The mission of the EMSI is to promote/encourage/enhance the economic strength and vitality of Easton’s central business district through volunteer and community driven efforts. These efforts will focus on enhancing the quality of life in the downtown, solidifying Easton’s identity as a “college town” and promoting the uniqueness of our community’s history, architecture, diverse culture and riverfront location. Through these efforts the EMSI aims to increase consumer business, build the retail, restaurant and professional services base and make downtown Easton the natural gathering place for the greater Easton community
Main Street Facade Challenge Grant Program now open to all buildings in the Main Street District that include commercial activity. Matching grant funds up to $5000 available. Click Here for Guidelines. _____________________________________________________________________________
New Golden Bloom Awards Program: The Easton Main Street Initiative aims to “GREEN” the downtown with a new “Golden Bloom” Awards program. The monthly “Golden Bloom” award will recognize Downtown Easton business owners who make a positive impact on the streetscape by beautifying their storefronts with live flower plantings, greenery and trees. The Easton Main Street Initiative’s Design Committee will select the “Golden Bloom Award” winner each month. The first winner will be announced at the end of May 2009. Mayor Sal Panto Jr. will present the award in a short ceremony to be held at the site of the winning business.
Did you Know?79% of a potential customer's decision to enter your business is based on the appeal of your storefront? Trees, greenery and flowers all bring a sense of energy to the streetscape and welcome visitors to come INSIDE your place of business.
Benefits of Doing Business in Downtown Easton- 2009
1.) Façade Improvement ProgramsMain Street Façade Grants-Matching Grants up to $5000 GEDP Façade Loans- 0% interest loans available to businesses located in targeted areas
3.) Free Business listing on www.eastonmainstreet.org Website listing includes location, phone and web link plus an opportunity to have your business featured as the Business of the Month.Free Posting of Events on website Events Calendar
4.) Low cost listings in Downtown Visitor’s Guide and on kiosk directory in Centre Square.
5.) Marketing support- positioning ads placed in local, regional and national periodicals.
6.) Public relations support for company press releases and placement of articles with positive impressions of downtown Easton.
7.) Free Business Builder Packet which includes Media Contact List
8.) Management of First Weekendsand support of other downtown events.Free advertising opportunities for First Weekends.
9.) Political advocacy of issues concerning downtown businesses
10.) Business assistance for new and expanding businesses
11.)Free quarterly business seminars sponsored by the Easton Main Street Initiative
12.) Quarterly Merchant Roundtables
13.) Readily available police assistance provided by full-time downtown “Beat” Officer.
14.) "The Main Street Minute"Bi-weekly E-Updates listing business opportunities and info. on upcoming events. Opportunity to advertise your business events and happenings in our bi-weekly community E-Update
15.) Participation in the Lafayette VIP Second Saturday and the VIP of the Week retail promotions.