Assure America Announces New Program

4/28/2011

(Weirton Daily Times)
Local Businesses can receive funding for paint, signage, landscaping

By Angelina Dickson
Staff writer

WEIRTON – Officials from Assure America Corp. have announced the formation of a new program designed to provide funding for local business owners to improve the appearance of business district areas in northern West Virginia.

VIEW, a business to business community development program, will provide matching grants to local business owners to address appearance issues such as painting, signage and landscaping. Assure America has agreed to provide up to $25,000 in total matching funds for the communities of Weirton, Wellsburg and Chester.

“This program was modeled after the ‘Broken Windows’ Initiative started in New York by Mayor Giuliani,” said Assure America President Matt Magnone. “The ‘Broken Windows’ theory is that neglecting small problems sends a negative message to residents and visitors about the overall state of a community.”

“During Giuliani’s tenure, New York City transformed itself by addressing minor issues from panhandling to graffiti which led to investment in larger community improvements,” he added.

Business districts serve as the gateway to most communities, Magnone said, and the intention through the VIEW program is to make meaningful physical improvements and improve the perception of the areas served.  First impressions are an important part of a community, he added, especially when one is trying to revitalize an area.

“We want to help restore some of the pride in ownership in the valley,” Magnone said. This is our first year and we are hoping people take advantage of the program and it builds and continues for years to come.”

Participating businesses are asked to complete a one-page application describing the improvement project. In order to be eligible, a business must be located in a designated business district and agree to provide 50 percent of the project cost and all funding will be made on an expense reimbursement basis.