Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce

"If you've ever been to the Colonial Theater, you've gotten a glimpse of what makes Phoenixville a Classic Town," said Mayor Leo Scoda. "We are proud of our history, but are also moving forward as a destination for people looking for a blend of urban sophistication and country charm."

Phoenixville was one of nine towns selected for the second phase of the Classic Towns initiative. The others are Ardmore, Wayne, Souderton/Telford and New Hope in Pennsylvania; the Philadelphia neighborhood of Germantown; and Glassboro, Moorestown and Merchantville in New Jersey.

The additions bring the number of designated Classic Towns to 20. The initiative is designed to promote Classic Towns as great places to live, work and play.

"These towns are great additions to our Classic Towns initiative," said Barry Seymour, Executive Director of the DVRPC. "The Delaware Valley region is rich in communities like these - communities that are unique, attractive, exciting and welcoming to visitors and residents alike.

"The expansion of the Classic Towns program is a sign of DVRPC's ongoing
commitment to the growth, revitalization and support of our region's older communities," Seymour continued. "Our region is stronger and more competitive when communities work together like this."

Seymour announced the nine new Classic Towns at a news conference at the Chemical Heritage Foundation in Philadelphia. He was joined by Malcolm Johnstone, Executive Director of the West Chester Business Improvement District; Leo McCabe, Mayor of Glassboro, and Donna Reed Miller, Philadelphia City Councilwoman, as well as approximately 100 city officials, tourism executives and representatives from the 20 Classic Towns.

"The core cities and older communities of our region are home to a wide-range of amenities that are appealing to homeowners and businesses," said Johnstone. "These amenities - access to public transit, walkable downtowns, unique housing opportunities - are what set these communities apart, and we need continue to market these strengths through Classic Towns."

More than one million people re-locate within the Greater Philadelphia region every year. The Classic Towns program highlights the "classic" communities and helps future residents and business owners discover the beauty and diversity of the region's older towns.

Although the Greater Philadelphia region as a whole is promoted as a tourist destination and business center, many suburban communities lack the resources necessary to launch sophisticated and effective marketing programs that target specific demographic groups.

Understanding that the lifestyle and community amenities people desire may change as they move through different life stages, Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia was developed to appeal to three target markets: young professional/childless couples, young families and empty nesters.

The Classic Towns program's genesis dates to 2004 when, with funding from the William Penn Foundation, DVRPC launched the Strategies for Older Suburbs Initiative to stimulate and support reinvestment in the region's older suburbs and urban neighborhoods through multiple and varied efforts. As part of that initiative, DVRPC worked with a team of marketing and branding professionals to develop Classic Towns.

To learn more about the Classic Towns initiative and for information about specific neighborhoods and their amenities visit here. (http://www.classictowns.org/explore/phoenixville/connect)

About the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
DVRPC is dedicated to uniting the region's elected officials, planning professionals and the public with the common vision of making a great region even greater. Shaping the way we live, work and play, DVRPC builds consensus on improving transportation, promoting smart growth, protecting the environment, and enhancing the economy. We serve a diverse region of nine counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer in New Jersey. DVRPC is the official metropolitan planning organization for the Greater Philadelphia Region - leading the way to a better future. DVRPC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information, visit http://www.dvrpc.org.