Bill Pezza

How Bristol Won Bill Pezza

Like hundreds of small towns across America, Bristol Borough, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a once prosperous commercial hub of its region, fell on difficult times as nearby factories closed or drastically reduced their workforce. The downward spiral of economic activity and erosion of investor confidence led to population loss and a decline in property values. Thanks to talented and effective local leaders, an incredible group of tenacious volunteers and an amazing community spirit, Bristol Borough, clawed back from obscurity and economic stagnation to emerge first out of 3500 communities across America to the win the national Small Business Revolution-Main Street competition sponsored by Deluxe Corporation of Shoreview, Minnesota. Buoyed by its success, and bursting with renewed confidence, it stands poised to move forward to create its own opportunities and to be a model of hope for other struggling towns whose best days can lie ahead. Bill Pezza, President of the economic development group, Bristol Borough Raising the Bar, which spearheaded the effort that was joined by thousands, tells an inspirational story of the grit and determination of a town that refused to quit. Civic organizers and elected officials will benefit from chapters on volunteer recruitment, networking, goal setting, media relations, use of social media, the importance of symbolism, public/private partnerships, and more. The book's appendix includes messages from leaders of five other towns that were finalists in the SBR contest, driving home the notion that there is a commonality of problems and opportunities that small towns face, and there is value in working together to explore best practices for solutions.