Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation Formed

September 4, 2024

Organization Adopts Bylaws, Announces Inaugural Board of Directors

Meadville, PA – August 25, 2024: The Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC) has reached a key milestone in officially establishing itself as a nonprofit organization after adopting bylaws and naming an inaugural board of directors. The MCRC, whose mission is to foster economic development in greater Downtown Meadville, formed as a result of recommendations made in a May report by Urban Development Advisors which identified strong community support and the need for an entity dedicated to downtown revitalization.

The formation of the MCRC marks a significant step forward for enhancing downtown Meadville through strategic real estate development, community engagement, promotional marketing, and collaborative partnerships.

“This represents a new chapter for Meadville,” said Andy Walker, who was voted by the board to serve as the MCRC’s inaugural Executive Director. “There are a number of steps required to properly set up an entity of this kind, but with our newly appointed board of directors in place, we can begin establishing the relationships and obtaining the resources needed to carry out the MCRC’s vision.” In this new role, Walker will initially remain employed by Allegheny College, but contracted exclusively by the MCRC board to oversee its affairs. “This will be a unique partnership and method by which Allegheny College can continue to support MCRC’s early startup and success,” said Walker.

Board of Directors Announced

In order to operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the MCRC appointed an inaugural board of directors composed of qualified individuals who were nominated by the original Make It Meadville Steering Committee. Those named to the board represent a diverse range of interests, including business and property owners, community leaders, heritage and cultural advocates, real estate professionals, and anchor institutions. This diverse group will guide the MCRC in its efforts to foster economic development, enhance public spaces, and support local businesses.

The MCRC’s inaugural board members are:

Amara Geffen – Renowned artist and placemaking specialist, Founder and Director of the Art & Environment Initiative, and Greenspace Project Manager/Artist for The Arc of Crawford County
Don Rhoten – Vice President of Community Engagement at the Meadville Medical Center and President of the Meadville Medical Center Foundation
Heather Fish – Downtown business owner of Hatch Hollow, Board President for the Second Saturday Community Market, Women’s Services Inc. board member, and member of the Meadville Independent Business Alliance
Rob Smith – Owner of RAN Investments, Executive Chairman at Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc., Trustee Emeritus, Allegheny College, and Women’s Services Inc. board member
Ron Mattocks – Owner at Bull Moose Marketing and Meadville Distilling, Board Vice President of the Crawford County Planning Commission, PA Downtown Center board member, and Northwest PA Investment Cooperative member
Jen Murphy – Business owner at Tattered Corners Bookstore, and Meadville Independent Business Alliance member
Brian Learn – Owner and CEO, Chipsco, Inc. and member of the Northwest PA Chapter of the National Tooling and Manufacturing Association
Sue Wycoff – Business owner of The Woolen Mill, Women’s Services Inc. Board President, and member of the Meadville Independent Business Alliance
Dennis Frampton – The Academy Theatre Board Vice President, Meadville Redevelopment Authority board member, and Northwest PA Investment Cooperative member
Roger Willis – Board Member at the French Creek Development Corporation, Meadville Public Library Board Trustee, and member of the Northwest PA Investment Cooperative
Ron Cole – President of Allegheny College
Renna Wrubleski – Director of Community Development for the City of Meadville, City Staff Liaison to the Meadville Redevelopment Authority, and Northwest PA Investment Cooperative member.

Board officers have also been determined with Geffen serving as the board’s president, Rhoten as vice president, Fish as secretary, and Smith being the board’s treasurer. Additionally, because of her official role at the city, Wrubleski will be an Ex-Officio member, representing the city but with non-voting status.

“In my 42 years as a Meadville resident, I’ve never felt this level of alignment across community groups,” said Geffen, who board members selected as the MCRC President.

Fellow board member Roger Willis expressed similar enthusiasm after being named to the board. “First, this will give me an opportunity to serve with others who believe that Meadville has a bright future if we pool our energies and second, I feel we can grow our city and provide a strong and sustainable community for everyone who lives here.”

“The diversity and expertise of our board will be invaluable as we move forward,” Walker added. “Each member brings a unique perspective that will help us address the varied needs of our community and ensure the success of our revitalization efforts.”

Strategic Focus and Next Steps

The MCRC’s strategic focus is centered on driving economic development, improving public spaces, supporting local businesses, and leading the branding and marketing of downtown Meadville. The organization will also prioritize community engagement, ensuring that the voices of Meadville’s residents are heard and reflected in all revitalization efforts.

In support of these efforts, board committees have been formed to identify specific needs and potential solutions. These include the Real Estate and Business Development Committee, the Placemaking Committee, and the Communications, Marketing, and Engagement Committee. A nominating committee for selecting future board members was also established in addition to the Executive Committee which is composed of the board leadership.

The MCRC’s board will soon convene to begin implementing the strategic vision laid out in the report from UDA. Initial efforts will focus on securing funding, finalizing operational structures, and launching key revitalization projects that promise to deliver early, visible wins for the community. Details related to these efforts will be shared with the public through the MCRC’s website which is currently being updated.

“The MCRC’s mission is not just about improving buildings or attracting businesses,” said Walker. “It’s about creating a downtown that our community can be proud of—a place where people want to live, work, and visit.”

For more information about the Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation and the report by Urban Development Advisors, please visit MakeItMeadville.org or contact MCRC Executive Director, Andy Walker.

About the Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC)

The MCRC is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing Greater Downtown Meadville. Through strategic partnerships, innovative projects, and community engagement, the MCRC aims to enhance the economic, cultural, and social vibrancy of downtown Meadville.

Contact:

Andy Walker
Executive Director
Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation
Phone: (814) 282-5058
Email: awalker@allegheny.edu