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Donna Taggart Resume
Allyson Filipps Resume
Company Information

Donna G Taggart
Principal/President

Donna Taggart has been involved with economic development efforts for 25 years. She began her career as Director of Administration for the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park for 11 years before becoming Executive Vice President of the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO). During this tenure, Donna was involved in multimillion dollar redevelopment projects for the City of Bethlehem, including key historic building renovations. BEDCO became part of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation in the early 1990s and Donna assumed the role of Vice President of Regional Development. Her work at LVEDC resulted in the transition of the Easton Economic Development Corporation into the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), parent of the Easton Main Street Initiative, which is recognized as one of the most successful Main Street programs in the State.

Donna has worked with dozens of boroughs and cities to help them improve their economic competitiveness and quality of life. Her extensive knowledge of federal and state programs has helped many communities achieve major milestones in their redevelopment efforts. During her career working in the public and not-for-profit sectors she packaged dozens of key community economic development projects, leveraging over $30 million in public financial incentives.

As a contract employee through Taggart Associates, Donna currently serves as Program Coordinator of GEDP and the Easton Main Street Initiative. GEDP duties include administration of all loan programs, CDBG reporting and compliance and daily oversight of the Main Street Initiative. With Donna's assistance, GEDP has recently embarked on a multiyear, multimillion dollar fundraising campaign that includes the public, private and academic sectors. A portion of these funds will be used to implement a hospitality and cleaning program for the downtown area known as the Easton Ambassadors. This fundraising is the precursor to the establishment of a Business Improvement District to sustain these efforts.

In 2007, Taggart Associates partnered with a nationally known company in the area of Business Improvement Districts to form New City America East. Donna's experience with Pennsylvania economic development programs and government, coupled with New City America's experience with the formation of Business Improvement Districts gives Taggart Associates' clients another option when seeking financing for their downtown revitalization efforts.

The City of Easton, Lafayette College and the Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor hired Taggart Associates to manage a $20 million project to redevelop areas along a portion of the Bushkill Creek. The projects include the redevelopment of a former industrial property, the creation of a City Gateway and the development of a recreation facility. Coordination of all interested parties and soliciting timely public input to the decision making process are key elements in this redevelopment effort. Taggart is currently leading the community visioning effort for the redevelopment of the 14-acre Silk Mill property into mixed use, retail, commercial and residential uses with a focus on the creation of an arts community including artist live/work space. This property contains approximately 334,000 square feet of existing building space, much of which is architecturally and historically significant.

Other current projects include community outreach liaison for the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which will team with Newmark, Knight, Frank to revitalize the Bethlehem Steel site in South Bethlehem with a $800 million project that will unite the arts, residential living space, entertainment venues and retail establishments. Mrs. Taggart is also contracted with other local developers and municipalities to find unique funding strategies to make critical projects happen despite budget constraints. One of these projects is the Allentown Waterfront project, the development of an ___ acre former industrial site along the Lehigh River into a mixed-use project, including residential, commercial, entertainment and recreation uses that includes the development of a public riverfront project..

Mrs. Taggart holds a B.S., Business Administration with a concentration in Finance; Minor: Economics from Cedar Crest College. She gives back to the community by serving as a Board Member of Northampton Community College's Foundation Board and Executive Committee, ArtsQuest Board of Trustees and Executive Committee and Past Chair, VIA Board of Directors, and Past Board Member and Secretary of the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association.

DETAILED EXPERIENCE:

MANAGEMENT
Greater Easton Development Partnership, Inc. - Recently re-structured and re-energized the former Easton Economic Development Corporation into the Greater Easton Development Partnership, Inc. to provide the City of Easton with an active non-profit economic development corporation. This new entity is the sponsoring organization for the new Easton Main Street Initiative to stimulate revitalization of Easton's Central Business District. Donna serves as serves as Program Coordinator of the Easton Main Street Initiative and is assisting with the implementation of the Easton Ambassador Program.

Slate Belt - Facilitated development in the Slate Belt area of the Lehigh Valley, PA, highlights which include the formation of a Council of Government; construction of a 40,000 sq.ft. shell building in partnership with the Northampton County IDA, the Green Knight Economic Development Corp., and J.G. Petrucci Co.; and installation of infrastructure to a 60-acre industrial park in Portland.

CATALYTIC PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Hotel Bethlehem - Spearheaded a $13 million historic renovation of a bankrupt downtown Bethlehem hotel to carry a national flag.
Broad and Main - Facilitated the development of a key historic downtown Bethlehem property that had been vacant for over 20 years into a mixed-use retail/office building. This project included the construction of an adjacent 700-car intermodal facility that also serves as a LANTA hub.
Bethlehem Technology Center - Participated as one of the non-profit economic development partners and overall managing partner for the development of a $4 million post-incubator technology building in south Bethlehem
Petrilla Fuel Oil/ Union Station - Oversaw the successful purchase and environmental remediation of a 10-acre site at a major gateway entrance to south Bethlehem resulting in the attraction of a national chain restaurant and the development of an abandoned train station into a satellite office for St. Luke's Hospital.

PROJECT FUNDING

Main Street Commons - Coordinated the financing package for a $12 million renovation project of a former department store in the heart of the north side business district of the City of Bethlehem. This abandoned building was converted into a mixed use retail & office complex which brought hundreds of jobs to the downtown. This project included the construction of a contiguous 60-car parking deck.
Ashley Development - Currently advises this major local developer regarding creative financing strategies for urban redevelopment projects, many of which involve historic properties. Acts as liaison between this corporation and state entities involved in the financing processes.
Greater Easton Development Partnership, Inc. (GEDP) - Assisted in creating a fundraising strategy for a multi-year multimillion dollar campaign for GEDP and the Easton Main Street Initiative.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Bethworks Gaming, LLC - Serves as Community Outreach Liaison for the developer of a 120-acre site of the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation property in south Bethlehem. This development project includes one of the Commonwealth's recently-awarded casino licenses. In this Community Outreach Liaison roll Ms. Taggart is responsible for coordination of local employment and training partnerships necessary for this new industry.

INFRASTRUCTURE
Route 512 Improvement Project - Local project manager for the Route 512 Improvement Project responsible for securing the local financing match of $5 million for a $12 million project. In this role, Mrs. Taggart served as the interface between PennDOT, the local municipalities and existing companies and potential prospects for the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park.

Allyson Filipps, ESQ.
Ecomomic Development Specialist/Project Mananger

As Project Manager with Taggart Associates in Bethlehem, PA, Allyson works with public and private sector clients to assist in obtaining various funding sources depending on the project at hand. By having knowledge of the state and federal programs available to developers, municipalities and non profit corporations, she is able to tailor funding that best meets the needs of the client and maximizes the public/private partnership. After identifying the funding program most suitable for a project, Allyson assembles all funding applications on behalf of the client and acts as a liaison between the applicant and the funding source. Additionally, Allyson helps oversee the management of a local non profit economic development corporation and heads the administration of business loans through the Community Development Block Grant Program. She calls on her background to conduct document review, assemble loan documents and financials and conduct research on various projects.

From 2002 to 2005, Allyson served as an Associate Trust Advisor for the Wealth Management Section of PNC Bank where she advised high net worth clients in the areas of investments, estate planning and tax planning. Prior to her employment at PNC Bank, she was employed in various positions in the legal field, including a Contract Attorney working in the areas of Bankruptcy and business law. After graduating from law school she spent a year as a Law Clerk for the Superior Court of New Jersey, Family Division.

Allyson received a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in Law from Lehigh University and received her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law. She is a Member of the New Jersey & New York Bars and is certified as a Mediator through the Superior Court of New Jersey. Her professional training includes participation in Continuing Legal Education, Pennsylvania Business Institute Seminars on Land Use & Zoning and Membership in the American Bar Association.

DETAILED EXPERIENCE:

Greater Easton Economic Development Corporation/City of Easton - Worked with the Board to restructure the entity into a new, viable corporation. Charged with administration of loan programs for business improvement, expansion, acquisition and façade work through the CDBG and Historic District Commission guidelines.

Assisted in setting up the new Main Street Program in the City of Easton, which included assembling office space, working with various volunteer committees and complying with the Main Street Guidelines and state regulations. Worked in the community and organized events to raise awareness of the various programs available and to build a volunteer base. Assisted in identifying properties and businesses that would benefit from programs and initiatives for presentation to city administration. Negotiated and coordinated private funding sources for program development. Coordinated the use of the City of Easton's Hometown Streets grant to coincide with redevelopment efforts by GEDP and Main Street to maximize the visual impact of improvements.

Wrote, packaged and was awarded numerous public and private grants, including a $500,000 Anchor Building Grant through DCED, a Preserve America Community Designation, and various private foundation awards to sustain economic development, historic preservation and community revitalization programs.

Lancaster County Planning Commission

Lancaster City AMTRAK Rehabilitation - Coordinated the $12 million reconstruction of the Lancaster County AMTRAK station with various engineers, architects, PennDOT departments and AMTRAK. Responsible for reviewing all documents, contracts and cost estimates on behalf of LCPC to ensure compliance with PennDOT and AMTRAK procedures as well as federal and state funding requirements. Worked with various state agencies to determine funding sources and item eligibility for each portion of the project, including the need for local matching funds. Compiled all documents for an amendment to the Transportation Improvement Program through the local MPO. Drafted necessary correspondence and agreements between various project partners to facilitate the project.
Harrisburg Pike Land Use and Transportation Study - Responsible for assisting the Harrisburg Pike Transportation and Land Use Study by developing funding strategies for the implementation of Study recommendations. Projects to be funded included streetscape improvements, walking trail installation, traffic calming measures and the establishment of shuttle and carpooling services. Worked with Steering Committee members to identify appropriate uses for funding, project priorities and grant administration responsibilities.

Ashley Development Corporation - Conducted research for developer of new and historic properties to assess possible public funding sources for various infrastructure and construction improvements on building sites. Assembled a working database of all programs to be used for any future funding need. Worked to secure funding from both the private and public sector for projects requiring a comprehensive financial package including ISR Grant Programs, TIF Programs, RACP funding and various HUD funding.

Route 309/KidsPeace - Responsible for facilitating draw downs for all contractors via an IDP Grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for improvements to a major Lehigh County road serving a high volume of daily traffic along with a regional social services facility. Coordinated submission of requisition documents to DCED to ensure prompt payment of invoices and compliance with State program requirements.

For over a decade, Taggart Associates has been "Helping Communities Build Unique Urban Environments." Taggart Associates not only understands the dynamics of urban redevelopment, but is committed to helping create vibrant, healthy downtowns and neighborhoods. We help build unique environments that encourage growth and community spirit based on proven strategies and teamwork.

Located in Historic South Bethlehem, Taggart Associates is pleased to be contributing to the urban revitalization of this area. Our core goal is to become a true partner with our clients and to fully understand and embrace the unique attributes of every community we are asked to assist. One of our most rewarding roles is assisting municipalities with the creation of Main Street, Elm Street and other volunteer based revitalization programs. We understand and nurture the critical public-private partnerships these efforts demand.

We specialize in project funding, transportation, community planning and re-development initiatives. With Taggart Associates furnishing project specific services, we will help you accomplish your goals on time and within budget, resulting in a superior product. Taggart Associates boasts a combination of unparalleled expertise and personal service that distinguishes us from other professional teams. We have excellent working relationships with organizations dedicated to the revitalization of our downtowns, including the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and the Governor's Action Team. These relationships prove invaluable when facing project funding and deadline concerns.

When working on an economic development of revitalization project, it is Taggart Associates' goal to provide a realistic, workable action plan and provide the tools necessary to see the items implemented. We understand that clients are far too busy to think of the means to implement policy changes, studies or timelines. Taggart Associates breaks these tasks down into manageable parts, and provides all necessary leadership and support throughout the process.

President Donna Taggart has had previous roles as Vice President for Regional Development at the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, and Executive Vice President of the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation. In these positions, Donna worked with many boroughs and cities to help them improve their economic competitiveness and quality of life. Her extensive knowledge of federal and state programs along with her excellent working relationships with government administrators has helped many communities reach major milestones in their redevelopment efforts. Donna has over 25 years experience working in the public and not-for-profit sectors. During that time, she spearheaded dozens of key community economic development projects, leveraging over $30 million in public financial incentives.

Vice President Glenn Taggart served on the staff of the Joint Planning Commission for Lehigh-Northampton Counties for eighteen years before moving to the private sector. He has spent the last seventeen years helping communities around the Commonwealth identify challenges and opportunities for their neighborhoods. Glenn is seen as an expert in facilitating public involvement and assists communities in holding public meetings, analyzing community feedback, data analysis and building consensus. He currently volunteers his experience as a member of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission serving on the Environmental and Transportation Committees and the Hanover Township, Northampton County Planning Commission.

Allyson Filipps, Esq. serves as an economic development specialist for BID projects. Allyson relies on her legal background in researching information on communities, identifying funding sources for projects and initiatives and packaging the funding applications for clients. Over the past year, Allyson has secured approximately $750,000 for various municipal and private clients to finance critical projects in their downtowns. Prior to joining Taggart Associates in 2005, Allyson served as a financial and estate planner for high net worth clients.

On each project, we apply our extensive knowledge of economic development programs and strategies, along with our strength in research and public involvement, formation of public-private partnerships and consensus building. Clients can be sure that they are working with a comprehensive team that takes all aspects of their community and project into consideration. We truly feel that our team brings an understanding of the unique revitalization needs of an urban center. Coupled with our successful record of economic development and planning throughout the Commonwealth, we are confident that we can assist Allentown with their revitalization effort.