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Program paying off for community
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A program started by one local business in an effort to improve the look of our communities is paying off, and we hope it is only the beginning.
The VIEW Program, sponsored by Assure America, recently recognized its first recipient of funding for property on Potomac Avenue, which has been painted and repaired in an effort to convert the building into a self-storage facility.
The changes have been noticeable for the building, as we are sure anyone who has seen it can attest. We hope others take note and use the results and the VIEW Program itself as inspiration to renovate other down-on-their-luck properties in our area, thus helping to give a brighter look to our towns and show off some civic pride in the process.
We applauded Assure America when they first announced this program earlier this year, and we continue to do so. The business and its employees have consistently found ways to give back to our area, and this is just one more way they are deserving of thanks.
The VIEW Program is a great asset to our area, bringing the opportunity to take small steps but leave lasting impressions by assisting selected business owners with renovations to their properties, such as painting, landscaping and other exterior improvements.
One tiny pebble can cause a ripple effect, and we believe this is just the type of pebble that is needed for us.
Good things are happening here if we're willing to look around. Sometimes all it takes is for one of our own to step up and shine the light down that dark tunnel.
Thank you again Assure America, for helping to show the way to a brighter future.
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VIEW Program helping appearance of area
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WEIRTON - Improvements are being made in the local community through a business partnership and the VIEW Program sponsored by Assure America.
VIEW, a business-to-business community development program sponsored by Assure America, provides matching grants to local business owners to address appearance issues such as painting, signage and landscaping.
Assure America agreed earlier this year to provide up to $25,000 in total matching funds for the communities of Weirton, Wellsburg and Chester.
Angela Conforti, executive vice president for Personal Lines, presented Mike Heilman, property owner of 1305 Potomac Ave., with a check for $500 as part of the VIEW program's reimbursement for community development projects.
Heilman, a local business owner, recently had the building pointed and painted and will be constructing and offering to lease self storage units at the facility.
"We've made some major improvements but we still have a ways to go," he said. "This is a great program for local property and business owners to consider getting involved with."
Participating businesses were asked to complete a one-page application describing the improvement project. In order to be eligible, a business must be located in a designated business district and agree to provide 50 percent of the project cost. All funding will be made on an expense reimbursement basis.
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Workers' comp topic of seminar
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WEIRTON - Many changes have taken place over the last few years when it comes to workers' compensation coverage in West Virginia.
In an attempt to help local businesses better understand the types of programs available and how to manage their coverage, Assure America held a seminar Thursday at the Serbian American Cultural Center.
Approximately 20 individuals, representing a variety of local businesses, as well as the City of Weirton, were in attendance.
Titled "Making Work Comp Work," the seminar gave a little bit of history on workers' compensation coverage in West Virginia, with a particular focus on the changes made beginning in 2005.
"We wanted to make it practical" Assure America Chief Operating Officer John Frankovitch said.
Frankovitch explained prior to 2005, all workers' compensation coverage available to Mountain State businesses was offered by the State of West Virginia itself.
Employers paid taxes to provide funding for the coverage, and had to hire their own attorneys. In addition, Frankovitch said, the legal system often favored the claimants no matter the situation.
"It was pretty much a do-it-yourself situation," Frankovitch said.
Beginning in 2003, the Legislature began working to make changes in state statutes, and in 2006 Brickstreet Insurance was formed and the privatization of workers' compensation was allowed.
"Brickstreet went from being a non-existent entity to the 17th largest compensation carrier in the nation overnight," Frankovitch said.
In 2008, the state opened workers' compensation up to all insurance providers filed in the state.
Frankovitch explained between 2005 and 2010, workers' compensation premiums in West Virginia declined by approximately 44 percent.
He also discussed aspects of the system used by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, which is used to help determine compensation rates for the various types of jobs, and the need for a return to work program.
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Assure America project praised
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WEIRTON - As economic development continues to be at the forefront of the minds of local businesses and officials, the Weirton Redevelopment Authority is offering praise for the VIEW Program initiated by Assure America.
Officials from Assure America Corp. announced in April the formation of a new program designed to provide funding for local business owners to improve the appearance of business district areas in northern West Virginia. The business to business community development program, according to Assure America President Matt Magnone, will provide matching grants to local business owners to address appearance issues such as painting, signage and landscaping with a promise to provide up to $25,000 in total matching funds for the communities of Weirton, Wellsburg and Chester.
John Greco, a Redevelopment Authority Board member, said he believes it is a great idea and asked how the board could tie into the program. He explained that Magnone's idea is modeled after the 'Broken Windows' Initiative started in New York by former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. The 'Broken Windows' theory, he said, is that neglecting small problems sends a negative message to residents and visitors about the overall state of a community.
"The idea behind it is that if we continue to let even the smallest of things slip by, such as a broken window or peeling paint, then we are saying it's OK that our community looks the way it does," said Greco.
Over the past few years, the Redevelopment Authority has assisted with several small development projects with Community Development Block Grant funds allocated by Weirton City Council to the group. Of those dollars, Chairman Mark Zatezalo said there is approximately $60,000 remaining that can be invested in the city.
Board member the Rev. Larry Dorsch said the Redevelopment Authority would be the perfect entity to serve as the facilitator to allow public and private investments to come together to continue efforts to improve the city's look. However, without the support and enforcement of the code established, he said the initiative will not work.
"If we could get three more local businesses to do what Assure America is doing, it could be the start of an initiative to help people help themselves," said Dorsch, "but what other businesses would do that?"
Businesses looking to participate in the VIEW Program sponsored by Assure America are asked to complete a one-page application describing the improvement project. In order to be eligible, a business must be located in a designated business district and agree to provide 50 percent of the project cost and all funding will be made on an expense reimbursement basis.
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Business' efforts applauded
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One area business is stepping up to make a difference in some of our local communities and we hope it is only the beginning of an increase in beautification and revitalization efforts for our area.
Assure America recently announced the creation of a new program, known as VIEW, which has been designed as a way to provide funding for local business owners to improve their buildings' appearance.
All too often we hear comments in our communities about the appearance of storefronts which, over the years, have become rundown; in particular those which have sat vacant for long periods of time.
These buildings have been cited as one of the many obstacles in attracting new business and residential growth, but we, as a community, tend to wait until our local municipal and county governments decide to take action. In the meantime, not much is done to address the core issues.
As the economy continues to be in poor shape, addressing those issues becomes even more challenging as some of our businesses need to cut back on extra expenses to keep their doors open. That may include a new coat of paint on the building, the cost of water to wash windows, or the price of other items to assist with structural renovations.
That's where the VIEW program can help. Through VIEW, Assure America has agreed to provide up to $25,000 to serve as matching funds to assist with beautification efforts in Weirton, Wellsburg and Chester where the business has offices. Applying businesses must be located in a designated business district in those communities, complete an application and be willing to provide half the project costs.
We applaud Assure America and all of its employees for bringing this program to our area and encourage our local business community to follow their lead.
By working together and with the goal of making the improvements for ourselves, for others in our towns and for future generations, we just might be surprised with what can be accomplished.
Every journey begins with a single step, just as a wave can result from a ripple in the water. We are certain VIEW will see successes, even if they are only small ones to start. But those small successes on small projects can lead to even bigger projects and bigger successes.
Hopefully, those victories will continue to breed even more successes and encourage more businesses and residents to step forward to brighten up and rebuild those aspects of our communities in the most need. Perhaps additional businesses who are able to do so will even be encouraged to add to the funding pot available for such projects.
By fixing a broken window, painting a building, getting a new sign, or planting some new flowers, one can inspire others to follow suit. This could lead to efforts to clean up graffiti, replace a worn out roof or repave a parking lot.
Before we know it, a new view of our area can be open for all to see.
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Assure America announces new program
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Local businesses can receive funding for paint, signage, landscaping
WEIRTON - Officials from Assure America Corp. have announced the formation of a new program designed to provide funding for local business owners to improve the appearance of business district areas in northern West Virginia.
VIEW, a business to business community development program, will provide matching grants to local business owners to address appearance issues such as painting, signage and landscaping. Assure America has agreed to provide up to $25,000 in total matching funds for the communities of Weirton, Wellsburg and Chester.
"This program was modeled after the 'Broken Windows' Initiative started in New York by Mayor Giuliani," said Assure America President Matt Magnone. "The 'Broken Windows' theory is that neglecting small problems sends a negative message to residents and visitors about the overall state of a community.
"During Giuliani's tenure, New York City transformed itself by addressing minor issues from panhandling to graffiti which led to investment in larger community improvements," he added.
Business districts serve as the gateway to most communities, Magnone said, and the intention through the VIEW program is to make meaningful physical improvements and improve the perception of the areas served. First impressions are an important part of a community, he added, especially when one is trying to revitalize an area.
"We want to help restore some of the pride in ownership in the valley," Magnone said. "This is our first year and we are hoping people take advantage of the program and it builds and continues for years to come."
Participating businesses are asked to complete a one-page application describing the improvement project. In order to be eligible, a business must be located in a designated business district and agree to provide 50 percent of the project cost and all funding will be made on an expense reimbursement basis.
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