owned Commercial Real Estate Development to Your Community
Autumn Vogel, Keystone Development Center
Across the country, communities are coming together to take control of development in their towns and neighborhoods. This session will be a primer on cooperative real estate development, highlighting two models: real estate investment cooperatives and commercial land trusts. Participants will leave with an understanding of these models, the benefits of cooperative ownership to local community and economic development, and the resources available to support efforts like these across Pennsylvania.
4:30-6:00 PM | MOBILE WALLKING TOUR
Large Venues | Impact & Transformation | Stadium Behind the Scenes Tour
Eric Menzer, President of the York Revolution and former City of York Economic Development Director
WellSpan Park has anchored the transformation of the north end of downtown York. Eric will give participants insight into how and why that has happened – hint: it’s not fans coming to baseball games. This session is not just about stadiums – it is relevant to any attendee interested in understanding the power of anchor developments to spur further investment. Eric will also give participants a preview of a new public-private development in front of WellSpan Park, and a behind-the-scenes tour with insights into the unique business of minor league baseball.
5:30-9:00 PM | EVENING EVENT
Baseball at the York Revolution WellSpan Park from the 1741 Club | Pick up your tickets at the Will Call Window
Gates open at 5:15 PM with a gametime of 6:30 PM
Enjoy dinner and a game in the 1741 Club. Cash bar available.
Wednesday, June 26
7:00-10:00 AM | Registration Desk Open
8:00-9:15 AM | Breakfast Keynote
Anna Zivarts, Author of ‘When Driving Is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency’
Description Upcoming
9:45-10:45 AM | CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Taking ‘I’m’ Out of Impossible: How WE Won $869,000 from the Local Share Account
Sam Thrush, Downtown Chambersburg Inc. and Kirsten Hubbard, Ghost Writer LLC
Taking the ‘I’m” out of Impossible When downtown organizations have strong planning, infrastructure, and relationships, the impossible is made possible. We share how our community came together to win $869,000 in Local Share Account funding for land acquisition and an open-air community amphitheater, emphasizing trust, relationships, and gratitude. No one organization or person alone could have accomplished what WE accomplished together. Colleagues will leave with a checklist for each topic, setting the stage for success.
Workforce Housing: Another Employee Benefit
Brad Jones, Harristown Enterprises, Inc.
With the significant decrease in student renters in the city due to the pandemic in 2020/2021, the student housing market had literally dried up overnight. Harristown transformed 61 former student housing units into market-rate, affordable apartments to expand downtown housing options, and offers these all-inclusive apartments to their lower-income staff at a discount, providing clean, safe housing opportunities. As a unique and significant employee benefit, we can attract a larger employee pool.
The Power of Observation to Uncover Clean and Green Solutions
Jack Howell, SACA and Elyse Jurgen, Waxwing EcoWorks Co.
“As managers, we’re tasked with problem-solving. But are we missing key observational Clean/Green details on our blocks that aid in compassionate action? In part one of this session, we’ll focus on mindful observation, learning strategies to absorb urban details. In the second part, we’ll break into
groups for a facilitated exercise, showing rapid-fire photos of downtowns and neighborhoods, stimulating interactive problem-solving and eliciting our enhanced observational skills to real-world scenarios.”
SESSION 1 for AT Summit-YCCE, Community Room
SESSION 2 for AT Summit-YCCE, Fireplace Room
11:15 AM-12:15 PM | CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Non-Public | FDIC Business Loans
Henry Pyatt, FDIC, Genny Chow, OCC
The purpose of this session would be to help Community Based Organizations understand what aspects of their work, if supported by a bank, would qualify for credit for that bank under the Community Reinvestment Act. This session would also feature speakers from banks who would describe how they found successful partnerships with CBOs.
Collaboration and Demonstrations: Partner Cultivation and Creative Community Engagement for Safer Streets
Miranda Pace, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Jennilyn Schuster, Interior Designer
NeighborWorks in West Scranton, PA, and the Bellefonte Historic Preservation Society in Bellefonte, PA both engaged their communities to reimagine safer streets in 2023. They cultivated partnerships to foster improvements on public streets in their respective communities. This session will explore methods of forming partnerships and the impacts of demonstration projects for safer streets.
York City Revitalization Showcase
Frank E. Dittenhafer II, Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects
Frank will present an engaging visual showcase of award-winning urban revitalization and adaptive reuse projects including “behind the scenes” informative and inspiring stories related to partnerships and collaborations for each project. The projects included in the presentation reflect Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects’ 30+ year commitment to the revitalization of York City – the location of the firm’s Pennsylvania office.
SESSION 3 for AT Summit-YCCE, Community Room
SESSION 4 for AT Summit-YCCE, Fireplace Room
12:30-1:45 PM | LUNCH KEYNOTE & CONFERENCE FAREWELL MESSAGE
TITLE UPCOMING
Jess King, ED of the Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement
Description Upcoming
Conference Theme:
Crossroads of Community & Collaboration: Building Dynamic and Innovative Partnerships
PDC’s annual conference strives to provide best practices and real-life implementation examples of what community leaders can do in their own communities. We strive to inspire, inform, and ignite leaders to be bold and to implement change. Our hope is that attendees apply what they learn from one another and bring back a gameplan to transform their communities.
Main and Elm Street organizations, managers and directors, other revitalization professionals and volunteers can only do so much. Often, these individuals are not the decision makers – they may be the influencers and informers, but it often takes another step or two to impact the change we want to see in our own communities. The work of community revitalization involves a variety of public-private and nonprofit organizations partnering to build collaboration among their communities. This year’s conference will highlight innovative examples of how we can accomplish more by working together.
We invite all the change-makers and decision-makers of your towns, boroughs, cities, and townships to participate in the Commonwealth’s Premier Revitalization Conference so that you too can be inspired, informed, and ignited to be bold and bring back a gameplan to transform your own community.
