CLARION – The Clarion County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) announced Tuesday 11 awards through its Regional Façade Improvement Program, representing a total investment of $221,455 in downtown properties across Clarion, Foxburg and New Bethlehem.

Supported by a $100,000 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Main Street Matters grant, the program is leveraging an additional $121,986 in private investment from participating property and business owners. Together, these investments will support façade improvements that enhance downtown properties, support local businesses, and contribute to continued community revitalization.

“Clarion County’s downtowns are foundational to business, tourism, and local quality of life. Recognizing their importance, supporting and strengthening our downtowns has become a key pillar of our economic development strategy,” said Jarred Heuer, CCEDC executive director. “This façade program puts that priority into action by partnering with property and business owners to invest directly in their communities. I am very pleased to see the program take shape and hit the street, and I believe these investments can build momentum, encourage further private investment, and contribute to stronger downtowns across Clarion County.”

The recipients are:

Clarion

• Logue & Urik, P.C.

• Clarion Community Center.

• Beauty on Main, Blended Nutrition and George’s Barber Shop.

• Clarion River Brewing Co.

New Bethlehem

• NB Fitness Studio.

• Valley Flowers.

• The Union Hall.

• Southern Clarion County Regional Police Department.

• Leatherwood Academy and Laurel Eye Clinic.

Foxburg

• Allegheny Grille.

• Red Brick Gallery & Gift Shop.

“It has been a pleasure working with local business and property owners through the application and design process and helping bring their ideas for these properties to life,” said Sharon DeAndrea, CCEDC community development manager. “I am excited to see these projects move forward and the visible impact they will have in each community. These improvements will help preserve and enhance important downtown properties while creating more welcoming business districts for residents and visitors.”

The Regional Façade Improvement Program is one of several initiatives being implemented through CCEDC’s Regional Main Street Initiative, a collaborative effort focused on strengthening downtown business districts and community vitality throughout Clarion County.

Through the initiative, CCEDC is working alongside local municipalities, businesses, property owners, and community partners to identify and advance opportunities for continued downtown revitalization.