GMEDC OVERVIEW

The Greater Middeltown Economic Development Corporation (GMEDC) was formed in October 2003 and formally kicked off its revitalization efforts in January 2004. the GMEDC is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the improvement and promotion of enterprise and community in the greater Middletown area, encompassing Highspire, Londonderry Township, Lower Swatara Township, Middletown and Royalton. With the help of our volunteers and with the support of our partners and members of our communities, many exciting things have happened over the last few years. But many challenges to our communities remain and we look forward to meeting them with enthusiasm.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's historical marker for Middletown, located in Center Square, was dedicated on April 17, 1952

The GMEDC has been successful in getting official designation of the downtown business district of the Borough of Middletown as a Main Street Program area and is applying for the Elm Street Program to continue the community development efforts into residential areas surrounding the downtown business district. These programs bring with it some fiunding from the state, but to be sustainable , it requires local dollars and commitment as well.

The Elks Building where the GMEDC Office is located. This building was constructed in 1911 by the Middletown Realty Co. after the Middletown fire of April 9, 1910 destroyed the previous structure known as the Auditorium Building. The 722 seat Realty (Elks) Theatre opened on October 25, 1911. Several businesses, including Doutrich's and Melman's clothing stores have occupied the building's storefronts since its construction. The Elks Lodge owned this building from 1930 until selling it to GMEDC in 2005. The Elks Theatre is thought to be one of the country's oldest operating movie theatres.

Click the links below for more information on the Main & Elm Street Programs:

• Main Street Program
• Elm Street Program

Businesses and Organizations that have pledged Resources to GMEDC (EFMR Monitoring)