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Copyright
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2722
This may be a good time
to revisit the HyettPalma plan
By Marvin Jones
President and CEO
Three years and three weeks ago, a great deal of energy and enthusiasm greeted the unveiling of HyettPalma’s “Chillicothe Downtown Economic Enhancement Strategy 2007.” One thousand one hundred and fifteen days later, few can remember its suggestions and recommendations.
The time, though, isn’t too late to revisit many of those strategies that will help all areas of our historic downtown business district grow and prosper. What’s needed is a renewed energy, enthusiasm and commitment on the parts of the private sector, non-profit organizations and city government. That could be a real challenge given the continued tough economic times.
A short history lesson: In the fall of 2006, a group of downtown business and government leaders agreed a comprehensive master plan would be much more beneficial than just focusing on finding a solution to the ravaged Carlisle Building. A group was formed and the HyettPalma firm from Virginia was chosen to develop the plan with plenty of input from all stakeholders and citizens.
In the span of about six weeks, $55,000 was raised with $15,000 each from the city and county governments and $25,000 from businesses, industries and private citizens. Doyle Hyett and Dolores Palma directed the research by the local committee, came to town and conducted intensive interviews as well as holding a public visioning session attended by more than 120. On June 5, 2007, using their vast experience in downtown resurgences all across the country, they presented our community with our plan.
For nearly two years, the 23-member Downtown Chillicothe Partnership met to map out the strategies and find ways to implement the many suggestions and recommendations in the plan. After two years, it became apparent that many of the suggestions and recommendations would not be implemented, either because of economic conditions, the continued languishing of the Carlisle or outright rejection on the part of those with the power to make them happen. (Click here for the scorecard.)
While the city administration and council grapple with a major budgetary crisis and downtown businesses struggle to keep customers opening their wallets, this may be a good time to revisit the HP plan. In the next few weeks, the chamber will explore reviving interest in the plan with the original parties and determine what course to follow. We’ll report back to you where we stand.
Three teams tie for first at chamber outing
It took what’s called a scorecard playoff to determine the winner of the first place prizes in the chamber’s annual golf outing last week. Coming in at 13-under par were teams from Time Warner Cable Business Class, Citizens National Bank and Rathkamp Financial. Time Warner won the playoff while Rathkamp’s team was the sole winner in the skins game with an eagle 2 on the last hole. In all, 27 teams competed at the Jaycees Public Golf Course. Also to be recognized are Huff Realty and Ameristop as sponsors who were inadvertently left off the list circulated in an email earlier this week. Click here to check out the 36 action photos and all 27 team shots.
Other news to note:
- Photos now online from Lucinda’s BAB: More than 20 photos are now posted from the June 16 Business After Business hosted by Lucinda’s Fine Consignment Boutique on West Second Street. BAB photos
- Entertainment downtown tonight: The Chillicothe Social Society is hosting a Party on Paint in front of the courthouse from 5-8 while the Elks and Home Builders Association pick it up from 8-midnight with a Boogie on the Blacktop at the Elks, featuring the band Sidetracked.
- Innovators wanted: Several organizations are going together to present a three-day Innovation Engineering workshop in Columbus July 12-14 at the Crown Plaza Hotel. The presenter is Doug Hall of Eureka Ranch. Enter code TSMEP2547 to get a $1,500 discount. Details: Workshop
Newest chamber member:
- Ruth Jones with Huff Realty, 12 S. Paint St., 774-3896.
Commercial building permits issued recently by the Chillicothe and Ross County Building Departments:
- Gary Fleshman, 65 N. Paint St., signage, no value given.
- John Molnar, 24 W. Main St., alterations, no value given.
- Joseph and Joni Molnar, 37 S. Paint St., alterations, no value given.
- Litters Real Estate, 524 Eastern Ave., storage tank foundations, $5,000.
- Velvet Ice Cream, 123 E. Seventh St., electrical, $7,000.
- Pendell Realty, 464 N. Shawnee Lane, sign, $7,000.
- Taylor Brothers Saloon, 400 E. Main St., alterations, $2,000.
- BEF REIT, 1005 E. Main St., sidewalk replacement, $500.
- C Walters Enterprises, 520 S. Paint St., HVAC, $8,050.
- City of Chillicothe, 100 Alexander Drive (armory), elevator, $40,000 (grant money).
- Bainbridge Church of Christ, 220 S. Quarry St., shelter, no value given.
- Dilley Auto Sales, 34578 Old Route 35, install office trailer, $5,000.
- Shelley Company, 757 N. Bridge St., electric for temporary trailer, no value given.
- Tractor Supply Company, 1850 N. Bridge St., sign, $1,400.
- Ross County Agricultural Society, 344 Fairgrounds Road, new garage, no value given.
Vendors licenses issued by Ross County Auditor:
- JK Interiors, 136 Grand Ave., by Jeanette Kremer.
- M&J Feed N Supply, 904 Charleston Pike, by Kevin, Gregory and Stephanie Montgomery.
There will be no newsletter next Friday and the chamber office will be closed Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.