Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) joined businesses and community leaders today at a news conference to announce the formation of the Downtown Endicott Business Association (DEBA). The group was created to work together with business, government officials and other partners in the community to promote and revitalize the Endicott downtown business district. Assemblywoman Lupardo helped organize the business owners after hearing their concerns at a “Take Your Legislator to Work Day” she attended.
The newly formed DEBA already has over 30 members and is growing. Current members range from businesses in the heart of the downtown business district on Washington Avenue, such as Essermann and Pelter and Endicott Florist, to Visions FCU on McKinley Avenue and Price Chopper on North Street, but also include partners in the community such as the Boys and Girls Club, the Endicott Police and the Union-Endicott High School.
“Much like the workers who came here in the days of Endicott Johnson, business in downtown Endicott offer a uniquely diverse mix of services, retail, professionals and restaurants, activities and entertainment,” said J. Brian Luby, Branch Manager, Chakra Communications and Printing. “The DEBA aims to promote the Avenue as an ethnic and commodity diverse business destination, offering a variety of services, shopping boutiques, restaurants and entertainment venues which reflect the diversity and history of the community.”
Beautification is a constant priority and the DEBA and is presently receiving some assistance in this regard from the Oasis City Project. “The Oasis City Project is a partnership of the Oasis After School Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension. We are a group of students working on Community Improvement Through Youth,” said Holly Welfel, Program Director for the Oasis After School Program.
Among the DEBA’s initiatives are improving code enforcement, lighting and parking in downtown Endicott. They are also working to secure funding to make façade improvements and develop green space.
The DEBA is planning an event to raise funds for the organization this fall. They are also planning a Student Art Fair for the upcoming school year.
Membership in the Downtown Endicott Business Association is free and open to all business from Main Street to North Street and Lincoln Avenue to McKinley Avenue. For additional information on the DEBA, including membership and upcoming meetings and events, please contact Jennifer Morgan at jmorgandeba@hotmail.com or Brian Luby at (607) 748-7491.