Post by admin on Jan 29, 2009 8:26:59 GMT -5
In past posts I have alluded to the fact that we will be seeing some really good things coming out of the FCP. This article should be a good read.
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2009/0128/front_page/018.html
Executive director works to refocus business group
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer
FREEHOLD — The chief executive officer of the Freehold Center Partnership is sticking to a promise he made to restructure the inner workings of the partnership by restructuring existing committees.
Since being named the partnership's CEO about six months ago, Rich Gatto set about working to improve the operation of the organization and to enhance the image of Freehold Borough.
The partnership coordinates and oversees activities and events in Downtown Freehold.
Gatto said he was directed to review the operation of the partnership and to bring a fresh perspective to the organization. He has streamlined seven committees to four panels: marketing; events; a strategic committee; and an executive committee.
"I believe this restructuring will improve the cohesiveness between the committees and the partnership's board," Gatto said. "It also streamlines and effectuates the most use of volunteer time and participation."
Members of the marketing committee have been working to improve the borough's image and to capitalize on the appeal of Downtown Freehold. One of the first changes made by that panel was to designate the downtown area as Downtown Freehold.
A new Internet Web site is expected to become a data base for partnership members and to serve as a portal to Downtown Freehold.
"The Web site, downtownfreehold.com, will be updated on a daily basis," Gatto said.
A new logo and a rebranding of the partnership to better identify itself as Downtown Freehold, "the original downtown of Western Monmouth County" is in place, according to Gatto.
"We are also in the final phases of developing a prototype street sign clearly identifying the area served by the partnership. We look forward to presenting this to the Borough Council within the next 30 to 45 days," he said. TheWeb sitewill showcase the businesses in Downtown Freehold and provide access to the businesses. A search engine designed by Andiamo of Freehold Township will allow people to search for a business in Freehold Borough.
Gatto said the events committee will refocus itself and use events to showcase the charm of Downtown Freehold.
The executive committee will serve as a sounding board for Gatto and the members of the other three committees.
The strategic committee will handle longterm planning issues.
Gatto reviewed the last six months of partnership activities and duties.
"Our 'Beatlemania' concert was an unbelievable success and the Jolly Trolley during the holidays was completely sold out." Gatto said.
He said the Jolly Trolley is expected to return later this year.
Gatto said News 12 New Jersey covered the 2008 Christmas tree lighting in Downtown Freehold and he said it was a well-attended event. The partnership also played a more active role in the annual Spooktacular events during October, as well as the Santa Train visit in December.
As for the future, Gatto said the partnership is planning to expand the event season calendar and to include more fun and activities throughout the year.
Plans on the drawing board include the creation of a new gateway into the borough on Throckmorton Street in conjunction with Monmouth County and Freehold Borough.
"Thanks to the generosity of the borough and the county, we will create a beautiful gateway on Throckmorton Street into the borough," Gatto said.
Plans also call for the Freehold Center Partnership to move from its present headquarters on Broad Street to offices in a building at 10 E. Main St.
The new location "will be more centrally located to Downtown Freehold activities and will avail itself of accessibility and use by more of the businesses we serve," Gatto said.
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2009/0128/front_page/018.html
Executive director works to refocus business group
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer
FREEHOLD — The chief executive officer of the Freehold Center Partnership is sticking to a promise he made to restructure the inner workings of the partnership by restructuring existing committees.
Since being named the partnership's CEO about six months ago, Rich Gatto set about working to improve the operation of the organization and to enhance the image of Freehold Borough.
The partnership coordinates and oversees activities and events in Downtown Freehold.
Gatto said he was directed to review the operation of the partnership and to bring a fresh perspective to the organization. He has streamlined seven committees to four panels: marketing; events; a strategic committee; and an executive committee.
"I believe this restructuring will improve the cohesiveness between the committees and the partnership's board," Gatto said. "It also streamlines and effectuates the most use of volunteer time and participation."
Members of the marketing committee have been working to improve the borough's image and to capitalize on the appeal of Downtown Freehold. One of the first changes made by that panel was to designate the downtown area as Downtown Freehold.
A new Internet Web site is expected to become a data base for partnership members and to serve as a portal to Downtown Freehold.
"The Web site, downtownfreehold.com, will be updated on a daily basis," Gatto said.
A new logo and a rebranding of the partnership to better identify itself as Downtown Freehold, "the original downtown of Western Monmouth County" is in place, according to Gatto.
"We are also in the final phases of developing a prototype street sign clearly identifying the area served by the partnership. We look forward to presenting this to the Borough Council within the next 30 to 45 days," he said. TheWeb sitewill showcase the businesses in Downtown Freehold and provide access to the businesses. A search engine designed by Andiamo of Freehold Township will allow people to search for a business in Freehold Borough.
Gatto said the events committee will refocus itself and use events to showcase the charm of Downtown Freehold.
The executive committee will serve as a sounding board for Gatto and the members of the other three committees.
The strategic committee will handle longterm planning issues.
Gatto reviewed the last six months of partnership activities and duties.
"Our 'Beatlemania' concert was an unbelievable success and the Jolly Trolley during the holidays was completely sold out." Gatto said.
He said the Jolly Trolley is expected to return later this year.
Gatto said News 12 New Jersey covered the 2008 Christmas tree lighting in Downtown Freehold and he said it was a well-attended event. The partnership also played a more active role in the annual Spooktacular events during October, as well as the Santa Train visit in December.
As for the future, Gatto said the partnership is planning to expand the event season calendar and to include more fun and activities throughout the year.
Plans on the drawing board include the creation of a new gateway into the borough on Throckmorton Street in conjunction with Monmouth County and Freehold Borough.
"Thanks to the generosity of the borough and the county, we will create a beautiful gateway on Throckmorton Street into the borough," Gatto said.
Plans also call for the Freehold Center Partnership to move from its present headquarters on Broad Street to offices in a building at 10 E. Main St.
The new location "will be more centrally located to Downtown Freehold activities and will avail itself of accessibility and use by more of the businesses we serve," Gatto said.
