The Midland Development Corporation wishes to recognize Duquesne Light; The Center, a Christian non-profit; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8168 as this quarter's featured Downtown Recognition Recipients for their part in fundraising efforts for Midland's new state-of-the-art playground located off Murphy Hill Road. 

These organizations partnered together with nonprofit organization, KaBOOM! to build the $87,500 playground. This event provided a valuable opportunity for the community and the businesses to come together and to work together for the benefit of the entire community. Two hundred and sixteen volunteers worked together from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm during the installation.  

The Midland Development Corporation is pleased to feature Sal Mari's as its quarterly Downtown Recognition Recipient. This great little restaurant offers over 40 different subs in three different sizes. Breakfast options, salads, sides and deli meats are available all year long and soups are available in the winter months. Soups and chili are available daily. They also offer a coffee club, buy 5 get the 6th cup free!

Located at 712 Midland Avenue, Sal Mari’s can assist you with various various party trays for your next event or meeting as well. Restaurant hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with breakfast served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sal Mari’s can be reached at 724-643-8586.  

The Midland Development Corporation is happy to have Sal Mari’s in our community and wishes them continued success.

The Midland Development Corporation (MDC) is pleased to recognize Janice Haney as this quarter's featured downtown recognition recipient. Janice utilized assistance from the Midland Development Corporation to remove a blighted building located in the commercial district. Janice purchased and demolished the building next to her shop on Midland Avenue (between her shop and the Knights of Columbus) and hired Unis Demolition to demolish the blighted building. 

The Midland Development Corporation has made a commitment this year to assist with demolition of blighted buildings. The MDC will provide fifty percent of the demo costs up to $3,500.00. For more information about this assistance, please contact the Borough at 724-643-4170. 

The Midland Development Corporation would like to recognize Nick Bratich of Bratich Flooring as the 3rd Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient. The Bratich Family opened its doors in Midland in 2005, but has been a part of the community working as a licensed contractor for more than 30 years. Bratich Flooring was chosen because of their commitment to the Midland community and their focus on family. Both Nick and his wife Tami have lived in Midland their whole lives and chose to keep their business in Midand.

The Bratiches believe there is a misconception that big box retail chains can offer a better deal when in fact being a small, family-owned business gives Bratich Flooring more flexibility on customized designs and better pricing. The Bratiches treat their customers like family and that comes through when you hear their stories about how they help their customer. Not only do they help their customers choose flooring but they also treat cutomers like family. Its not uncommon for Tami Bratich to wind up purchasing a room accessory as a thoughtful gift because she sees something in another store that her customer might like to match the carpet they purchased at Bratich.

Most recently the Bratiches gave back to the Midland community by supporting a local Eagle Scout's project by donating commercial carpet and labor time to his church, St. Blaise, here in Midland. Bratich Flooring has donated all types of flooring to churches and those in need every year they have been open for business. They also sponsored a 16 foot float in Midland's annual 4th of July parade featuring Bratich family members dressed as the Statue of Liberty and Betsy Ross! Bratich Flooring is a perfect example of what makes Midland a great place to live, work and shop.

The Midland Development Corporation has chosen the Midland Volunteer Fire Department as its 2^nd Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient for 2011.  The department is being recognized for its recent purchase of an aerial fire truck to aid in possible rescue efforts in the new multi-story office buildings, such as the PA Cyber buildings and the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center.   

The MDC thanks Borough Manager Diane Kemp, Borough Council and Fire Chief James Ulizio for their vision and foresight in making this purchase to ensure the safety of our residents, workers and buildings.

The Midland Development Corporation has chosen The American Legion Post 481 as its 1^st Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient for 2011. This organization, currently under the direction of Commander Fred Martin, is being recognized for its unconditional support of the community and our revitalization initiatives.  

The club buys local goods and hires local people.  The senior bartender, Mary Bowers, has worked there for almost 20 years and is a strong supporter of community activities. In 2010, the Midland Legion was recognized for “going above and beyond the call of angels” in supporting our military personnel. They not only offer financial support, but they serve as Honor Guards at burials, as well. The Legion donates to the Easter Seals, Salvation Army, cancer research and supplies ice for the fire and police departments.  Members also donate their time to care for the yard. 

You don’t have to be a veteran to belong to The American Legion. You can also offer your support by attending the spaghetti dinners that are held every Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM at 806 Midland Avenue. 

The American Legion building is in need of a new furnace and the Legion board is in need of your help.  Every dollar raised is donated back to the community.  If you would like more information on how you can offer your assistance, please contact Commander Fred Martin.

 Midland is extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and supportive organization in our downtown.  The Board offers sincere thanks to its members for their many contributions to our community life.

The Midland Development Corporation has chosen John and Paula Morabito as their 3^rd Quarter Downtown Recognition recipients for 2010.  They are being recognized for their Main Street Wash and Vac, Incorporated car wash on Midland Avenue. The business has been in existence for 13 years.  Additionally, John has served on the MDC as a Board member since 2002. 

The Board thanks the Morabito’s for their dedication to Midland and for John’s service on the Board.