June 18, 2012 - Ecomonic Development Meeting

BrewsterVillage Council Economic Development Committee

6-18-12

Meeting was called to order at 6:01pm by Councilman Tharp

Members of the Committee Present: VA Hartman, Councilmen Bichsel and Tharp, Mayor Schwab

Councilmembers Hilliard, Duff, Huff and Godwin and Clerk King were also present.

Ray and Lavonne Heitger and Dale Fox were present.

 

Councilman Tharp stated he wanted to move a different direction than in the past. These ideas are for spring of next year.

  • Business Association (Chamber of Commerce)
  1. Wanted to ask the committee for permission to pursue this venture
  2. Pitch to Businesses- ask for email/phone for communication purposes
  3. Meet with them
  4. Set up structure to govern the organization

Tharp wants to talk to the Massillon Chamber of Commerce for ideas on how to proceed and build the organization, meet with the Mayor to share these ideas, then bring to council for support of the organization.

Councilwoman Bichsel asked if this would be a Chamber of Commerce or a Business Association? Tharp responded with Business Association. Bichsel stated we can build on that later. Councilman Duff stated we have had this before with the young man from the nursing home. Massillon was there but no one from here. Tharp stated we would not be joining Massillon- get ideas to get started- local for Brewster and surrounding areas.

Duff asked if the VA or Mayor would go to all the meetings. We can’t just rely on the word of one councilman. The Mayor stated the village would not be involved in an official capacity. Tharp further explained that this organization would be primarily business owners and run by them.

Councilman Huff asked “Why is council doing this? It has nothing to do with council. Why don’t the businesses do it themselves?” Mayor stated “there is nothing wrong with Tharp getting the ball moving. This benefits the village.” Tharp stated he wanted to get it together, have it recognized by council but we have to get through the “nitty gritty stuff.”

Bichsel stated this would be a good way for businesses to know what’s going on with other businesses. Tharp stated many communities see benefits from these organizations. The Mayor liked Councilman Tharp’s enthusiasm for this. VA Hartman this would allow for us to refer a new business to talk to someone in the association.

Tharp asked for permission to speak with the businesses. Duff stated he didn’t think this would work but gave his permission. Bichsel and Godwin were ok with it.

 

When driving up 93, you would not know what businesses we have here. Tharp suggested signs as they enter the village on both ends for Food and General Business. He wanted to use the design from the centennial signs. Each business would have its own sign akin to those on the highway but smaller.

Duff stated they already have them. Mayor Schwab stated they were mostly organizations. This would be for the individual businesses. Clerk King stated you could offer the businesses a spot and have them pay for their own sign. Tharp stated the investment would be well worthwhile. The Mayor said the perfect place for one would be right across from Shearer’s outlet.

Huff asked if a restaurant could handle a bus load of people. Councilman Hilliard stated the buses have their own agenda. Mayor stated the buses call ahead. Huff stated they have 45 minutes then they are on the road. Tharp stated this is just getting things started. Huff replied you need to get people out of the car, the arts festival is an example. Bichsel stated some people just go to go. Tharp stated he would like to inquire about pricing for the signs. Duff stated he had a problem spending taxpayer money for business advertising.

Meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.

Submitted by Steve Tharp, Jr.