When a major regional bank headquarters employing more than 150 people inleft Boyertown, Pennsylvania, left, the community of 4,800 residents faced a major economic void. Businesses that served bank workers closed and historic buildings stood empty. The award of a major grant enabled the development of a boarding plaza for an 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, a comprehensive digital presence, seven detailed tourism itineraries all starting and ending in Boyertown, became the most-clicked content on the website leading to 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 complementing 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.
An existing Bed and Breakfast property in need of a re-charge has been restored into a 12-room premier accommodations property.