To empower the community to realize its vision for the downtown area by
implementing a sustainable program that will enhance Ephrata's
economic vitality while preserving its special character.

 

DEI is committed to establishing a foundation of support services and incentives that will attract strong retail and commercial businesses to downtown Ephrata. This foundation is strengthened by the common interests of several "business-friendly" organizations, a strong cadre of community volunteers, a progressive political leadership, and established downtown businesses.

Through the leadership of an Executive Director and Board of Directors, community volunteers and supporters work together within the framework of these components to bring about change, progress, and economic stregnth.

A Strong Downtown Should Be Important to Everyone!

Downtown Ephrata is worth the investment and commitment of the community's resources.

A strong, healthy, and vital downtown:

• ... is a symbol of community economic health, quality of life, pride, and history.
• ....retains and creates jobs, which also means a stronger tax base.
• ... is a good incubator for new small businesses - the building blocks of a healthy economy.
• ... reduces sprawl by concentrating retail in one area and uses community resources wisely.
• ... protects property values in surrounding residential neighborhoods.
• ... is an ideal location for independent businesses.
• ... increases the community's options for goods and services, housing and entertainment.
• ... provides an important civic forum where members of the community can congregate.
• ... is a tourist attraction by virtue of the character of buildings, location, selection of unique businesses, and events held there.
  

MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS!

Downtown Ephrata, Inc. does not function without the outstanding commitment of a strong cadre of volunteers.  For 2010, these folks listed below are helping to progress economic revitalization in downtown Ephrata.  Stay tuned, as we expect the numbers to keep growing!

2010 DEI Board of Directors - Bill Warrell (Chair)                    Kim Fasnacht (VP)
                                                    Greg Hamsher (Treasurer)         Joe Zappacosta (Secretary)
                                                    George DiIlio                             Lynn Lopez
                                                    Ralph Watts                               Deb Wiegand
                                                    Jim Brodt  (Hist. Soc. rep)         Sue Rowe (Borough Council rep)

                                                    Jim Hickey (Chamber rep)         Cindy Melinger (Merchants rep)

Design Projects - Lola Mowen (Chair) 
                              George Di Ilio                    Kim Fasnacht                Kris Fortna

                              Christine Stoltzfus              Diane Wechter               Bonnie Martin

                              Mark Schillaci

Business Development Projects - Bill Warrell (Chair)  
                                                        Wayne Eichfield      Nelson Glatfelter       Melissa Lutz

                                                        Susan Shirk             Kevin Hurst

Events & Fun-raising Projects - Deb Wiegand (Chair)
                                                      Christine Burkholder        Patti Canepa-Hughes       Jim Hickey

                                                      Lynn Lopez                     Philip Brubaker

JOIN US!  CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION !