Category: Business

All the Hot Topics…

A lot of juicy news came out of the Pottstown Progress Luncheon yesterday. The hard part is where to begin?

The Annual Pottstown Progress Luncheon

Held by the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, yesterday’s Sunnybrook event was co-sponsored by Pottstown Area Economic Development (PAED) and highlighted some of the most exciting progress being made in Pottstown’s revitalization.

Many people already know about the Challenger Learning Center coming to the Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) West Campus. The Sustainability and Innovation Hub located at 140 College Drive (adjacent to Riverfront Park) is being retrofitted to house the educational center which they hope will be open to the public this Fall. The center will offer science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs with a central focus on space-themed missions in a fully immersive Space Station and Mission Control center. MCCC states, “[The center] will use space-themed simulated learning environments to engage students in dynamic, hands-on opportunities. These experiences strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields.” To learn more about the Challenger Center, go to https://www.mc3.edu/for-our-community/challenger-center and https://www.challenger.org/.

If you haven’t heard about The Iron Globe, you’re late to the party! The Iron Globe Entertainment Complex will be a 2,200-seat outdoor music venue, to be located on the west end of Pottstown on the shores of the Schuylkill River. The venue will boast fire pits, a skating rink, interactive games played on high definition 35-foot LED screens, in addition to concerts, drive-in movies, Octoberfest, Halloween, Winter-Holiday, and Independence Day festivals, light shows, and fireworks displays. According to one of the developers, look for this exciting venue to open in late 2023 or early 2024. To learn more, go to https://ironglobepa.com/.

The old Mercury building is going to be converted into a 41-room boutique hotel, The Hotel Mercury. On the street level, expect a possible restaurant and bar as this historic building is remodeled into much needed visitor accommodations. It will be wonderful to see this piece of Pottstown history being utilized again and allowing visitors a taste of what Pottstown has to offer. To read a little more about how this project is developing, visit this site: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/pottstown-mercury-epa-helping-convert-mercury-building-boutique-hotel.

Green is coming to Pottstown…in the form of sustainable energy. The Pottstown Sustainable Energy Park will utilize waste to create pellets which it then gasifies into diesel fuel. It was estimated that this 142K square foot facility will not only produce 16 million gallons of diesel fuel and prevent around 200K tons of waste going into landfills annually but will also employ 115-150 people in well-paying jobs. No word yet on when the facility will open, but to learn more, see https://www.pottsmerc.com/2022/01/10/pottstown-oks-plans-for-sustainable-energy-park-on-keystone-boulevard/ or https://sanatogapost.com/2020/12/26/state-grants-local-redevelopment/.

Lots of people have driven by the old Pottstown Plating Works building on Industrial Boulevard and wondered what is happening. Yesterday, those who attended the luncheon got a glimpse into the environmental clean-up challenges the developer has dealt with as he prepares to put this prominent facility back into productive service. An interesting story about this appeared in the Pottstown Mercury a while ago: https://www.pottsmerc.com/2021/10/13/work-in-progress-industrys-polluted-legacy-in-pottstown/.

A few other smaller projects were highlighted, too. On the north shore of the Schuylkill, a kayak launching facility will be installed near the Hanover Street bridge for use by Take It Outdoors outfitters and Schuylkill River Greenways. Several existing businesses who are already located in Pottstown have expanded or relocated, including: Audio Video Concepts, The Eastwood Company, Agnes Edmunds Bridal, American Keg Company, and Beverly’s Pastry Shop. Also mentioned were DaniBee Funky and Stacked SCM and Pottstown Animal Wellness Services, businesses new to Pottstown in 2021, and the renovation of the old Comfort Inn on Robinson Street near Wal-Mart into a Fairfield Inn.

I wonder what other business ideas are incubating in our town?

Calling All Entrepreneurs

With the just-announced closing of Weitzenkorn’s, I find myself a little puzzled, to be honest. There is so much happening along High Street, I can’t for the life of me figure out why our friends at that fine Pottstown institution would cut the cord and run right now.

In the last twelve months, several new businesses have opened on our main street and nearby, including Pottstown United Brewing Company, Splitting Edge Axe Throwing, Aye Carumba and the new wine bar inside the Farmer’s Market, The Avenue, the Ice Cream Shop, and my personal favorite, Studio 36, a lovely bead store, among several others. We have health food, a bakery, a beautiful bridal shop, divine doughnuts, vegan food, handmade woodwork, antiques, and many of my old favorite eateries (Grumpy’s, Lily’s, Argento’s, Juan Carlos to name a few).

I will concede that Weitzenkorn’s is probably too big to compete in this Amazon era, but its target demographic has never been foot traffic. Its loyal customers have always been the people who have shopped there for years. Moving to Phoenixville will likely alienate most of those customers. My family moved here last year, and we loved Weitzenkorn’s from the very beginning, but I never shop in Phoenixville. In fact, other than the occasional art house movie and some really amazing Thai food, I rarely go to Phoenixville. I’m so sad to see Weitzenkorn’s leave our lovely downtown district right as it is beginning to wake up. Why not move to a smaller space on High Street, or lease out part of the existing store and stay with its loyal customers?Downtown High Street

The revival has begun, but what we now need are more entrepreneurs. Having recently moved downtown, I walk to do many of my errands, and it has brought to light a few of the holes in our retail selection downtown. While remodeling my house, I have used Rich Ranieri’s Flooring and Lastick Furniture, but we need a small hardware store. I’m not talking about a place that competes with Home Depot or Lowe’s, I just mean a place I can buy a packet of screws, a tube of caulk, or some light bulbs.

Last month, I needed to choose a wedding gift, but other than a booth inside the Farmer’s Market (which is great), there wasn’t anyplace downtown that had new gift items. A gift shop would be great. A little book store would be wonderful…preferably one with a place to grab a cup of herbal tea and visit with a friend! Since Connections is transitioning, there is a coffee shop sized hole on High Street, as well. How about a small grocery store or co-op?

What are some of the things you would like to see on High Street?

The Return of the Positively Pottstown Happy Hour!

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS ON THE WAY!

The Positively Pottstown Happy Hour will return to downtown Pottstown this Saturday, Nov. 29th from 4-7 PM!

PDIDA and Advantage Insurance are teaming up with Positively Pottstown to host a free happy hour from 4-7 PM at 105 E. High Street!

$5 suggested donation to PDIDA to support Pottstown’s Hometown Holidays!

There will be lots of drinks, food, and fun! This is a great opportunity to network with other local people and have a great time! The Happy Hour technically ends at 7, but guests are invited to stay for the after party… when things really heat up!

Check out the PDIDA website for more information about Small Biz Day, the Scavenger Hunt, and other Pottstown Holiday events.

Questions? Email mkfain.advantage@gmail.com

Bethel AME scholarship fundraiser features Legendary Locals of Pottstown

This Saturday, September 13th from 1-4 pm, Bethel AME Church will host a luncheon and book signing event on the site of their proposed new church at the corner of Lincoln and Grant Street in Pottstown.

Each year the church gives $500 scholarships to the high school graduates in the congregation who are pursuing higher education. They hold an annual fundraiser, among other fundraising activities throughout the year, in which they promote a book. This year they selected Legendary Locals of Pottstown, and I am so appreciative of their support and the big community gathering they have planned.

Admission to the luncheon is $10. Books will be available for purchase.

Several legendary locals will be on hand such as Donna Hennessey, George Wausnock, Dan Brunish, and more! Co-author and photographer Ed Berger and I will be there, too! Hope to see you there.

Openings Still Available for SCORE In-Depth Workshops

SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed.  SCORE provides free and confidential counseling to entrepreneurs on policies, procedures, and problems in the realm of small business. The great news? Pottstown has its own SCORE office of seasoned, successful business leaders who volunteer their time to help others succeed, too.

People starting out in business frequently have the same questions: Who is my largest competitor?  How can I drive customers to my website?  What is the difference between an LLC and a Sole Proprietorship?

In an effort to provide entrepreneurs with cutting-edge information, Pottstown SCORE is offering three separate In-Depth workshops for the fall.

The first workshop, “Using Reference USA” is presented in collaboration with the Pottstown Regional Public Library.  The workshop, which will be held at 7 pm on September 17 at the library on 500 East High Street, will instruct participants how to use a database to research information pertaining to customers and competitors.

A second workshop, “Social and Mobile Equation” will give participants up-to-date secrets of successful marketing using social media and mobile technology.  This workshop will be presented at       7 pm on October 8 at the SCORE office on the basement level of the New York Plaza building in Pottstown.

In the third workshop, “Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Corporation,” participants will learn to avoid legal pitfalls in starting a business.  A lawyer and a CPA will be available to answer questions about the legal and tax considerations for different business structures.  This workshop will be presented at 7 pm on October 30 at the SCORE office in the New York Plaza building, 244 High Street, Pottstown.

There is a nominal fee for each workshop, and a discount of 50% is offered for a second person registering at the same time.  Class size is limited, but there are still openings available.  Applicants may sign up online at www.pottstownscore.org or phone the SCORE office at 610-327-2673 for more information.

 

Fourth Annual Summer Fundraiser for ArtFusion

Brought to you by Artfusion 19464!

ArtFusion 19464 will host their fourth annual summer beef and beer fundraiser on Saturday, August 9 from 6-9pm. This year’s event will be held at the ArtFusion studios and gallery at 254 E. High St.

Tickets are $20 purchased in advance. If any are still available, tickets at the door will be $25. Tickets can be bought online athttp://artfusion19464.org/event/2014-beef-and-beer/, in person at ArtFusion, or over the phone by calling 610-326-2506. Guests can choose the beef entrée, or a vegetarian sandwich option.

Victory Brewing Company has once again generously donated their amazing beer for this event. Ice House will be making the hot beef sandwiches and Montesano Bros. will again be creating their amazing side salads and veggie sandwiches. There will be soda and water in addition to Victory beer and homemade desserts to finish off the meal.

Along with enjoying great food and great beer, guests will have the chance to win fun door prizes, try their luck at a 50/50 raffle and bid on silent auction items.  Proceeds benefit ArtFusion 19464’s upcoming fall educational exhibit Rainbow Crow and Other Stories. This show will feature artwork inspired by Native American stories.

The non-profit community art center will once again be offering free field trips to local schools in conjunction with this show. Please email info@artfusion19464.org for more information on scheduling a field trip. The Rainbow Crow field trip program is generously sponsored by the Foundation for Pottstown Education.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

 

Low-Price Grocery Leader ALDI Brings New Jobs to Berks and Montgomery Counties

This comes to us from ALDI’S…

Local Hiring Event on Aug. 1 Open to the Public

Known for offering wages significantly higher than the industry standard, ALDI, the nation’s low-price grocery leader*, will host a hiring event for its stores in Berks and Montgomery counties on Friday, Aug. 1. Opportunities within ALDI include Store Associate and Shift Manager positions.

The hiring event is in support of the ongoing growth of ALDI in the area, offering customers the ALDI brand promise of high-quality grocery items at unbeatable prices.

What:   ALDI hiring event for its stores in Berks and Montgomery counties, including Pottstown and Reading, Pennsylvania

Who:   ALDI representatives &  local residents currently seeking employment opportunities

When:   Friday, Aug. 1, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where:  ALDI, 297 Armand Hammer Blvd., Pottstown, PA 19464

 Positions:   •   Store Associates – $11.25 per hour

  • Shift Managers – $15.25 per hour

 

Job Requirements:    •   Must be 18 years or older to apply

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be available to work anytime between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday–Sunday
  • Retail experience preferred
  • Drug screening and background check
  • Ability to lift 45 pounds

Quick Facts:  •   ALDI offers employees generous compensation that is considered well above the industry standard

  • Staff working at least 20 hours a week receive full health insurance, dental coverage and 401K

 

 

About ALDI Inc.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates nearly 1,300 stores in 32 states, primarily from Kansas to the East Coast. More than 25 million customers each month save up to 50 percent** on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells more than 1,300 of the most commonly purchased grocery items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which must meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. For more information about ALDI, visit www.aldi.us.

 ###

 *According to a survey of more than 6,500 consumers conducted in May 2013 by Market Force Information.

 **Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery stores.

 

8th Annual “Pottstown Celebrates Young Children” event TOMORROW!

The eighth annual Pottstown Celebrates Young Children event will be held on April 12, 2014 from 1:00-3:00 at the Pottstown YMCA (724 Adams Street – across from Pottstown High School). The event targets families with young children and is sponsored by PEAK, Pottstown’s school readiness initiative. The afternoon will include a petting farm, moon bounce, mascots and clowns. More than 40 community organizations will provide family activities and everything is free.

This year PEAK is partnering with Pottstown Memorial Medical Center as the main sponsor for the Month of the Young Child events. According to PEAK Coordinator, Mary Rieck, “We are very thankful for the partnership with Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. Pottstown Celebrates Young Children is great way to raise awareness for early education and services of the hospital, as well as an enjoyable afternoon for the whole family. We look forward to finding new ways to work with the hospital to help Pottstown’s children enter kindergarten ready to learn and achieve.” The Month of the Young Child is also supported by the Pottstown Rotary Club Community Endowment Fund which is providing funds to support the purchase and distribution of 400 copies of the featured book for the Pennsylvania One Book campaign.

PEAK has received donations to support the event from Wegman’s and Costco. PEAK (Pottstown Early Action for Kindergarten Readiness) is a partnership between Pottstown School District and community early learning programs and agencies seeking to prepare children and families for success in kindergarten. To learn more about PEAK or the April 12 event, visit http://www.peakonline.org, e-mail Ms. Rieck at mrieck@pottstownsd.org or call 610-970-6655. You can also follow PEAK on Twitter @PEAKPartners and on Facebook.

Local SCORE volunteers support small business

SCORE is a nonprofit organization of more than 10,500 volunteer business counselors who provide free, confidential business counseling and training workshops to small business owners. Call 610-327-2673 for the Pottstown SCORE chapter, or find a counselor online at http://www.pottstownscore.org.

Opportunities Abound for Sharpening Your Small Business Skills

Very few people begin the process of building a small business with a full knowledge of all the skills required for success. Even those who extensive experience or education in business management still need to bring themselves up to speed on the added responsibilities of entrepreneurship—tax issues, employee management, business development, accounting, etc.

Fortunately, the range of small business-oriented learning opportunities and training programs has never been broader for veteran and novice entrepreneurs alike. Seeking help is simply smart. No business owner can be adept at every aspect of operating successfully. Plus, conditions change, so keeping yourself informed is vital to long-term success.

The single most popular program in America is probably the SBA Small Business Training Network/E-Business Institute, which registers nearly a million users at its Web site each year. The Small Business Training Network is a Web-based conglomerate that can link you to online courses, workshops, publications, learning tools, information resources and access to electronic
counseling and other types of technical help. For details on the Small Business Training Network, go to http://www.sba.gov and click “Training” under the site’s Services section.

Free online courses are offered on about 75 topics in areas such as business startup, growing your business, home-based business and re-engineering your skills. Sample titles include: Growth Strategies; Analyzing Profitability; Building Your Brand; and, Understanding Business Insurance.

The Tools section of http://www.sba.gov gives you access to an extensive library of articles, podcasts, and Web chats on various small business issues.

Local SBA-sponsored training events are offered nationwide. These range from breakfast talks on local economic conditions, to brown-bag networking lunches, loan seminars, startup workshops and free business assessments. Simply go the Local Resources section of http://www.sba.gov and click your state on the Web site map for a calendar listing dates and event details in your area. You can also sign up for free newsletters issued by your state SBA office.

In addition, dozens of top colleges and universities offer business training courses you can take online or in more traditional classroom environments. Most require a fee, and some may have educational prerequisites. Advisors at the individual schools will help you identify one or more courses that are best suited to your needs.

To learn more about training opportunities your small business, contact SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business.” SCORE is a nonprofit organization of more than 10,500 volunteer business counselors who provide free, confidential business counseling and training workshops to small business owners. Call 610-327-2673 for the Pottstown SCORE chapter, or find a counselor online at http://www.pottstownscore.org.

Hometown Holiday underway in downtown Pottstown!

The calendar below comes from the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority (PDIDA) website.

It’s not hard to find plenty to do in Pottstown beginning this weekend and continuing throughout the holidays, from Sunday brunches to the Historic House Tour this Sunday afternoon to carriage rides, Shrek the musical, Van Gogh’s Secret Studio Shopping for kids, story time with elves, free baby-sitting, local choirs at Smith Plaza and SANTA!

Of course, there’s also a plethora of holiday shopping and dining opportunities, so come out and see what Pottstown has to offer!

DECEMBER 8 / SUNDAY

  • 10am Brunch w/ Santa at Grumpy’s (137 E High Street) – Reservations are required – $7.00 – 610-323-1232
  • 2pm – 7pm: Historic House Tours (start at The Elks Club for Tea)                                                                                                                                                                                            Tickets sold at PDIDA (17 N Hanover St)/ 610-323-5400 or Parks & Rec (100 E High Street)  610-970-6618
  • 2pm – 7pm:  Carriage Rides  along High Street – $5 per person-TICKETS SOLD AT SMITH PLAZA
  • 3pm:  Steel River Playhouse – SHREK  go to http://www.steelriver.org
  • 5pm:  Santa Arrives to Smith Plaza – Tree Lighting – Choirs and more!

 DECEMBER 14 / SATURDAY

  • 10am – 3pm: ARTFusion (254 High Street) Van Gogh’s Secret Studio Shopping for kids – get your raffle ticket first!
  • 2pm -7pm:  Photos with Santa at Smith Plaza / Carriage Rides along High Street
  • 1pm:   Tree Decoration Making and party at Red Cloud Kung Fu (3o7 E High Street)
  • 2PM Tea w/ Mrs. Clause (Free) Sitter’s Clubhouse (355 E High  Street)
  • 2:30/3:30/4:30 & 5:30PM – Story Time With The Elves/Milkmen Lunch Co (255 E High Street)
  • 5pm – Illusionists/Magician Kyle & Kelly will be entertaining at Smith Plaza
  • 8pm:  SHREK
  • Be sure to BUY LOCAL – Get your raffle Tickets by calling: Sheila Dugan  @ 610-323-5400 / 484-948-6061

DECEMBER 21 / SATURDAY

  • 2pm, 3pm, 4pm & 5pm:  Story Time with the Elves – Milkmen Lunch Co. (255 E High Street)
  • 4pm – 6pm:  Kyle & Kelly Illusionist /  Magician at Smith Plaza
  • 5pm– 7pm:  Free Babysitting while you shop Sitter’s Clubhouse (355 E High Street) – Pizza & Drinks will be supplied for the kids!
  • 8pm:  Shrek
  • Shopping – get your raffle ticket first!
  • Choirs at Smith Plaza

DECEMBER 15th & 22nd / SUNDAY Holiday Brunches 10am to 1pm

  • Lily’s Grill: 115 E High Street
  • Juan Carlos 235 E High Street
  • Grumpy’s 137 E High Street
  • Live Music  – come out and enjoy brunches during the holidays with your family & friends!  
  • BUY LOCAL RAFFLE SALE STARTS NOVEMBER 30th –
  • Buy a raffle ($25) – Spend $100 more in the Downtown & Buy Local Shops
  • Return Raffle w/ Receipts to 17 N Hanover St BEFORE MIDNIGHT DEC 21st and get a chance to win $1,000 / $500.00!!!
  • Only 200 Raffles will be sold!
  • WHITE RIBBON SALE STARTS NOVEMBER 15th & ENDS DEC 5th – Purchase your white ribbon and send a loved one your message
  •  $5 per ribbon. These will decorate our community tree and be displayed throughout the holidays.
  • Fill in your message and we will do the rest.
  • Ribbons are on sale now at Twice as Nice. Memories n More, Cole’s Tobacco & Grumpy’s.
  • You can remember a loved one, wish your friends and family well or just be a part of your community with a holiday message!
  • Call Sheila  for more information 610-323-5400 or 484-948-6061.

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