Highlights of Downtown Lewisburg - 2003 In 2003, 75% of downtown retail businesses (17 out of 23) experienced sales equal to or greater than the previous year.  61% reported increased sales, compared to 45% in 2002.   Seven downtown businesses—Aim Advertising, The Campus Theatre, The Gingerbread House, The Marketplace, The Mensch Agency, The Pineapple Inn, and Roller Mills --made improvements to their commercial properties through the Partnership’s Façade Grant program (financed by the Pennsylvania Main Street program).  In 2003, the Partnership awarded $28,675 in grant money that leveraged a total of $128,925 in improvements to the central business district. The image brochure for Lewisburg was completed and distribution through Bucknell, the SVVB, and regional businesses began.  Ken LeVan of LeVan Design donated the design. Downtown Lewisburg attracted 10 new businesses, more than offsetting the loss of four.    The Partnership offered one-on-one assistance to more than 12 potential business owners looking to find a way to bring their ideas to fruition.  The Partnership works closely with the Small Business Development Center at Bucknell to encourage its support for start-up businesses.   Over 80 residents, business owners, students and borough representatives gathered at a Town Meeting to give input into the future of downtown Lewisburg The Partnership works hand in hand with the Lewisburg Business and Professional Association to promote downtown Lewisburg.  In 2003, the LBPA’s Downtown Gift Certificates sales totaled $12,000, continuing an annual increase of at least $1000. The LBPA channeled $5,500 in grant dollars from the Union County Commissioners’ Fund and spent over $5ooo of its own funds on advertising and events to promote downtown Lewisburg. The Business Support and Development Committee completed the Marketing Plan for Lewisburg.