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2007 Major Accomplishments

In addition to our normal annual services and programs, these accomplishments for 2007 were in addition to our basic clean, safe, beautiful, and marketing activities.

Marketing

    • PA Hometown Heroes Program
      • 128 Memorial banners honoring PA soldiers killed in the War on Terror were displayed downtown during the summer of 2007, including a memorial service with Gov. Rendell
      • Over $75,000 raised to fund the program
      • Received significant statewide media for the program and noted as a one of a kind program in PA and the US
      • Nominated for and received numerous awards
      • Countless visitors and spectators for the city came to view the banners

    • Reenergized the summer concert series into the Harrisburg Street Festival
      • Attracted over 10,000 visitors to the all day family event which included dozens of free activities, vendors, displays, and entertainment.

    • Established a bulk membership for the DID and its tourism related businesses with the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau.
      • Each business is listed on the HHRVB webpage and in a special section focusing on downtown in both issues of the Visitors Guide
      • Partner on the new web based “Spotobe” online calendar - a state of the art event and location search tool for residents and tourists, alike.

    • Received a $50,000 State Grant for a future banner program and a new façade improvement program designed to revitalize and reshape the appearance of downtown store fronts and buildings.

    • 100,000 copies of a New Downtown Destination Maps for 2007
      • Distributed at dozens of locations in the region including at the State welcome centers
    • Improved the HDID participation in the city parades
      • Partnered with HYP for the St. Patrick's Day Parade with over 25 participants
      • Partnered with the International House for the Holiday Parade and had over 50 participants. 2007 was the largest parade according to Mayor Reed.

Visitors Center

    • Expanded the volunteer team to include a weekend volunteer
    • Started a master log of visitors and welcome bags to measure services provided
    • VIC was included on the Governor's Inaugural Art Walk Tour
    • Expanded the selection of promotional material distributed in the VC
    • The Visitors Center was open for the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Holiday Parade and the New Years Eve Celebration, and attracted over 300, 500 and 800 visitors respectively at each event.

Beautification and Security

    • Recruited a donation of $5500 in goods and services to clean up and maintain the bus transfer center with flowers, plants and summer watering
    • Reestablished the CAC contract for the Derry St. cleaning program
    • Created a reporting chart for security program to measure security reports monthly and identify topic areas
    • Partnered with both Harrisburg University and the International House to purchase and install banners identifying areas of the downtown as the HU campus and the International Place
    • Sold over 50 flower pots, 30 Holiday trees and 15 wreaths to make downtown more beautiful. The Holiday trees are donated to the greenbelt to be planted in the spring.

Administrative

    • Created an up to date listing of all non taxable properties in the territory and increased the level of voluntary contributions to the DID.
    • Collected nearly $50,000 in unpaid assessments dating back to 2004
    • Created a regional DID Directors and Main Street Managers working group to share and exchange ideas


HDID 2008 Goals

Programs

    • Improve the cleaning program and enhance the cleanliness of the downtown.
    • Develop and implement a Trash Can program.
    • Develop and implement a light pole program to ensure all the street lights are working.
    • Develop and implement the Façade Program.

Marketing

    • Continuation of the Harrisburg Street Festival.
    • Develop the 1 st Annual Harrisburg Restaurant Week.
    • Expand the Holidays in the City Program.
    • Develop a Downtown Dollars program.
    • Improve Media Relations.
      • develop partnerships with local media outlets including WHBG,
      • increase media exposure for the HDID

Administrative

    • Develop new HDID brand.
    • Develop a master universal data base for the HDID.
    • Create Event Manuals for each HDID major event.
    • Continue to connect and reconnect property and business owners with the HDID.