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Copyright
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2722
North Bridge Street changes
could make area more vibrant
By Marvin Jones
President and CEO
The North Bridge Street commercial corridor is in for some big changes this summer. The result could be even more activity along the path that generates a huge amount of revenue for county government and provides thousands of jobs for folks in this area.
The biggest change could begin a week from Monday (May 24) when work is expected to begin on the realignment of North Plaza Boulevard to line up opposite the U.S. 35 exit ramp. The four-month project that’s been years in the works effectively eliminates one of the three traffic signals that causes a majority of the congestion, especially for northbound traffic. The backup around noon on Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend stretched all the way to Water Street.
Two prime pieces of real estate also will see changes. Hollywood Video’s parent company is in bankruptcy, so the northwest corner lot at Winona Boulevard will be available for some enterprise that’s looking for high traffic volume and great visibility. Across the street, Godfathers Pizza closed suddenly this week so the storefront between Petland and Office Max will take on a new tenant.
The northeast corner at Marietta Road saw a major refurbishing of Frisch’s Restaurant earlier this spring.
The owners of Shawnee Square at the April Business After Business talked of new businesses planning to locate there which will beef up traffic on that site.
It’s now official that Longhorn Steakhouse is coming to the Chillicothe Mall between Red Lobster and Long John Silver’s. Construction is expected to start this summer.
Work continues on a dentist office down from the Golden Corral while another professional office may be in the works next to Aldis, further north.
So, signs of the recovery are being seen along our most major thoroughfare which bodes well when the recovery swings into high gear.
60 updates in about 60 minutes at sunrise meeting
At least it seemed that way Wednesday morning at the INsider OUTlook Breakfast of the Economic Development Alliance of Southern Ohio at the Chillicothe Country Club. Nine speakers each took a few minutes to brief the record crowd of 62 on the latest developments on a number of major economic fronts. Some highlights:
- USEC’s American Centrifuge Plant President Dan Rogers said the company plans to update its application this summer for the $2 billion loan guarantee that will allow the project to go forward, hopefully at the start of next year. He said 350 are still working at the plant in which the company already has invested $1.8 billion.
- Waverly Mayor Dale Reed spoke of the efforts to save the 1,216 jobs at Masco’s Mill’s Pride plant, mostly by trying to find a buyer for the three million square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space.
- State Rep. Ray Pryor said he hopes his work share legislation will get out of committee and to the full House for a vote soon. A “glitch” on the costs of programming state computers to handle the new form of unemployment compensation seems to be resolved.
- Chillicothe Mayor Joe Sulzer said he hopes to see preliminary studies on deeds and the environment to proceed as the first steps toward the eventual widening of Western Avenue from Limestone Boulevard to Veterans Parkway.
- Ross County Commissioner Jim Caldwell talked of acquiring equipment to handle video arraignments from Adena Medical Center to the local courts rather than having to transport prisoners.
- Steve Houseman of the Community Improvement Corporation said efforts continue to find a tenant for the shell building in Gateway Interchange Industrial Park and that State Electric is expected to begin building in the park this summer.
Wrapping things up was Chris Manegold of the Alliance who noted the efforts to build relationships with the people who manage the physical assets of Fortune 1000 companies. He recently returned from a trip to Colorado while a planned trip by the mayor to a major show in Germany was scuttled by the volcanic ash from Iceland.
Other speakers on the day were Al Rupiper with the local SCORE chapter and Marvin Jones of the chamber. Rupiper and Don Russell of the CIC were honored for their years and leadership in getting the Alliance formed five years ago. Rupiper is shown with Bill Beatty, the current chair of the Alliance board.
Leadership Chillicothe Ross has 12 more alumni
Their tours of Glatfelter, Kenworth, the Lighthouse Youth Center, small businesses and the monthly classes on vision, values and leadership are what impressed the 16th graduating class of the chamber’s leadership program. The 12 detailed their experiences at the graduation ceremony Wednesday evening at The Sunroom @ The Brick in Frankfort.
The class began with a two-day orientation in September and met one day each month through May. Steve Hummel of Transitions Unlimited! provided the classroom training while tours and visits took up the afternoons. The class project (required of every class) resulted in a new surveillance system for the Phoenix House shelter of the Ross County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Applications are now being accepted for next year’s class. Click here for more information about the program and an online form to apply.
Growth could come from changes in cash flow
The chamber’s Workforce Development Department, SCORE and Focus Business Solutions are teaming to provide a free one-hour workshop June 10 to show businesses how to drive internal cash flow to grow their enterprises. Jim Zins of Focus will lead the workshop at the chamber. Networking and pastries start at 8 and the workshop at 8:30. Space is limited, so register early to reserve a seat. Cash flow workshop registration
Employers sought for summer youth workers
The Ross County JOBS One-Stop again is offering its Summer Youth Employment program that reimburses firms that hire workers ages 16-24 at minimum wage. Employment begins June 1 and runs through Aug. 31. For more details, contact Kim Baker at 772-7603.
Technology Expo set for OSU South Centers
For those interested in learning more about research and technology capabilities at Ohio State University, a free expo is set for Thursday, May 27 at the Piketon OSU South Centers. In an open-house format, the expo runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with breakout sessions planned throughout the day on licensing technology, using the university to enhance your business and commercialization pathways and resources. To register and more information: Joy Bauman at 800-860-7232 Ext. 111 or jbauman@ag.osu.edu
Vendors licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor
- Quality Trophies and Awards, 945 Bowdle Road, by Ronald and Cathy McKibben
- Krispy Klean, 757 Western Ave., by Sheldon Tyler
- Chris Scott Motors, 137 Renick Ave.