Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chamber representative asks Ross County to endorse 'Bridge the Gap' campaign and consider small stabilization fund for downtown businesses
Summary
A Chamber representative presented 'Chillicothe Resilient' (aka 'Bridge the Gap'), asking the county to endorse and cross-promote the campaign, coordinate with ODOT, and consider a targeted business stabilization fund to offset construction-related sales declines; commissioners expressed interest and requested cost projections.
A representative from the Chamber of Commerce presented a business-stabilization campaign called Chillicothe Resilient (marketed as "Bridge the Gap") aimed at driving customers back into downtown shopping and dining districts during extended construction. The presenter said the initiative will use rotating events, digital promotion and partner coordination to stabilize sales tax revenue, protect local employment and preserve long-term commercial tax base.
"When those business quarters go quiet, the impact doesn't just stay on High Street," the Chamber representative said, explaining that diminished consumer traffic reduces sales tax revenue that funds county services. He described partner roles (ECDI, SBA, OVRDC) and suggested the county could help by endorsing and cross-promoting the campaign through county communications, coordinating with ODOT for construction timelines, and exploring a modest, targeted business stabilization fund to provide loans or small grants to struggling businesses.
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the plan, noted the need to determine a dollar figure during the county's upcoming preliminary budget work in June and July, and requested a follow-up work session. Several commissioners said they supported cross-promotion and would consider budgetary contributions after the Chamber provides specific cost projections and a framework for administration. Participants also discussed using existing partners to administer any financial assistance to avoid creating a new county program.
The presentation concluded with the Chamber representative and commissioners agreeing to continue conversations and share social-media and scheduling plans among partners.
