Posted by Marcus on August 01, 2003 at 12:19:35:
In Reply to: Re: FOCAL POINT HERE !!! posted by cherif on July 20, 2003 at 02:05:39:
I can't wait to visit your little shop the next time I come home.
I think people need to stop looking for the big things and focus on the little things to make Kittanning better. In this economy, and with the current conditions in Kittanning, big time manufacturers aren't going to go there. People need to adapt, and (gasp!) maybe even expand themselves culturely a little bit. I live in quaint little town now with lots a of little coffee shops, B & B's, antiques shops, book stores, craft stores, etc. People love to visit here and they spend their money. There are events and festivals every month that draw people. Kittanning could be a place like that as well. Being situated on the Allegheny, not far from a fairly large city, there is loads of potential for Kittanning to develop as a sort of summer tourist area for day trips and such. I'm not saying a big employer wouldn't be a great thing, but a little change in image could do a lot more. A Barnes & Noble with a Starbucks could do alot to change the perception of Kittanning within the region.
> I will be hiring ..yes. but its not a 'lunch' place. It will be a 'meeting, chatting, gathering type of place. Nothing as drastic as a luncheonette, although I might go that route. At a later date.
> I have been talking to several ppl in the area, as to what they think they need in our lil' quaint town. Some say they would like a place for the teens to go.. I'll be open later on football friday nights for those that want to come in a chatter before curfew. *Yes I believe curfew is a good thing*
> Some say they would like a place where they can communicate their ideas with others on a reg. basis. My hours will be most likely 7-7 M-F. Still others say they would like a place where they can feel comfortable and relax, maybe even read the local paper(s), read a book etc. that'll be a major part. I want this shop to be a place where anyone can come in, order up a cup of tea, coffee, and have a sit. I can see this being a regular place for everyone to stop by on the way to work, or back from work before chaos (going home). Or meeting up with friends, playing a hand of cards, dominoes, etc.
> At any rate, I understand about the 'industry' incentives. I also know there are several women that have businesses downtown who work very hard to bring something different and unique to us *the customer*. & hopefully get out of the wallyworld habit.
>
> I'll be located @ 328 Market Street. In that gawd awful building painted RED currently. But that will change!
> > > Good Luck with your new adventure in Kittanning... Are you hiring?
> >
> > REPLY: I too wish the best of luck for this new business .. but what we see here is a GREAT example of how we need to focus our economic efforts.
> > I can CERTAINLY relate to being frustrated that OTHER businesses and groups get help while others don't .. but I also know that if you step back and look at it from a different perspective, you JUST MIGHT see the reason.
> > We have all been discussing, debating and bickering about what the area NEEDS to get the economy rolling .. the ONLY thing we have come close to agreeing on is that CREATING JOBS will be the key .. so I understand why the available incentives and help might be focused toward UNDUSTRY .. those type endeavors usually create more jobs and help develop/strengthen ties to the outside world.
> > PLEASE KNOW I am not saying that Coffee Shops, diners and retailers are EVIL .. lol .. but the point of INCENTIVES are to help attract and guide development .. we as a region need more new FACTORIES than we need new diners.
> > Now let me know where/when I can drop by this new place for lunch .. you can tell me yer reply in person then !!