Business’ Efforts Applauded

5/4/2011

(Weirton Daily Times editorial)

One area business is stepping up to make a difference in some of our local communities and we hope it is only the beginning for an increase in beautification and revitalization efforts for our area.

Assure America recently announced the creation of a new program, known as VIEW, which has been designed as a way to provide funding for local business owners to improve their buildings’ appearance.

All too often we hear comments in our communities about the appearance of storefronts which, over the years, have become rundown; in particular those which have sat vacant for long periods of time.

These buildings have been cited as one of the many obstacles in attracting new business and residential growth, but we, as a community, tend to wait until our local municipal and county governments decide to take action. In the meantime, not much is done to address the core issues.

As the economy continues to be in poor shape, addressing those issues becomes even more challenging as some of our businesses need to cut back on extra expanses to keep their doors open. That may include a new coat of paint on the building, the cost of water to wash windows, or the price of other items to assist with structural renovations.

That’s where the VIEW program can help. Through VIEW, Assure America has agreed to provide up to $25,000 to serve as matching funds to assist with beautification efforts in Weirton, Wellsburg and Chester where the business has offices.

Applying businesses must be located in a designated business district in those communities, complete and application and be willing to provide half the project costs.

We applaud Assure America and all of its employees for bringing this program to our area and encourage our local business community to follow their lead.

By working together and with the goal of making the improvements for ourselves, for others in our towns and for future generations, we just might be surprised with what can be accomplished.

Every journey begins with a single step, just as a wave can result from a ripple in the water. We are certain VIEW will see successes, even if they are only small ones to start. But those small successes on small projects can lead to even bigger projects and bigger successes.

Hopefully, those victories will continue to breed even more successes and encourage more businesses and residents to step forward to brighten u and rebuild those aspects of our communities in the most need. Perhaps additional businesses who area able to do so will even be encouraged to add to the funding pot available for such projects.

By fixing a broken window, painting a building, getting a new sign, or planting some new flowers, one can inspire others to follow suit. This could lead our efforts to clean up graffiti, replace a worn out roof or repave a parking lot.

Before we know it, a new view of our area can be open for all to see.