Ashland Downtown receives official not-for-profit status
BY JOHN E. USALIS, Ashland Bureau
Chief - News Item
01/12/2006
ASHLAND - The first meeting of the board of directors
of Ashland Downtown Inc. (ADI) in 2006 was a busy one, which could
be a predictor of things to come for the rest of the year and beyond
for downtown revitalization.
ADI President Louis R. Rader opened Monday's meeting
with an overview that could be considered the "State of Ashland
Revitalization" address.
"We have a huge year coming up and a lot of things
are in the works, including our Streetscape Program," said Rader.
"That's one thing. We have a significant amount of money that
we anticipate coming into the community. We also anticipate applying
for Main Street Program involvement with Pennsylvania Downtown Center
and DCED (Department of Community and Economic Development)."
Rader added that as the revitalization initiative continues
forward, it could eventually lead to a full-time Main Street manager,
which would "really help us turn the corner on revitalization."
"We're really moving along, and that coupled with
the fact that Upper Schuylkill Downtowns and the resources available
there, such as the Facade Improvement Program, we'll have opportunities
to get some additional dollars in our community. And admission into
the Main Street Program could qualify us to receive up to a half million
dollars."
A major step forward for ADI is its qualification as
a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, which will not only provide
certain benefits for ADI, but also to those who donate to the revitalization
cause through the organization.
"When I say we have a huge year coming up, it has started within
the past week or so. Tonight, I am pleased to be able to announce
to the entire board of directors that we have been approved for 501(c)3
status," Rader said. "That was great news to get. And it's
my understanding that it was approved in record time."
To speak on the filing of the application with the Internal
Revenue Service and its ramifications was attorney Keith Strouse of
the law firm of Strouse and Strouse, Ashland. Strouse has been involved
with ADI since the beginning and prepared the documentation that lead
to the 501(c)3 approval.
"The 501(c)3 status covers a broad range of organizations,
from Bill Gates' private foundation to local churches," said
Strouse. "More importantly, within a 501(c)3 designation, you
are classified as a public charity under Section 170 of the code because
you want your cash and in-kind contributions to be eligible for tax
deductions, which they generally are. It's the best status that you
can get."
Donations to ADI are now deductible to the maximum amount
allowed by law.
Strouse pointed out that the ADI's not-for-profit status came through
an "advance ruling" by the IRS.
"What that means is that in 2008, you'll get a
letter from the IRS asking what you've been doing since 2004, especially
what your finances look like since 2004, where you've gotten money
in from and what you've done with the money," Strouse explained.
Strouse explained that once that report is reviewed
by the IRS and it passes muster, then ADI would get a final or "definitive"
ruling of its not-for-profit status.
With the new status, ADI is required to file a federal
income tax return if gross receipts of cash and in-kind donations
are over $25,000.
At the announcement, the board applauded Strouse for
the work done in getting the 501(c)3 status for the organization.
Rader remarked that the Strouse law firm completed and
filed the application pro bono.
"ADI is extremely grateful to the Strouse law firm for the services
they provided. They've given us a great opportunity at a time when
we're building an organization. We're pleased to work with them,"
said Rader.
With the organization preparing to move into high gear
in its programs, and with the success of community events like AppleFest
and Old Fashioned Christmas, Rader reminded the committee members
and other volunteers who have dropped away to reconsider their commitment
and become active again.
"I just want to throw out the importance of the commitment that
we made two years ago," said Rader. "A lot of things keep
people involved and a lot of things pull people away. We recognize
that fact. But when we started, we indicated that it would be a very
long-term process and that we should not expect immediate results
for our efforts."
Rader said that the hard work is paying off and this
is the time to stay onboard.
"Getting into the Main Street Program would really
mean that we've turned the corner on what we originally committed
to do to really start to prepare for the revitalization of downtown
Ashland. I really believe we're on the cusp of making that happen,"
said Rader.
He encouraged everyone to get involved, follow procedures
"by the numbers," and prepare for potential acceptance into
the Main Street Program by May.
"We need as many people as we can to achieve the goals we have
set for ourselves," said Rader. "It's getting to the point
now that some of those things that we've talked about, even dreamed
about, might become a reality for us a pretty stable, solvent organization
making some progress in the community. Now is not the time to get
out."
Rader added, "As always, we're interested in recruiting
new, energetic people to be part of this organization."
In other business, the board elected Ellen Sosnoski
as secretary. She replaces Bonni Klingerman, who stepped down from
the post for personal reasons, but will remain on the board of directors.
Rader welcomed David Scasta and Robert Keiper to the
meeting and their future participation in the downtown revitalization
effort.
Following the burglary spree of five businesses, ADI
announced a $500 reward to anyone providing information leading to
the arrest and prosecution of the culprits. Half of the reward was
provided through an anonymous donor, with the remaining $250 provided
by ADI.
Since the arrest of the two teen suspects was accomplished
without the need of the reward money, Rader suggested to have the
funds set aside in case they are needed in the future for a similar
reason. The board approved the set-aside.
© The News Item 2007
< Back to News
