Posted by Chris Anderson on Apr 29, 2019
Pictured (l to r) - Bill Stevenson, Vince DeJoy, Katie Geise and Kevin Sixbey
 
Vince DeJoy, Development Director for the City of Jamestown spoke to the club about the Jamestown Local Development Corporation (JLDC).
 
The Jamestown Local Development Corporation manages a fund for downtown programming.  It was decided that the City needed a fund to bring some big-name entertainment to downtown Jamestown.  The City of Jamestown applied for these funds from NYS and received a substantial amount.  The fund will provide grants and loans to bring high level entertainment to the city of Jamestown.  $600,000 will be available over 2 years.  Two events have been approved already.  Up to $50,000 in grants are available and up to $25,000 in loans are available as well.  
 
Vince mentioned that the first event sold out very quickly!  The JLDC partnered with the Comedy Center to bring in John Mulaney as a second headliner act to the main comedy festival act in August.  
The second main event that is happening is the Music of Queen performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra! The event is also a fundraiser for the Jamestown High School Band and A'Cappella group to support their trip to Florida.  To purchase tickets for this event, you can buy tickets at the Reg Lenna Box Office or purchase them online at www.reglenna.com.  
 
Additionally, Vince said there are some other applications in to the fund but nothing is ready to be made public just yet.  This fund is designed to bring people into the downtown area.  It will help with revitalization efforts in the city and benefit downtown businesses.  Many exciting events planned and will be announced soon!
 
The club then heard from Billy Stevenson – Mr. JHS Band!  Bill talked about the band’s previous trips to Florida and how the process works.  The journey is a 24-hour straight drive to Florida.  Bill mentioned that he has never had any trouble with any of the students.  Bill talked about how polite and well-behaved these kids are.
 
160 kids will march in the parades at the Disney Parks in Florida.  In Bill’s own words, “It is a great opportunity for these kids and an honor to be able to take them on a trip.”  Thank you, Bill, for all you do!