economic development in pottstown gaining momentum · by peggy lee-clark, executive director,...

AUGUST 2017 8ROUTE 422 BUSINESS ADVISOR 422business.com and 422bizmag.com

ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT INPOTTSTOWN

GAINING MOMENTUMBy Peggy Lee-Clark, Executive Director, Pottstown AreaIndustrial Development, Inc. (PAID)

Pottstown has been rediscovered and is being appreciatedfor all that it has to offer. Businesses are moving into andchoosing to stay in Pottstown due to its increasing assets.

One such asset is the diversity of prop-erties that are available for development.There are many buildings that still havethe beauty of original architectural fea-tures that display craftsmanship notfound today. There are traditional officestructures in an office park setting and lotswhich are blank slates. For retailers whowant to be in a small shopping center orbe part of a downtown district, there aremany opportunities.

A common challenge for today’s busi-nesses, especially in the manufacturingsector, is the need for a skilled workforce.Pottstown offers access to a public-schoolsystem that has academic tracks and tech-nical skills integrated for students, a com-munity college, and community groupsoffering important parts of a workforcedevelopment continuum.

Businesses who want to make a com-mitment to substantial improvements to aproperty can benefit from the LocalEconomic Revitalization Tax Abatement(LERTA) program. Unlike other bor-oughs or municipalities, there are no limi-tations for LERTA consideration on wherein the Borough businesses locate, and itincludes borough and school taxes.

Moving of people and goods is a neces-sary function of any business. Pottstownhas that covered as well through its trans-

portation assets. There is easy access toRoute 422, a municipal airport, and anestablished bus system.

Lastly, Pottstown is rich with quality oflife. In addition to public schools and thecommunity college, there is The HillSchool, a well-respected private institu-tion with a rich history. Medical care isavailable through a full-service hospitalthat has partnered with Nemours and FoxChase Cancer Center raising the level ofcare provided. A major portion of theSchuylkill River Trail runs through theBorough. There is an ever-expandingrecreational district that includes, parks, ahistoric home, a carousel, mini golf, andthe Colebrookdale Railroad. Even thoughit has long celebrated its ties to cars, it is anextremely walkable and bike-able com-munity.

If you haven’t considered Pottstown asa location for your business, we hope youwill. Come find out how you can be apart of its revitalization.Pottstown Area Industrial Development, Inc.(PAID) provides services to businesses and organ-izations seeking to invest, expand, or re-locateincluding with site selection, commercial andindustrial real estate development and redevelop-ment, financing and workforce development. For additional information, please email Peggy Lee-Clark at pleeclark@paidinc.org.