Chamber unveils Pop Up Post in Charleroi
By TAYLOR BROWN
Senior Reporter
tbrown@yourmvi.com
The newest “post” for local businesses to pop up opened Tuesday in Charleroi.
The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recently remodeled its concession-style structure in Magic City Square next to the River House Cafe.
The Chamber Pop Up Post, named by Belle Vernon resident Mary Blatnik, is a former PNC Bank location that has been owned by the chamber since 1989.
The building never went out of use, as nonprofit clubs have used it to sell goods, concessions and other wares during events and other holiday celebrations. After a recent remodel it will be used by retailers as a “pop up” location.
MVRCC Executive Director Leanna Spada said “Pop Up Post” was selected from 13 names submitted by residents throughout the Mon Valley.
It was chosen for its alliteration and use of words.
“We liked the word post because it kind of reminded us of a trading post, and that is what we are trying to do,” Spada said. “A place where people can stop by, walk past and see a different vendor there each time.”
Businesses from the area, or out of town, can choose to rent it for a single day, week or entire month.
MVRCC members can rent it hourly for $15, daily (8 hours) for $50 or for an entire week for $300. Non-members will pay $20 per hour, $75 per day or $350 per week to use the space.
Nonprofit clubs and businesses that choose to rent it for various purposes will receive a significant discount, more so if they belong to the chamber.
Nonprofit members can rent it for $5 per hour, $30 per day or $175 per week. Clubs that are not members of the chamber will pay $10 per hour, $35 per day and $210 per week.
The space can be used for business as well as fundraisers.
Vendors, businesses, clubs or organization that want to schedule a time to use the space have to fill out an application at the chamber office to get on the books.
The Pop Up Post has a new roof and siding and has been painted with shelves installed inside. It also has a new door and window that pulls up and down like a concession stand.
The building offers electricity, heat and air conditioning.
Spada said while no applications have been submitted to rent the space, there has been interest.
“We don’t have anything on the books yet, but there are some people feeling it out,” she said.
Sunrise Perks, which offered coffee for the ribbon cutting Tuesday, said there are women who come into the coffee shop who have online retail businesses that are interested in the space.
“That’s exactly the kind of thing we are looking for,” Spada said. “People to come in to give them a different opportunity to sell, but also to give local residents an opportunity to buy products they might not have known about otherwise. It’s a win-win and we’re really excited about it.”
Funds from the rentals will be used for the building’s upkeep and maintenance, along with other MVRCC events throughout the year for members.
For more information, call 724-483-3507.
