December 1, 2009

York could one day brand itself "America's industrial art and design capital," a development consultant told a mostly full Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center Tuesday morning.

"From Harley-Davidson to York Wallcoverings, York has a history steeped in the applied arts," said Roger Brooks, who studied York in May 2008 and August 2009 and discussed his findings Tuesday.

A number of local organizations, including the York County Economic Development Corporation, Better York and Downtown Inc., arranged Brooks' visits to determine ways to draw locals and tourists downtown.

York needs a distinct identity, Brooks told Tuesday's crowd, much like people know Lancaster as a home of the Amish, Hershey as a chocolate hub, Harrisburg as home to the state capitol and the Poconos as a good place to ski.

What do you want York to be known for? Brooks asked the crowd.

"Harley-Davidson," someone shouted.

"Industry," another person shouted.

The York County Convention and Visitors Bureau touts the area's factory tours, Brooks said, "but once you've done 'em, it's been there, done that."

The York County Heritage Rail Trail is great, Brooks said, but most communities have trails.

Businesses like Salvaging Creativity, which turns scrap metal into art, and the Rudy Art Glass Studio create a foundation for branding York "America's industrial art and design capital," Brooks said.

"There's already a core industry there," Brooks said. "We just need to put it front and center."

Banners hanging from light poles, print advertisements and Web sites bearing the brand's logo could draw new businesses and visitors downtown, Brooks said.

Eleven people representing local businesses and organizations will work to implement the brand, said Sonia Huntzinger, Downtown Inc.'s executive director.

"I liked the concept of the over-arching plan," said Patti Stirk, president of Star Systems Engineering on West Market Street, who attended Brooks' speech. "It's appropriate."

About Roger Brooks
A number of local organizations, including the York County Economic Development Corporation, Better York and Downtown Inc., arranged for Roger Brooks to visit York to determine ways to draw locals and tourists downtown.
Brooks, of Seattle-based Destination Development, visited in May 2008 and August 2009. He presented his findings Tuesday.

Brooks' suggestions
Development consultant Roger Brooks suggested several ways Tuesday for York to draw tourists and locals downtown:

•  Put a center stage in York's Central Market with daily performers and expand the market's hours.

•  Clean up the litter in York's streets.

•  Create a waterfront development plan for the city.

•  Mark roads that lead into the city with special gates or crosswalks.