About Us
The mission of the Eastburg Community Alliance, or ECA, is to advance the sense of place, quality of life, and economic vitality of downtown East Stroudsburg.
Over 30 years ago, local leaders and business owners formed an organization that is known today was the Eastburg Community Alliance, or the ECA.
After years of service and dedication to the downtown business community, the leading founders applied to the Main Street Program. Directed by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Main Street is a nationally acclaimed program that helps breathe new life into communities across the nation. After an intensive review process, the ECA was formally accepted in 2002.
A 501 c3 non-profit corporation under the auspices of the Main Street Program and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center
FUNDING
The ECA is funded through a combination of local grants, direct fundraising, memberships, local contributions, in-kind donations from the community, as well as through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
DCED funds require a dollar-to-dollar cash match from local funding sources. The funds act to provide operational support and direct assistance to downtown businesses. This is achieved through ECA administered design and facade grants, which improve the look and function of Downtown Eastburg.
Board of Directors
The ECA is overseen by a voluntary board of directors. Much of the work performed throughout Downtown Eastburg depends on its members and the active participation of volunteers from the community.
Executive Directors
Board of Directors
ECA recognizes its responsibility to promote downtown East Stroudsburg
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community-minded citizens are the driving force of the ECA. Volunteers serve on committees and/or assist with specific projects to make East Stroudsburg a special place to live, work and play.
FACADE GRANT PROGRAM
ECA’s Facade Grant program awards eligible businesses $5,000 to upgrade and improve the look, function and aesthetics of their storefront. This inspires increased commerce and business retention for all businesses within our district. To date, the ECA has administered $135,000 in facade grants to local businesses.
DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION
ECA is instrumental in the social, economic and aesthetic development of downtown Eastburg. To date, the ECA has partnered with Project Street Art to exhibit artistic expression on Crystal Street and has helped provide streetlights and banners to distinguish our downtown. In addition to granting funds to businesses, the ECA creates and maintains the quaint, attractive atmosphere that sets Eastburg apart to surrounding communities.
A community is only as strong as the sum of its parts
EVENTS AND PROMOTIONS
ECA is responsible for running numerous community events which brings residents and visitors together. Seasonal events not only offer a sense of community, but also help to promote our town’s social and capital assets. Some of our most popular events include our American Freedom Festival, Farmer’s Market, Octoberfest and WinterFest. Many of the events attract over 15,000 visitors and locals which unquestionably puts out community on the map.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ECA works closely in support of other area non-profits and organizations to ensure their success and development. To name a few, we have partnered with East Stroudsburg University, the Sherman Theatre, the Railroad Tower Society, the Pocono Community Theater, the Salvation Army, the Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society, and Steamtown NHS.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ECA is responsible for supporting our historic railroad switching tower as well as the restoration of the Historic Dansbury Depot (formerly East Stroudsburg Railroad Station). ECA has renewed the Dansbury Depot’s role in the community as an: anchor building in downtown, economic generator, home to art and artifacts relevant to our history, and source of local and regional pride.
Winner of the 2022 Best of East Stroudsburg Awards - Non-Profit Organization