HACP Reviews 2023 Accomplishements

New board members were installed during the December Hollidaysburg Area Community Partnership (HACP) Board of Directors meeting. Hannah Vipond of Geely Bar Nail Salon replaced the position left vacant by Jess Sorge's resignation while Susan Cashner of SLY Photography filled the opening left by Dr. Bob Gildea. Board terms were ending for Corey Gildea, Don Delozier, and Jodie Albarano, all three agreed to stay on the board. Becki Hollen retained her position as President while Maureen Letcher was chosen to step into the role of Vice President. The board chose to retain Pam Jones as treasurer and Jodie Albarano as secretary for the HACP.

In opening comments, Don Delozier asked the board members to review the Hollidaysburg Borough newly drafted Comprehensive Plan on the Borough's website or at the Hollidaysburg Municipal Building.

The Partnership reviewed top accomplishments for 2023. They were highlighted by: growing membership to 65 members, hosting events which brought visibility to the community and downtown including Story Walk, which had 134 participants receiving free books; Leprechaun Trivia, Window Easter Egg Hunt, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Holiday Window Decorating Contest, Light up the Night Luminaries, and Halloween and Holiday Neighborhood Decorating Contests. The HACP also had a big year for sponsoring events which included: Downtown Live, Third in the Burg, Blossoms in the Burg, and Family Fun Day. Discounted marketing opportunities were given to members with the WJAC commercial, headshots with SLY Photography, and the Hello Social workshop. In addition to the WJAC commercial the Partnership sponsored the WTAJ Studio 814 visit and the Britt Around Town visit. They also coordinated four member/business mixers. There will be a meeting in January on 2024 goals.

Studio 814 was in to film Hollidaysburg downtown businesses in mid December, but it has not aired yet. The winner of the window decorating contest was announced as Leann Stefan Photography. The holiday party for members was held Dec. 13 at Boro Coffee. The Partnership announced the sign up deadline for the Neighborhood Decorating Contest had ended Dec.13. Voting will run Dec. 18-31. The winner will be announced on Jan. 2. Many of the wnter luminaries that decorated the downtown were done by the elementary school students in the Hollidaysburg Area School District . They are hoping this can continue next year. Holiday gift bags have been distributed to all members and a few potential members.

Emily Wagner stated she is interested in the vacant Marketing Director position and will handle the social media and marketing items for the next month. She will submit her hours to Pam Jones.

She is posting information on the website three times per week and started a Reel Tuesday tour.

The next board meeting is set for Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. in the Community Room at the Hollidaysburg Public Library.