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 Norristown Launches Block by Block Program to Enhance Downtown Cleanliness and Hospitality 

Norristown, PA — The Norristown Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of a new Clean and Safe initiative in partnership with Block by Block, a national leader in downtown improvement services. Beginning this summer, Block by Block’s Ambassador Program will be implemented throughout downtown Norristown to support a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming experience for residents, visitors, and business owners. 

With a highly visible team of trained Ambassadors, the program will focus on removing litter and graffiti, providing hospitality to visitors, pressure washing sidewalks, and maintaining the public right of way. The Ambassadors will also support special events and offer friendly assistance to anyone navigating Norristown’s downtown area. 

“The Norristown Ambassadors program shows what can happen when we come together with clear purpose. This partnership between the Municipality, the Norristown Chamber of Commerce, and Montgomery County is making a visible difference in how our downtown looks, feels and operates. We’re committed to building a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming community — and this is a step in the right direction. When we align efforts and take action together, progress follows.” — Leonard Lightner, Municipal Administrator, Municipality of Norristown 

The Block by Block program will operate under a flexible, turnkey model, managing all aspects of service delivery, staffing, scheduling, and reporting. Norristown Ambassadors will be equipped with tools and technology—including the SMART System, a proprietary platform that tracks cleaning activity, community interactions, and graffiti removal to provide transparency and measure impact. 

“I’m beyond excited to see this partnership come to life! For months, we’ve been collaborating closely with the County and the Municipality to bring this vision to reality, and now it’s finally here! Through the Block by Block program, we are collectively investing in Norristown’s economic future and vibrancy. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to making Norristown’s 

streets cleaner, our spaces safer, and creating an environment that is welcoming for all. This is the momentum we’ve been waiting for to make Norristown a place where businesses thrive and residents take pride. The Norristown Chamber of Commerce has always been an agency of action, committed to being ‘where business and community come together,’ and this is just the beginning of what we can achieve through powerful partnerships and vision!” 

— Kym Ramsey, President/CEO, Norristown Chamber of Commerce 

Block by Block has a proven track record, serving over 170 districts nationwide including programs in Philadelphia, Detroit, and Camden. The Norristown program will begin with a two-week deep clean to address existing litter, graffiti, and debris, followed by daily Ambassador patrols during both peak and off-peak seasons. 

Block by Block is thrilled to be an integral part of this collective effort aimed at enhancing the conditions in our downtown area. It is clear that our mission to make the streets cleaner and safer while fostering a welcoming atmosphere resonates deeply with the shared objectives of our team. 

We are eager to combine our strengths and expertise to achieve meaningful progress. Our team is passionate about creating initiatives that not only beautify the neighborhood but also enhance safety for all who live, work, and visit here. The positive changes we envision require teamwork and collaboration, and we are here to support and contribute in every way we can 

Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the potential growth of our program over the coming years. With dedication and partnership, we firmly believe that we can make a significant impact on our community, improving the quality of life for everyone. – Michael Curreri, Regional Vice President, Block By Block

Safety Day 2023

While safety is our No. 1 priority every day, Block by Block’s (BBB) official Safety Day comes only once a year. This is a day where BBB Teams come together for food, fun and important discussions about safety.

BBB’s Stop. Think. Act. Program began in 2014 as a commitment to regularly teach and remind our Ambassadors and Teams of the importance of our safety best practices.

Rubber bracelets with the motto “Stop. Think. Act.” denote the safety status of each account BBB contracts with and are a part of the daily uniform for all Ambassadors in the field. When we first open in a new location, each member of the Ambassador Team receives a black bracelet that serves as a daily reminder to Stop, Think and Act safely. Once an account has reached 12 months with no injuries, they receive yellow bracelets. When an account reaches 24 months with no injuries, they are upgraded again to green bracelets.

BBB and our teams across the country celebrated Safety Day on June 30. Operation Managers (OMs) met with their teams to discuss why safety is important and went over previous incidents that have occurred. The teams discussed how those incidents could have been avoided, as they bonded with the team over a meal provided by BBB. Team Leaders also facilitated discussions about close calls or would-be incidents that were narrowly avoided or intentionally prevented. They discussed what was done correctly and what could have been done better.

Ambassadors also tested their safety knowledge with quizzes, trivia and even jeopardy! Each account leader was responsible for making the day fun, engaging and educational. Teams across the country showcased their celebrations on our Block by Block Ambassador Facebook page.

At the time of BBB Safety Day 2023, 34 accounts were injury free for one to two years, and 38 accounts were injury free for over two years. That’s more than half of BBB accounts that are injury free for one year or more!

We want to highlight some of those accounts with outstanding injury prevention! Downtown Fargo Business Improvement District (BID) is one of these accounts.

“We are always talking about safety, during shift briefings and throughout the day.” Victor Heitkamp, Fargo BID OM, said. “We talk about items that are relevant for any giving day.”

Lately, Victor has been discussing heat safety at his account. “We have seen some extreme heat for our area, and I am constantly reminding teammates to stay hydrated, take breaks when they need and keep an eye out for one another,” he said.

“I feel we are fortunate because we have such a small crew of Ambassadors that it’s easy to look after one another,” Victor added. “I also give BBB a huge amount of credit. The efforts they take on safety and safety training are like no other! I truly feel that corporate cares about its people working across the country through the 140+ programs. There is great uniformity and expectation set with good direction that comes from the top.”

Another safety-focused account with over two years without injury is the University of Akron, Ohio. OM Jon Roethlisberger said he attributes their success to his belief that “safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands.”

We applaud these accounts for their success and encourage those with less than a year to continue keeping safety at the forefront of their daily activities!