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Copyright 2008
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2722
Preservationists’ offer provides city’s leaders a real opportunity
By Marvin Jones
President and CEO
For maybe the first time in about three years, Mayor Joe Sulzer and City Council have a real opportunity to decide the fate of the southeast corner of Paint and Main streets. It’s been six years since the fire decimated the Carlisle Building while the Howson Building has been in a state of disrepair for even longer.
The ramifications of the generous offer of the three local preservationist groups to pay for a feasibility study to make Carlisle-Howson the new home of Municipal Court could extend far beyond the courts, if the administration and council seize the moment. The first major step in seizing that moment came with the mayor’s acceptance of the offer.
Here’s what can become of the results of the study:
- If the financial numbers are good, then the council, which has the final say over any property transaction, has a fairly easy decision to make and the crossroads of the community finally is restored as an architectural jewel of the community. While the opinions of the judges certainly are to be considered, state law gives council the power to decide the accommodations. Click here to see proposed courts in the Carlisle
- If the numbers favor the AEP building at Main and Mulberry streets, then again, the council has a fairly easy decision to make. The space for the courts is to be paid from the fines paid by those who appear in the court.
- If the AEP site is chosen, the council now has up-to-date information on the structural integrity of the two buildings and some numbers on the cost for renovations for each. The integrity and reputation of the firm conducting the study are solid.
- With this new information, the mayor and council could actively work with the investors to help find the tenant or tenants to make restoration possible and quickly. The goal of everyone is to restore this corner so all other parts of downtown Chillicothe can prosper and grow. The hands-off approach used so far has served to frustrate everyone in the community. Helping the owners, if they want it, with Plan B, C or D might speed the restoration.
- If these cooperative efforts don’t yield results in a reasonable amount of time, then the council and mayor need to consider other approaches and use the powers that only they can exercise. Again, the end result is the removal of a huge embarrassment to our city.
While the mayor indicated discussion on the this issue probably would be behind closed doors in an executive session of City Council, it would seem in the best interest of everyone to keep as much discussion out in open sessions so that when it comes time to make the final decision, the community will know the reasons behind the votes.
This is a real chance for our city’s leaders to seize an opportunity to remedy a situation that has festered for far too long.
Tough times continuing for major employers
Three of the area’s largest employers this week issued financial results either for the first quarter or information on operations going forward:
- Glatfelter: Net income was $11.5 million for the first quarter, down 42 percent from the same quarter a year ago. Per share earnings were 25 cents against 43 cents a year ago. Revenue was down 4 percent. Going forward, officials said results will suffer from maintenance outages at both its Chillicothe and Spring Grove operations and capital expenditures have been cut to a planned $35 million for this year compared to $52 million in 2008.
- Paccar: Earnings fell 91 percent in the first quarter “as a drop in freight volumes brought on by the worldwide downturn left fleet owners in no mood to buy new trucks,” according to one report. Sales fell 49 percent in the quarter for the company that produces Kenworth trucks in Chillicothe. “These challenging market conditions are continuing as we enter the second quarter of 2009,” the company said.
- USEC: “Significant progress” was made in 2008 deploying the American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, said John Welch, CEO of the company at its annual meeting in Maryland. “We are committed to this project …,” said Welch who acknowledged that progress continues to be delayed as the company awaits a decision from the federal government on a $2 billion loan guarantee.
Downtown merchants start loyalty campaign
Participating merchants of the Downtown Associates kicked off today a program to reward their customers with special savings and discounts. Customers purchasing at least $5 in items will receive the tags that then can be used on special items or services determined by the merchants. Signs will be going up on windows to designate the participating merchants.
BAB this month at new, former member
Connie Blackburn Pruitt remodeled the former home of her Southeastern Business College into 1855 Unique Room Rentals and is ready to attract customers by hosting the Wednesday, May 20 Business After Business. (The previously planned BAB host declined.) So, those attending will be treated to the usual lineup of appetizers and beverages while they’ll get a chance to check out the new business on Western Avenue. For a sneak preview, check out the website: 1855 Unique Room Rentals
Chamber’s role as a resource reaffirmed – we can help
Two recent experiences drive home the point that this chamber can be a huge resource to those wanting to get a leg up in the business world.
Ross County winner Tom Johnson of Two Roasting Joes didn’t win the overall competition in the multicounty Pitch Your Plan competition of the OSU South Centers, but he attributed the chamber with helping his company. "Between the center and the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce, I've been able to move forward with my business," Johnson said.
In less than 12 hours, another entrepreneur was able to acquire the equipment she’ll need to start her business. An inquiry to the chamber by a member helping her was forwarded to the appropriate members. One stepped up right away with an extremely generous offer while another was on standby.
Large business or small, the chamber and its employees with more than 90 years combined of business experience can find the answers or point you in the right direction for solutions to issues you’re facing. And, with our working relationships with the South Centers and the new SCORE branch, we have expert help available for those just starting out or who need help getting started.
Tidbits worth sharing:
- Want to get information to your employees about the swine (H1N1) flu? Check out a one-page flyer from the Ross County Health District that’s easily printed and distributed: Swine flu FAQ.
- The Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center has plenty of activities planned for Community Appreciation Day Saturday from 10-3, including a car show, plant and flower sale, live music and tours. Click here for the latest newsletter from the center: PRCTC news
- The Jackson chamber invites our chamber members to participate in its golf outing on Thursday, June 18 at the Franklin Valley Golf Course. Cost is $70 per player. To sign up, call 286-2722. But don’t forget to register to play in our outing, either. Just click the adjacent ad.
Commercial building permits issued recently by the Ross County Building Department:
- Central Aluminum, 2717 Bush Mill Road, electrical alterations, no value given.
- Tull Mini Storage, 982 Eastern Ave., new storage building, $70,000.
- Certified Oil, 885 Eastern Ave., three permits to replace signs, $4,300 total.
- Izzy’s One Stop, 16 Blain Highway (at U.S. 23), by Jeff Smith, build new store, $150,000.
Vendors licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor:
- Buy, Sell & Trade, 933 E. Main St., by Harold Burnett.
- David T. Brown, O.D., 217 Delano Ave.