Rose S. Prinzi
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation’s mission is to enrich the quality of life in the Chautauqua Region – for today and for future generations; as a result, our funding supports a great many initiatives in our area. One important initiative that the Foundation is involved in is community development.
The Community Foundation, also, is committed to granting funds to projects or programs which attract and retain individuals who will make a positive impact on our community and society.
One particular organization that is dedicated to and complements the Foundation’s commitment for community development is the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation. DJDC embraces the vision of the Urban Design Plan, which was adopted by the City of Jamestown in 2006. This Plan recognizes that community revitalization requires the collaboration of both the public and private sectors to successfully address the ongoing process of rejuvenating downtown Jamestown.
Through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation’s Community Service grants, DJDC has been able to sponsor a wide variety of events. Coming up, you will be able to enjoy the Taste of Jamestown (August 7); Cruisin’ (August 21); and the U.S. Air Force Liberty Big Band (August 28th). Presently, DJDC is sponsoring a Concert Series along the Riverwalk and the Downtown Jamestown Farmers Market.
DJDC is a not-for-profit organization powered by hundreds of volunteers per event. It works toward creating diverse and unique experiences which encourages participation from community members, residents, visitors and potential residents. They do this by sponsoring and collaborating with other local organizations including the City of Jamestown on a wide and varied schedule of events to make a positive impact on the overall atmosphere of the community. Due to these events and activities, Jamestown is increasingly becoming known to be a destination-site for those looking to have a positive and memorable experience.
Lee Harkness, DJDC’s Executive Director, expressed it as: “Events are very important to draw people into our downtown and the Jamestown area, which contributes to DJDC’s vision of economic prosperity for our area. These events give us a sense of place and belonging.” He further emphasized that,”… as a community, we need to establish a local force to create an environment which retains and recruits people to our area for effective and continuous economic development.”
As partners in the development and advancement of Jamestown’s well-being, the Foundation and DJDC look to a bright future.
You can share in this community development activity simply by supporting the many events available throughout our area or by contacting the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to give a gift to your community’s future development. Call 661-3390 for more information.