When someone is the MVP in a game, it means they were the key factor in the team’s success.
In Myerstown, a new “MVP” is working hard to live up to its name and keep community spirit alive and well in the eastern Lebanon County borough, and prevent the downslide that so often affects small towns all across America.
MVP is the Myerstown Vitality Partnership, made up of government and business leaders who had been encouraged by the outpouring of community spirit during the Borough’s 250th Anniversary Celebration in 2018 and moved to do something to keep the momentum going. Attendance at the events was overwhelming and residents displayed a desire to make the community even better than it already is.
As LebTown reported, in March 2019, Myerstown Borough Council approved the creation of the MVP, a public-private organization focused on economic revitalization and new business development in the Borough. On Dec. 2, the MVP was officially authorized to operate as a corporation, following approval of the application by the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Read More: Myerstown looks to stimulate downtown growth with public-private partnership
MVP hopes their new status will allow them to apply for acceptance by the PA Keystone Communities Program which would lead to grant money and access to expert advice on making physical improvements. Current MVP funding comes from the Borough General Budget and voluntary business contributions.
The Myerstown Vitality Partnership Team:
- Steffan Bomberger – MVP/CEO
- Michael McKenna – Borough Manager
- Bryan Rittle – Borough Council President
- Ashley Landis – Board Member
- Steve Goodhue – Board Chairman
- Charles Blankenship – SCORE Mentor
- Jon Zinn – Board Member
- John Bower – New Board Member
- Julia Vicente – New Board Member
- Michael Hibshman – New Board Member
Chairman Goodhue said in a release that the group already has some projects in the works with the focus expected to center on the revitalization of the Myerstown Community Center.
“We are committed to making a difference in the growth of the Borough of Myerstown,” said Goodhue.
“We are very pleased to have the resources of Main Street America and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center at our disposal”, said MVP CEO Steffan D. Bomberger in the release.
“Our own progress in Myerstown will benefit from the combined experiences of literally thousands of communities in America. It accelerates our own learning process.”
Myerstown has a lot going for it in addition to its resident enthusiasm. From a business aspect, it’s located at a major crossroads of Rts 422 & 501 and is within a reasonable driving distance of not only Lebanon, but Reading and Lancaster as well. In a perfect world, it could be a “destination” like Lititz and Ephrata.
Blankenship said, “The energy and commitment of the board members is impressive. I am sure the Myerstown Vitality Partnership will be a success”.
You can watch a video produced by the Borough on the MVP below.
The new year is expected to be busy with the MVP team already working on attracting new businesses, making physical improvements, planning community events and activities, and more.
LebTown will continue to follow the progress of the Myerstown Vitality Partnership and the group’s commitment to community growth and an elevated quality of life for its residents.
