About Our Organization
What We Do
Business Revitalization, Tourism, & More
Downtown Indiana represents the interests of the business and property owners, workers, and residents of Indiana’s central business district. Our non-profit organization is dedicated to making Indiana a more attractive and engaging (add bold/italics from hero).
Downtown Indiana adheres to the transformation strategies prescribed by the Main Street America approach. Our work is organized and directed under the four committees outlined by that approach including:
- Aesthetics
- Economic Revitalization & Vitality
- Promotion of Businesses Through Events
- Engagement with Other Organizations
Working Together to Make Indiana, PA a Better Place to Live, Work, Own a Business, & Visit
DESIGN COMMITTEE
The Design Committee aims to enhance and improve the aesthetic and functionality of the physical infrastructure in/around the central business district through initiatives such as:
• Planting and caring for Philadelphia Street flower baskets
• Installing and maintaining holiday lights on downtown buildings • Creating and facilitating a facade grant program to improve/maintain signage and other street facing infrastructure
ECONOMIC VITALITY COMMITTEE
The Economic Vitality Committee aims to support local businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, attract investment, and create job opportunities through initiatives such as:
• Collecting and summarizing data about properties and tenant businesses within the central business district and identifying opportunities for intervention and further investment
• Collecting feedback from property and business owners and working with local economic development organizations to identify opportunities for ongoing support and further development
ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE
The Organization Committee aims to develop and foster relationships with other individuals and organizations involved in community development, including: • Indiana Borough, to facilitate beautification efforts and plan/execute events in/around the central business district
• Indiana County Chamber; Indiana County Tourist Bureau; and Indiana County Development Corp, to leverage public resources to bring about positive change in/around the central business district
• Indiana Arts Council and Indiana Theater, to increase the visibility of the significant arts-oriented initiatives/programming those organizations put on • IUP, to create and strengthen relationships between businesses and faculty/ students
PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE
The Promotions Committee aims to promote the retail shops, experienced-oriented destinations, diverse restaurants and pubs, and other amenities that are located in/ around the central business district through initiatives such as:
• More than 20 downtown events that highlight local businesses and attract residents and visitors to those businesses, including events such as Arts Walk, Taste & Tour, Third Thursday, Italian Festival, Oktoberfest, Wine & Spirits Walk, and the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival portfolio of events.
• A robust digital presence with significant community engagement, highlighting the downtown establishments and their offerings, including/ especially as part of the events that aim to increase visibility for these establishments
Our Staff & Board Members
Executive Director: Sam Kenly
President: Chad Martin
Vice President: Vinnie Hanig
Second Vice President: Joe Kinter
Secretary: Carrie Kinter
Treasurer: Andrea Kanick
Design Committee Chair: Shanna Scordo
Economic Development Committee Chair: Dana Henry
Organization Committee Chair: Zack Morrow
Promotions Committee Chair: Chelsea Fabin
Marketing Coordinator (ex officio): Molly Sarver
Volunteer Coordinator (ex officio): [empty seat]
Get Involved
If you love Indiana, want to see it thrive, and have the time and energy to make an impact, please join us. The Downtown Indiana organization relies heavily on volunteers to lead its events, contribute to its business development initiatives, and water its iconic flower baskets. Get involved with a young-at-heart and creative group of community-minded colleagues, and make some new friends along the way. Help us help our wonderful community realize its significant potential!
Partnership Opportunities
Downtown Indiana does its best work working alongside the others in our community who are similarly invested in its well being. From Indiana Borough to the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce to the Indiana Arts Council and Jimmy Stewart Museum to the United Way, we do our best to be good partners to Indiana’s other community development groups. If you have an event or initiative that would benefit from our partnership or an idea to share, please reach out.
Provide Financial Support
Downtown Indiana recognizes everything our community already offers to its businesses, workers, residents, and visitors, and we are working to position the organization to build on that strong foundation and help maximize its potential for those stakeholders. Our work includes supporting and promoting local, small businesses; preserving and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the central business district’s built environment; and fostering a sense of community among residents, workers, and visitors. To the extent you believe in the community development work the organization is doing, we’d ask you to consider supporting us financially.
Get Involved
If you love Indiana, want to see it thrive, and have the time and energy to make an impact, please join us. The Downtown Indiana organization relies heavily on volunteers to lead its events, contribute to its business development initiatives, and water its iconic flower baskets. Get involved with a young-at-heart and creative group of community-minded colleagues, and make some new friends along the way. Help us help our wonderful community realize its significant potential!
Partnership Opportunities
Downtown Indiana does its best work working alongside the others in our community who are similarly invested in its well being. From Indiana Borough to the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce to the Indiana Arts Council and Jimmy Stewart Museum to the United Way, we do our best to be good partners to Indiana’s other community development groups. If you have an event or initiative that would benefit from our partnership or an idea to share, please reach out.
Provide Financial Support
Downtown Indiana recognizes everything our community already offers to its businesses, workers, residents, and visitors, and we are working to position the organization to build on that strong foundation and help maximize its potential for those stakeholders. Our work includes supporting and promoting local, small businesses; preserving and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the central business district’s built environment; and fostering a sense of community among residents, workers, and visitors. To the extent you believe in the community development work the organization is doing, we’d ask you to consider supporting us financially.
Upcoming Events
Third Thursdays in IRMC Park
Third Thursdays in IRMC Park
Live Music! Local Eats! Every Third Thursday in IRMC Park (N 7th St) April through September. Bring a folding chair. Bring your neighbor. These events are free and open to
Partnering Organizations
