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Pictured on photo: William L. Spear, Downtown Committee Chairperson, Jane Dougherty, First Presbyterian Church, Downtown Pride recipient, and Amilcar Arroyo, Downtown Committee member.

The “Downtown Pride” award was presented to First Presbyterian Church, located at 201 W. Broad Street, for the month of September, during the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce’s Downtown Promotion meeting held on Tuesday, September 25th. 

The award, an activity of the Chamber’s Downtown Promotions Committee, was initiated to help address the issue of cleanliness in the Downtown area.  William Spear Jr., chairman of the committee states, “Although most businesses in the Downtown area takes pride in the cleanliness around their business, we have noticed that there are those who are not keeping the sidewalks and areas around their businesses litter free.  We are hoping that by recognizing the efforts of those who do take care of their properties that it will set an example to those who are not complying with the committee’s and the City’s standard.”

Spear further states, “We are asking that every businessperson make the effort to, at least each Monday of the week, go out and pick up the litter and debris around their place of business.  And, if the building next door to your business is vacant, to clean that area as well.  Working together, we can make a difference in the cleanliness of the Downtown area.”

The framed certificate of appreciation was the fourteenth such presentation to businesses in the Downtown Hazleton area.  Previous winners of the award are: CAN DO, Inc., Chaskin Jewelers, City of Hazleton, Deb & Greg’s Corner Tavern, Fellin’s Jewelers, Hazleton Food Supermarket, Jimmy’s Quick Lunch, Lehigh Tire Co., Hazleton Area Public Library, Metallo’s Formalwear/Spotless Cleaners, Mr. Phil’s Wicker Shop and Laundry, and the Greater Hazleton Area Senior Services, Inc.

The Chamber’s Downtown Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month, while the Downtown Promotion committee meets on the last Tuesday of each month.  Both meetings begin at 8:00 a.m. in the Chamber’s offices located in Citiscape, 20 W. Broad Street, Downtown Hazleton.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 455-1509.