Member Highlight: Bloomfield Development Corporation

The Bloomfield Development Corporation (BDC) welcomes Shelly L. Majcen, former city planner for the city of Pittsburgh, as its new executive director. Shelly previously worked for 5 years in Pittsburgh’s Planning Department where she was the liaison for multiple Pittsburgh neighborhoods, and has served on the Board of Directors of the BDC for several years.Shelly brings with her a deep knowledge and love for the city of Pittsburgh and especially the neighborhood of Bloomfield. She received her master’s degree in city planning as well as a bachelor’s degree in political science. Her interest in government and politics has been lifelong and she hopes to help the Bloomfield area and its citizens continue on their journey to becoming a beacon of Main Street development.“I’m excited to continue my relationship with the residents of Bloomfield and the BDC in my new capacity,” said Shelly. “I promise great things are coming.”Shelly, a certified “Bloomfieldophile”, resides in the Greenfield neighborhood with her husband, Mario; their daughter, Greta; and two cats. 

1. Organization:Bloomfield Development Corporation
2. Founding Date:2008
3. Executive Director:Shelly L. Majcen
4. Current Staff Size:1 full time, but expecting to bring on 1 full time marketing/event coordinator and 1 part time office manager in the first quarter of 2014
5. What geographic area do you serve?The census tracts that make up Bloomfield and Friendship
6. What is your mission statement?To oversee the implementation of economic development strategies such as business recruitment, business expansion, business and job development and pursuit of funding opportunities to achieve these goals and to address residential issues such as housing, public safety, and education to improve the quality of residential living.

1. What is one project or program that you are really excited about?I’m really excited about the new Saturday Market.  The market will connect community and health in new and innovative ways such as work with communities in the region with urban farming and youth programs.
2. What are some of your organization’s recent accomplishments?We’ve recently reestablished the holiday lighting on Liberty Avenue and will have a holiday and small business event for the first time this year.  The event will be called Bloomfield Holiday Shop Walk and promotes small business in the neighborhood with business specific promotions, music, and holiday cheer.  It takes place on December 14, all day.
3. What is your favorite thing about your neighborhood?I love the way that people love this neighborhood, me included.
4. What is one “must-see”/”must-do” when visiting your neighborhood?Walk Liberty Avenue and get a feel for this eclectic neighborhood and diversity.
5. What is your neighborhood’s best kept secret?It is its’ own best kept secret.  Bloomfield is the forgotten gem of the East End.
6. What is a restaurant or business in your neighborhood that partners with your organization for an event or on a regular basis?Our biggest champion is definitely West Penn Hospital.  They have stuck by the organization through thick and thin and just been wonderful.  I cannot say enough great things about them.  Through them, we’ve also been able to build a great relationship with Highmark and the Allegheny Health Network. They sponsor events, they serve on our board, provide catered space for board meetings, provide meeting and community event space, office space and parking.  I could go on and on.
7. Interesting fact:Bloomfield was initially farmland and settled by German immigrants.  Bloomfield received its name because of the fields of flowers that were found in the area.
8. Upcoming event(s):Bloomfield Holiday Shop Walk December 14 – all day
9. Contact information:
   1. Name of contact person for further inquiries:Shelly Majcen
   2. Phone:(412) 951-7002
   3. Address:366 Gross StreetPittsburgh, PA 15224
   4. Link to Website:www.bloomfieldnow.com
   5. Link to Social Medial (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn): https://www.facebook.com/BloomfieldNow

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