DKI Continues to Promote Downtown Kittanning

Members of Downtown Kittanning Incorporated posed for a picture yesterday morning. (left to right) Jack Bennett, Vice President; Leslie Cutts, Treasurer; Katie Flory, Secretary; Greg Toy, Board Member; Ray Voller, President.

by Nathan Lasher

With over 60 local businesses in its membership, Downtown Kittanning Incorporated continues to support events and advancements in the Kittanning area.

“We do a lot of things throughout the town that people don’t know about,” said DKI President Ray Voller. “The flags and Light-Up Night are all done through DKI, we are going to sponsor the Folk Festival, and we are also going to sponsor for Ms. Pennsylvania to attend. That’s coming up pretty soon.” DKI has also organized Movies in the Park at the John P. Murtha Amphitheater in Kittanning for the months of June, July, and August. On June 18, attendees were treated to a showing of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” on June 23 they will be showing “The Blind Side,” and Disney/Pixar’s “UP” will be shown on August 20.

Voller has been involved with the local business association for approximately 20 years, and he doesn’t seem to be getting tired of it. “It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s a volunteer organization, and we generate funds via the dues and different events that we have. We put the dues right back into town. The Christmas lights are all done with DKI money. It’s just, basically, a volunteer organization to keep the businesses aware of each other, and to help promote downtown Kittanning and surrounding areas.”

According to Voller, businesses do not have to reside in downtown Kittanning to be eligible for membership. “You can be any business as long as you want to do something for the benefit of this area,” he said.

Anyone interested in joining DKI should contact Vice President Jack Bennett at 724-548-7117.