The Main Street Program

Ridgway Main Street Program is supported locally by the Borough of Ridgway, the Ridgway-Elk County Chamber of Commerce, the Ridgway Heritage Council, the Ridgway Industrial Development Corporation, Ridgway Township and the Ridgway Area School District. Each one of these organizations has a representative on the Main Street Steering Committee. All organizations also provide local funds to match the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development funds utilized to operate this program.

Ridgway offers "quality of life" ... a catchall term used to describe the non-economic amenities a community has to offer, including such things as a clean environment, safe streets, open space, cultural events, recreation opportunities, un-congested roads, good schools, scenic views and friendly residents.

The "Four-Point" Main Street approach to economic re-development: A community's central business district often accounts for as much as 30% of the community's jobs and 40% of its tax base. Main Street is more than an economic asset. It is a place in our hearts and minds that evokes strong emotions and helps define our identity. The four points described below are the keys to the success of the Main Street approach:
ORGANIZATION: means getting everyone working toward the same goal. The tough work of building consensus and occupation among the groups that have an important stake in the community can be eased by using the commonsense formula of a volunteer-driven program and organizational structure of board and committees.

PROMOTION: means selling the image and promise of Main Street to all prospects by marketing the community's unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses and visitors as well as a positive image through advertising, retail promotions, special events, and marketing campaigns.

DESIGN: means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Capitalizing on its best assets - such as historic buildings and traditional downtown layout - is just part of the story. An inviting atmosphere created through window displays, adequate parking, signs, sidewalks, street lighting and landscaping all conveys a visual message about our community.

ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING: means finding a new purpose for Main Street's enterprises. By helping existing downtown businesses expand and recruiting new ones to respond to today's market, Main Street programs help convert unused space in to productive property and sharpen the competitiveness of business enterprises.