When Neill and Evelyn Andritz started The River's Edge Canoes & Kayaks in May 2007, they were taking quite a risk. Nobody knew whether or not people would think to take a canoe or kayak out on the Kiski River.
 

 

Ironically, Neill and Evelyn were sure that, if given the opportunity, people would love to take a paddle along the beautiful Kiski River. They opened up shop and never looked back. Now, The River's Edge is one of a handful of Canoe and Kayak outfitters along the Kiski, but it will always be the first. Here is what Neill had to say when we caught up with him:

What made you realize there was an opportunity for your business?

The amount of people using this beautiful resource has been dramatically increasing since the early 1990s. Since becoming an official state water trail, access to the river has also made it easier to capitalize on this opportunity.

How has business been since you opened?

Since we opened in the fall of 2006 the business has been a great success!  We feel the coming year will be our best yet. We have grown from 800 people on the water the first year to 1200 the second year. Our goal for 2009 is 2000 people!

Why should someone come up and spend a day paddling on the Kiski River?

Getting back to nature helps ease the stress of our hustle and bustle lifestyle. Our reasonable all-day rates allow anyone to have a great time on one of the areas best kept secrets. You can fish, swim, picnic, bird watch, or all of the above. 

Who are your customers and where do they come from?

Our customers have come from 28 states and 4 different foreign countries in the two years since we have opened!  Not to mention all over Pennsylvania and the surrounding area.  Most of the locals comment they had no idea how beautiful the Kiski really was!

What piece of advice do you wish you had known when you first opened?

I still haven't figured out the magic weapon for getting your name out there.  Even some of our local customers will say they had no idea we offered canoe and kayak trips on the Kiski.

Do you prefer kayaking or canoeing?

I began my canoeing career in the Boy Scouts at an early age, but once I got in a kayak it was over.  I just enjoy the personal freedom of gliding through the water in your own kayak.


The River's Edge
3158 River Road
Leechburg, PA 15656
724-845-9501
 

In January, PHLF announced receipt of a $100,000 grant from the Allegheny Foundation to augment the Vandergrift Improvement Program (VIP) Real Estate Revolving Fund. To date, the VIP has raised $475,000 for this fund, with support from the Allegheny Foundation and State Senator Jim Ferlo. Restoration work is nearly complete at 143 Grant Avenue, one of the projects to benefit from the Revolving Fund. The facade has been fully restored, a new roof has been installed, and interior improvements have been made. A first-floor bakery and yoga studio will open later this year, and the bakery/yoga owners will live above in a second-floor apartment. Space is also available on the third floor. Take a look at the impressive before and after photos of this restoration project.



 

 

During a press conference on February 13, Landmarks Community Capital Corporation (LCCC), a nonprofit subsidiary of PHLF, announced the start of The Metropolitan Loan Fund of Pittsburgh (MLFP). The fund is a collaboration with State Senator Wayne D. Fontana, Allegheny County, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Neighborhood Business Inc., Bridgeway Capital, with support from The Heinz Endowments. The MLFP has $1.75 million in funds committed to spur small and minority business opportunities in the Pittsburgh region.

"This public/private partnership," said Dr. Howard Slaughter, Jr., CEO of LCCC, "is designed to provide flexible financing and technical assistance to new and exisiting businesses, with special emphasis on minority and women-owned businesses in the region." A key component of the program is for participants to utilize technical assistance from the beginning of the process throughout the entire life of the loan, "in order to help these firms navigate the vicissitudes of entrepreneurship," Howard added.

Eligible applicants include new or existing businesses located in or serving the Pittsburgh metropolitan statistical area. For details contact:

Annabelle Javier Wilburn
annabelle@landmarksccc.com
412-471-2110

 

 

PHLF is pleased to be able to offer to business owners in all of the Allegheny Together, Vandergrift, and FLAG communities a free design consultation on storefront and window displays, as well as interior design and layout.  PHLF offers this service through Sheri Kosh, owner of Interiors by Decorating Den and a PHLF member and volunteer.  Sheri provides expert design services for commercial and residential properties throughout the Pittsburgh region.  She can help businesses maximize exposure with high impact window displays and make sure you are effectively welcoming  your customers with a distinctive interior.  This service is available until the end of April 2009.  Please call Ethan Raup at PHLF at 412-471- 5808 for more details or to set an appointment.