Latest news with #MCRC
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Allegheny College president recognized as Trailblazer in Economic & Workforce Development
Allegheny College President Ron Cole has been recognized by City & State PA with a 2025 Trailblazers in Workforce & Economic Development award for his dynamic leadership forging important partnerships for the college that create new opportunities for regional economic growth and produce graduates who are prepared for the workforce upon graduation. The award was presented at an exclusive celebration at The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia. City & State's inaugural Trailblazers in Workforce & Economic Development honors key figures from Pennsylvania's government, business, advocacy and institutions on the front lines, creating jobs and spurring economic growth at the local, state and national level, officials said in making the announcement. Under Cole's leadership, Allegheny College has developed and implemented a bold Strategic Pathway with a robust focus on community and economic development. The awards committee cited how Cole is inspiring academic leaders and institutions to drive regional economic development by actively engaging with local communities, businesses and government stakeholders. They particularly highlighted initiatives that Allegheny College has developed in support of these efforts, including four entities driving development and collaboration across the region: • Allegheny College Community Impact Hub • Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity at Bessemer (ALIC @ Bessemer) • Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC) • Allegheny College Watershed Conservation Research Center As Pennsylvania continues to invest in advanced manufacturing, Allegheny's branch campus, ALIC @ Bessemer, will play a key role in developing talent, driving R&D and creating new opportunities for economic growth and industry expansion, officials said. By integrating emerging technologies like automation, digital fabrication and smart manufacturing, ALIC @ Bessemer will help position the region as a leader in next-generation production. Further, Allegheny College implemented microcredentials last academic year to bolster student learning and post-graduate success with nearly 30 offered this fall to complement its distinctive curriculum of a major and minor in different areas of study. Andy Walker, who has served as Allegheny College's executive director for economic, civic and community engagement, was also named to the Trailblazers in Workforce & Economic Development list in his capacity as executive director of the MCRC, where he leads renewed investment in Meadville and the Crawford County region by partnering with elected officials and community stakeholders, officials said. Honorees will be profiled in City & State PA.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lt. Governor Davis gets first-hand look at Meadville area state investments
Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor is highlighting the administration's historic investments in northwest Pennsylvania. 'While Pennsylvania's main streets are often windows into our past, Governor Shapiro and I believe that they can be in engines for our future,' Lt. Governor Austin Davis said. Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. tours Penn State Behrend, eyes new center For over a year, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, along with Governor Josh Shapiro, have been discussing a program to help revitalize downtowns, support small businesses, and strengthen local economies. Friday, the administration highlighted their program that was proposed in the 2024/2025 budget. It's called 'Main Street Matters' and invests in 81 community projects across the Commonwealth; two grants have been awarded right here in Meadville. 'One for structural repairs and roof replacement at the Market House here where were standing today and a planning grant for the Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC) to look into potential for affordable housing in this historic downtown,' the Lt. Governor said. Gov. Shapiro thanks Erie first responders, seeks more funding for firefighters The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development will be providing just over $560,000 for the Market House and about $16,800 for MCRC. The market house is the oldest continuously run open market structure in the state, reaching 155 years, which means it needs an extra boost to preserve the building. 'It's not just the building that we love, it's what the building represents and the building represents the people of our town, the stories of our town, our farmers, our artisans,' said Ashley Mattocks-Rose, chair of the market authority. The lieutenant governor's visit also included a tour of everything the Market House has to offer. Erie-Meadville air quality drops two letter grades Continuing his journey down Chestnut Street, Davis stopped by Tattered Corner Used Book Store, Hello Sunshine Children's Store and the Woolen Mill. 'I'm just so happy that we have a state and a state administration that is willing to share that vision with us. They are willing to do the things we need to keep a town like Meadville going,' Jaime Kinder, the mayor of Meadville, went on to say. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rise like the phoenix — New transition house opens in Erie
One Erie resident is on a mission to help those struggling with homelessness begin a new life. It's the largest project he has ever taken on, but he hopes his new 'Phoenix House' concept will help many in need. At first, when Matt Bennett walked into the building, it wasn't exactly what he was searching for — but after one look around, he knew what his heart was calling him to do. 'I was here for a different purpose. I was looking around and saw that it was on the market,' said Bennett. 'We just got to it and started making it happen.' Our Neighbor's Place season ending this week At the corner of East 21st and Ash Streets is a property of over 6,000 square feet. It was previously used as a funeral home and was recently sold to Matt Bennett, the founder and director of Erie Housing. Their mission is to help people with low income, veterans, parolees and others transition and rebuild their lives by providing clean, safe, affordable housing. 'I worked with MCRC, the Muticultural Community Resource Center, on housing immigrants and the feed back that I got from the help that I was giving the community, the immigrants just made me ask 'What else can I do to take this further to help people who are already here and struggling?'' said Bennett. 'People do have to pay $600 a month. It's okay if they're paying it themselves or they're funded in some way.' He's calling it 'The Phoenix,' which he said the death and rebirth concept matches the house itself Bennett and his crew have transformed the building into a 19-bed residence with a common area, bathrooms, laundry and more. Both men and women can be housed here, and the sleeping areas will be separated by gender for safety purposes. 'We put a lot of thought into it with security locks,' said Bennett. 'They have their own separate apartment for five women upstairs with laundry, kitchen and they have a separate exit out to the parking lot.' Erie Habitat for Humanity, Erie Insurance partner up to build two new homes Bennett said he has received a lot of community support from volunteers to furniture donations. He believes there should be more options for those who may be struggling. Once he has the Phoenix House open for a while, he hopes to open another transition home in the future. 'Just in the applications that I've been getting realize that I can't take all of these people, but there are heartbreaking stories,' said Bennett. 'So many people in Erie need help.' Applications are now open, you can find the link to apply here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Placemaking expert to speak in Meadville on designing vibrant public spaces
The Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC) will host a public presentation by internationally recognized placemaking expert Phil Myrick next week. 'Placemaking: Designing & Activating Public Spaces for Livability' will take place Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Meadville Unitarian Universalist Church, 346 Chestnut St. The event is free and open to the public. Myrick, founder of Phil Myrick LLC and former CEO of Project for Public Spaces, has advised communities, developers, universities and local governments worldwide on how to create dynamic public spaces that foster community connection, economic growth, and a sense of place. His work emphasizes human-centered design principles that help transform ordinary spaces into thriving, people-focused environments. Currently, he is consulting with the Mosites Group on the transformative Allegheny Shores project in Sharpsburg. 'We're thrilled to welcome Phil Myrick to Meadville,' said Andy Walker, executive director of MCRC. 'His expertise in placemaking comes at a pivotal time as we work to reimagine our downtown and public spaces. This event will offer valuable insights on how thoughtful design and community-driven spaces can boost livability and economic vitality right here in Meadville.' The public presentation will explore how placemaking strategies can be catalysts for community and economic development, inspiring attendees to think critically about the potential of Meadville's own public spaces. In addition to the public talk, Myrick will lead an exclusive stakeholder workshop Feb. 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. This interactive session, titled 'Building Walkable Communities — What Really Makes a Difference,' will guide participants through a public space audit and hands-on exercises focused on enhancing Meadville's walkability and sense of place. Amara Geffen, MCRC board president and a regional leader in placemaking and public art, highlighted the importance of this event. 'Placemaking isn't just about design; it's about people. It's about creating spaces where community life thrives,' she said. 'Phil's work aligns with what we've been striving for in Meadville —transforming public spaces into places that reflect our community's identity, foster connection, and support local vitality.' The corporation invites residents, business owners, community leaders and anyone interested in the future of Meadville to attend.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation launches community perception survey
The Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC) is inviting all Meadville residents, business owners and community organizations to participate in a Community Perception Survey. The survey opens Monday and will run through Feb. 21. It is an important first step in the group's efforts to seek a Main Street Matters designation through Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), officials said in making the announcement. The survey is designed to capture public opinions on key aspects of Meadville's downtown, including issues such as downtown's comfort and appearance, economic conditions, community attitudes, available activities and accessibility. Insights gathered from the survey will help guide revitalization strategies to make Greater Downtown Meadville more vibrant, welcoming and prosperous. 'Our goal is to ensure the future of downtown Meadville is shaped by the people who know it best — our community,' said Andy Walker, executive director of MCRC. 'By completing this survey, residents and business owners have the chance to share their perspectives and priorities, which will not only strengthen our application for the Main Street Matters program but also guide long-term revitalization efforts that make downtown Meadville a better place to live, work and visit.' The Main Street Matters program is a state initiative aimed at supporting downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy and vibrant communities. According to DCED's website there are currently nine downtown's across Pennsylvania that have Main Street designations. If awarded the designation, Meadville could benefit from funding opportunities that support planning efforts, business development, aesthetic improvements and public safety enhancements. As an added incentive, participants who include their email address in their survey response will be entered into a drawing for $25 'Downtown Dollars' gift cards, redeemable at participating businesses. A third winner will be selected from those who engage with the survey through the MCRC's Facebook page — visit @meadvillecrcorp for details. The survey can be completed online at as well as by filling out paper copies which will be available at Meadville City Hall, Active Aging, the Meadville Public Library and many downtown businesses.
