What’s in store for 2010

2009 was a big year — not just for NEast Philly, but for the Northeast. But this isn’t intended as a look back on the previous year. Our purpose is to look ahead.

The NEast Philly staff has some big things planned for the upcoming year, but we think the mission to put our beloved region on the map in a figurative sort of way should extend citywide.

In the coming months, we’ll introduce new features, bring on new sponsors and keep making strides to make NEast Philly the place to come for the latest news in the Northeast. Here are just a few things you can expect from us in 2010:

Advertisements. With several partnerships in the works, we’re looking to bridge the gap and bring readers consumer information in addition to news and commentary.

E-commerce. Remember those stickers? People keep asking how to get them, so we’re going to make that happen. Soon, you’ll be able to purchase all kinds of Northeast Philly stuff.

Nightlife. There’s plenty to do in the Northeast, so we’re going to put some focus on how to spend happy hours and weekends. We’ll have info on the most recent specials and upcoming live shows.

Events. We’ll be hosting some events — some formal, some informal — to give readers opportunities to interact with our staff, give suggestions, share Northeast stories and enjoy refreshments.

With all that on the horizon, in addition to our usual coverage, we’re going to be pretty busy in 2010. But we’d like to see other folks around the city keeping busy, as well. Here’s who we’d like to see this year:

You. Our readers have been extremely loyal over the last year. From your insightful comments, to the reader submissions, to our nearly 5,000 Facebook fans, we can’t ask for much more. Except to keep coming back. And tell your friends.

Politicians. 2009 proved fruitful (and repetitive) for the civic associations in the Northeast, who hosted several politicians during the Fall meeting season. Since 2009 was an election year, those running for office had to get their faces out, so we saw a lot of folks like Seth Williams, Alan Butkovitz and their Republican opponents. We want to see more of them, stay on top of what they’re doing and hold them accountable for their actions in office.

Tourists. Yea, most out-of-towners come to Philadelphia for the history, museums and food. But guess what? The Northeast has all of that. There’s plenty of history in the region, from places like Disston Saw Works and Knowlton Mansion to the Historical Society of Frankford and Greenbelt Knoll. We’re also home to the Grand Army of the Republic, Frankford’s Civil War museum. And in case you forgot, five Northeast businesses made Philadelphia magazine’s Best of Philly list.

The new decade holds plenty of possibilities for the Northeast and the city as a whole. We’re here to make sure 2010 is as productive, newsworthy and NEast-centric as possible.