E.E.D.C. NEWS
On September 6, the E.E.D.C. held its third annual Heritage Ball in the All Saints Activities Building. The proceeds from the Ball benefit the E.E.D.C. and the Main Street Program.
It was a tremendous event! About 150 guests all decked out in their finest, attended. Cole’s Catering provided light refreshments. There was live entertainment by “Dr. Zoot and the Suits" inside and the outside entertainment was performed by “Get A Grip”. Many prizes were raffled off including trips, jewelry, an autographed Steelers’ football, and a basket of cheer and cash.
Many of our local merchants donated gifts, cash, time and talents for this event. Unfortunately, the list of donors is too long to include in this article. But, please show your support of all the Etna businesses by shopping locally when at all possible. If you weren’t able to attend the Ball this year, mark your calendar for next year – Saturday, September 12th, 2009.
Click Here for an application for membership to the EEDC. It is an annual dues payment and along with up to date dues, comes the voting right at any General Membership Meeting. Please send your check payable to "Etna Economic Development Corporation", c/o 437 Butler St., Pgh., PA 15223. These meetings are held at the Municipal Building, the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome, call the borough office to confirm the meeting date at 412-781-0569.
It is very important that we increase our membership. Part of the Main Street grant application is a commitment that the EEDC can collect $2,500.00 in annual dues. Please seriously consider becoming a dues paying member.
Allegheny River Towns Enterprise Zone
In another effort to advance Economic Development, Etna has joined with Aspinwall, Blawnox, Millvale, O'Hara, Shaler and Sharpsburg to form the Allegheny River Towns Enterprise Zone (ARTEZ). This effort will concentrate on the creation, expansion and retention of manufacturing and industrial businesses along with the possible development of the communities' brownfield sites. Current businesses located within the ARTEZ area will also be able to access many special State programs including Corporate Tax credits. Check future newsletters for additional information.
Route 8 Corridor Partnerships
Speaking of business development, the Borough of Etna has joined partners with the Townships of Shaler and Hampton and the Northern Allegheny Chamber of Commerce for the implementation of the Route 8 Corridor Study, completed early last year by Environmental Planning and Design. This study was conducted along the Route 8 Corridor and noted improvements that could be made to make the area more attractive to new businesses. The study was paid for by grants from the County of Allegheny and the State Department of Economic Development The study recommends traffic improvements as well as designated areas for certain types of businesses. Included in Etna's portion of the project, is the north side of Butler Street from the Route 8/Kittanning Street crossing, down Bridge Street and to the Industrial Park.