October Is....

October is...Community Economic Development Month 
 
It was a nice coincidence that last week out Club meeting program was brought to us by Emmaus Main Street Partners, a Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  • The Emmaus Main Street Partners strive to improve the quality of life and the economic vitality of a vibrant and active Emmaus community through collaborative efforts among business owners, residents, volunteers, and other partners.
Our very own Ashley Lorah, Emmaus Main Street Manager/AVP of Affiliated Chambers was joined by Jessica O’Donnell EVP Affiliated Chambers to discuss the initiatives of Emmaus Main Street Partners.  I asked Ashley what key take aways would be most valuable for our members to know about EMSP.
 
  1. EMSP holds a lot of community and business combined events to unify. For example the Holiday Cheers Trail and Small Business Saturday. https://web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events/Emmaus-Small-Business-Saturday-837901/details
     
  2. Their partnership with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce has increased the reach and exposure businesses and organizations (like Rotary) have through membership. For example social media reach, the “Day in the Life of Emmaus” videos, and radio interviews with WDIY “On Every Main Street” series. 
     
  3. EMSP works with Emmaus Borough to implement events and initiatives like the Veterans Banners project, movies in the park, music in the park and more. 
     
  4. EMSP has a Business Development Committee that meets regularly to define the needs of the business districts and create improvement projects. The BDC committee has received grants from The Chamber’s Main Street Lehigh Valley and worked with Borough on projects such as parking way-finding signage, seasonal banners, and flower planters. The committee also released and distributed a map and guide of Emmaus with a business directory, historical sites and general information for residents and visitors. Check it out here! https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/uploads/1/1/6/3/116374903/final_digital_copy_emsp_map2__side_1_.jpg
     
 
Thank you Ashley and Jess for presenting to our Club and for ALL the hard work and hours you put into helping Emmaus be a great place to do business, work, live and play!