POPULATION 4,800
When a major regional bank headquarters employing more than 150 people in Boyertown left town, the community faced a major economic void. Businesses that served bank workers closed, and historic buildings were left standing empty. The award of a major grant enabled the development of a boarding plaza for a historic excursion railroad, a major tourism development effort, and a promotional program to attract the surrounding visitor market of over 7 million people. Within 2 months after being deployed, a comprehensive digital presence and seven detailed tourism itineraries, all starting and ending in Boyertown, became the most-clicked content on the website with over 40,000 unique visitors within nine months. A group tour program and signature events such as the Main Street community dinner, where a block-long table turned the town center into an unforgettable gathering place, helped turn Boyertown into a regular visitor stop.
• The Colebrookdale Historic Railroad now hosts 30,000 visitors a year, and a complementary freight operation makes it financially sustainable.
• 13 new businesses have been established since the railroad began major operations.
• All the businesses on Main Street are now filled with small businesses
• The Bed and Breakfast property in the middle of town has been completely transformed
