“The Lorain Growth Corporation board of directors are excited and enthusiastic about this move and are looking forward to serving the community at our new location,” Long said.

“This new move will draw us even closer and enable us in work in a more synchronized way to accomplish our common goals and the marketing of Lorain,” he said. “In addition, it will make Lorain Growth Corporation more accessible to the public. Our two organizations can combine our marketing and advertising so it can reach larger numbers of people.”

The new space, 615 Broadway, is the southernmost store-front office of the Palace Theatre.

It has at least 1,100 square feet with room for meetings and displays, Long said. The space has new carpeting, fresh paint and the pressed metal ceiling similar to the one inside the theater.

The move became effective Aug. 1, but has been in the works for about a year with the Palace Theatre board of directors, Long said.

They also will allow the agency to rent the space for a lower-than-market rate, Long said. An exact cost was not final as of yesterday.

The Lorain Growth Corp. is funded with membership dues, fundraising events and foundation grants, Long said.
Largely due to the economy, the agency’s budget has dwindled to about $60,000 a year. Lorain Growth no longer receives money from the city of Lorain or Lorain County, Long said.

Lorain Growth Corp. is not alone, Long said, and many nonprofit groups have faced the same challenges.

“Lorain Growth is constantly looking for ways to reduce our operating costs without decreasing our service to the downtown community,” he said.

The Stocker Foundation will donate much of the furniture, such as chairs, desks and tables, needed for the new office, Long said.

The space currently has a movie poster for the summer Batman blockbuster, “The Dark Knight Rises.” That soon will be replaced by a window sign for the Lorain Growth Corp., Long said.

By RICHARD PAYERCHIN
rpayerchin@MorningJournal.com
@MJ_JournalRick