SCDA holds business owners meeting

BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Correspondent

Susquehanna Community Development Association (SCDA)  invited business owners to a pasta dinner for a discussion on future improvements to the business district and surrounding community. Held in the Borough Building, the admission fee was,” Your Good Ideas”.

Hosted by Darlene Slocum, one of the original founders of the organization, business leaders, elected officials and interested residents from the Tri-Boro area came together to discuss what could be done to add to the many improvements already in place. The organization was founded by Atty. Myron Dewitt, Gerald “Chet” Walker and Slocum when a $1,000 grant was offered by the Susquehanna County Chamber of Commerce to start a local organization similar to a Chamber of Commerce.Through their efforts an organization grew that made it possible to improve Susquehanna’s downtown area while working with the PA Department of Economic Development, the PA Downtown Center and Trehab. The sidewalks came first followed by new street lighting and the Memorial Brick Project.

Ideas discussed at the meeting was the possibility of a parking ramp from Main Street over Schneider’s parking lot to alleviate a growing parking problem for Main Street businesses as well as organizations holding events. An idea that would add to the Christmas holiday spirit was to have piped music around town and to add ice sculptures. It was also suggested the various eating establishments offer special incentives to encourage more people to eat out.

 The officers of SCDA asked those attending to form  groups of three or four members made up of local residents and/or business owners willing to take an idea and make it workable.

SCDA’s Events Committee is busy throughout the year decorating the downtown for holidays; working on plans for Home Town Days; Christmas Tree Lighting and Breakfast with Santa (they co-sponsor with The Men’s Club from St. John’s Catholic Church). With help of the American Legion the committee has added an Easter Egg Hunt.

Other than the Special Events Committee, members volunteer to work on: Safe, Clean and Green; Garden Club; Parks and Recreation; Neighborhood and Economics; Promotions and Design/ Facades for businesses and homeowners.