Pennsylvania’s Small Business Week began in Hamburg this year, where state officials joined local leaders to celebrate downtown revitalization efforts and tour the borough’s growing business district. The visit marked the official recognition of Hamburg as a designated Main Street community and highlighted a $100,000 investment already received through Governor Josh Shapiro’s Main Street Matters program. Watch the livestream here.
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger led the event, joined by local and state leaders including Rep. Jamie Barton, county commissioners, and representatives from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. The tour began at the Our Town Foundation office on State Street and included visits to several small businesses, including the Hamburg Strand Theatre, Hazel’s Cafe, Hamburg Antique Center, Adams & Bright Drug Store, Art & Craft Gallery of Hamburg, AEC Market, Liv Holistic, and others along State Street and South Fourth Street in the borough’s Main Street area.
“When I look around downtown Hamburg, I see the fruits of strong public-private partnerships,” said Secretary Siger during remarks outside the Our Town Foundation. “This is a thriving community full of pride… family-owned businesses, restaurants, a thriving arts scene — all of it is the result of people coming together to define what they want their town to be.”
Governor Shapiro’s Main Street Matters program, launched to help revitalize Pennsylvania’s downtowns and support small businesses, awarded Hamburg a $100,000 grant to fund a façade improvement initiative. The program also provides five years of technical assistance through the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and priority status for certain DCED funding programs.
Our Town Foundation Executive Director Deena Kershner, who is stepping down after more than two decades leading the organization, said the funding will make a significant impact.
“During our original Main Street designation, we saw the difference this kind of support can make — from constructing riverfront trails to creating the Hamburg Area Arts Alliance and organizing major events like the Taste of Hamburger Festival,” Kershner said. “Losing funding made it difficult to dedicate staff time to actual projects, so we are incredibly grateful to see this support return.”
Lynn Weller, who will take over as Main Street Manager, emphasized the importance of first impressions in driving economic activity and community pride. “The façade improvement program will enhance the face of Hamburg, preserve our historical character, and support local businesses and property owners,” Weller said.
Alyssa Mengel Wentz, owner of the newly opened AEC Market, praised the town’s sense of community and the support she’s received as a new business owner. “The reason I handpicked Hamburg is because of the community. The support has been overwhelming, and we’re proud to bring in real, nourishing food from local farmers,” she said.
Throughout the day, Secretary Siger encouraged Pennsylvanians to support local businesses during Small Business Week and beyond. “These investments are big for small business owners and big for towns like Hamburg,” he said. “Let’s make every week Small Business Week in Pennsylvania.”
