What happened at "Where did all the businesses go?"

Where Did All The Businesses Go Minutes (11/08/05)

1) Unigov in RS/OC?

A. Concept was discussed 18-20 years ago
B. Comments: Yes, Wonderful Idea
Duplicate services
Problem – Who is in Charge?
One entity (public services)
C. Government structure
D. Cooperative Economic Development
E. Separate County & City
F. Is there a clearing house for business information and Economic Development in the community?
Historic Downtown
Can we streamline efforts of information for Economic Development

2) Issues with the Historic Downtown Program.

A. Are things (opportunities) falling between the cracks?
B. The Presbyterian Church – ½ million
Purchased by Redevelopment Comm. in 2003
CCF Grant – Ohio County Grant application.
Turned down twice
Federal Grant
City has set aside $660,000 for matching funds
Is it time to revisit the use?
Should we take shorter steps for preservation?
Who takes care of building once it has been completed?
C. Foutty building
Redevelopment plans to purchase and renovate

3) Do we do enough to foster and nuture a Pro Business Environment in Rising Sun and Ohio County?

A. Support
Co-op Advertising?
“Shop Locally” program
Training for business
B. Are our problems unique? No, but solution for RS must be unique.
C. Need for a solid Business plan/ Research
D. There has been a turnover in chamber members

4) Are we a Tourist Town?

A. We definitely have a tourism industry.
Grand Vic is prime example
B. Does the community see itself as a Tourist Town?
C. What are our assets? (Not in any order)
i. River front
ii. Museum
iii. Grand Victoria
iv. The arts
v. the small town atmosphere
D. Can we bring in tourists from 50-100 miles
E. Hospitality Training
F. Are there 2 markets?
Casino Market and Tourism Market
Bring in a mix of businesses to serve these markets.
Consistent Hours to ensure reliability for patrons,
Communication
Visitors to community
Residents
G. Possibility of participation in Indiana Downtown Program
Strategy plan by Hyett/Palma group.
Aurora has one. Some criticisms.
Cookie Cutter Approach.
Retail space – limited in downtown
Quality Retail Space - very limited.
Businesses must be run in a way to sustain a living

5) The Issues and goals never change

business failure 70%
education before opening
have financial backing
commitment – time
Reach out to other business people, other communities,
We must work together!

6) Chamber of Commerce

A. The members are the chamber
B. advocate for business before Local, State, and Federal officials.
C. Revision 2014 Concept.

7) Where do we go from here?

Chamber mixer – Thursday, Nov. 10 5:30pm at 215 Main Street
Chamber Board Meeting - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 @ 12:00 noon. Note: The date has been changed due to the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Next General meeting – Tuesday, Dec 6, 6:30 pm, City Hall. Agenda needs to determined by 11/22/05.


Thanks to all that attended and participated in the meeting. Your comments, suggestions, and observations are important in creating a public forum for discussion of these very important issues.

Lane A. Siekman
President, Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber of Commerce