During a recent trip to Raleigh-Durham, N.C., I was impressed with what the city of Durham had done in bringing back to life an area that was made up of abandoned tobacco warehouses. They didn’t tear the buildings down. They refurbished them and created new uses for the buildings.
We have a chance to do the same with the old Metallic Casket Company building downtown. It’s one of two sites being considered for the National Trail Parks and Recreation District’s new ice arena.
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, at its September meeting, voted unanimously in favor of the Metallic Casket site. Just as the location of the Springfield Regional Medical Center was important to revitalizing downtown, putting the ice arena in a visible and prominent downtown location would be another key ingredient. We think it also would be the best location to attract people to the ice arena.
Architectural renderings of what the Metallic Casket building would look like create a “wow” reaction. It’s doubtful a similar reaction would come from tearing down Memorial Hall and erecting a nondescript structure. Plus, the Memorial Hall site has drawn interest from other entities because it’s in the hospital zone.
When looking at this project and others, let’s not as a community start out with “no” as the response and look for ways to validate that answer. Let’s say “yes” and see if it’s feasible. Much study has shown this is workable. We simply can’t let this opportunity slip by.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Graffiti Removal Spurs Economic Development
We sometimes look at graffiti and are disgusted but don't really realize the costs, real and otherwise, associated with it. It is tough to combat such vandalism, but now Springfield and Clark County - thanks to the Clark County Waste Management District and the Keep Clark County Beautiful Campaign and other contributors - are fighting back.
A Graffiti Removal Unit was unveiled a couple weeks ago that uses a high-pressure combination of water and baking soda-like compound to magically erase the work of vandals.
Not only is removing graffiti costly in dollars, but leaving it on is an eyesore in the community. We want visitors to come away with the impression of a clean, well-kept community. Graffiti sends just the opposite message. Imagine bringing in a company looking to expand here and they see graffiti. Graffiti leaves a bad impression. Leaving graffiti on structures makes it look like you don't care.
I look at the new Graffiti Removal Unit as an economic development tool and one that will promote pride among residents. Thanks to all who had a part in this project. You can see the demonstration at www.youtube.com/greaterspringfield. Have a great Chamber day!
A Graffiti Removal Unit was unveiled a couple weeks ago that uses a high-pressure combination of water and baking soda-like compound to magically erase the work of vandals.
Not only is removing graffiti costly in dollars, but leaving it on is an eyesore in the community. We want visitors to come away with the impression of a clean, well-kept community. Graffiti sends just the opposite message. Imagine bringing in a company looking to expand here and they see graffiti. Graffiti leaves a bad impression. Leaving graffiti on structures makes it look like you don't care.
I look at the new Graffiti Removal Unit as an economic development tool and one that will promote pride among residents. Thanks to all who had a part in this project. You can see the demonstration at www.youtube.com/greaterspringfield. Have a great Chamber day!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fair at New Boston - Bigger & Better Than Ever!
The Fair at New Boston prides itself on authenticity. I found out just how into their characters the re-enactors get when I visited the fair with my family. Bill Smith, the former Kenton Ridge High School coach and teacher, is known as "the Ratkatcher" around the fair grounds. I was talking to this character and only a few days later did I realize I was talking with a long-time acquaintance.
When these characters are in costume and roaming the grounds, intermingling with visitors to their time period, they never step out of their roles and into the 21st century. What a great asset this event is to Springfield and Clark County and one that draws participants and visitors from throughout Ohio and neighboring states. Enacting a time period of 1790-1810, it continues to grow each year.
It had been a few years since I attended the fair. It was much bigger than I remember. It's the unofficial kick off to the local festival season. South Vienna's Corn Festival, Enon's Apple Butter Festival, New Carlisle's Festival of Flight, Springfield's CultureFest and Oktoberfest are a few of the other local fall festivals we can look forward to each year. Have a great Chamber day!
When these characters are in costume and roaming the grounds, intermingling with visitors to their time period, they never step out of their roles and into the 21st century. What a great asset this event is to Springfield and Clark County and one that draws participants and visitors from throughout Ohio and neighboring states. Enacting a time period of 1790-1810, it continues to grow each year.
It had been a few years since I attended the fair. It was much bigger than I remember. It's the unofficial kick off to the local festival season. South Vienna's Corn Festival, Enon's Apple Butter Festival, New Carlisle's Festival of Flight, Springfield's CultureFest and Oktoberfest are a few of the other local fall festivals we can look forward to each year. Have a great Chamber day!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Healthcare Debate
A member of our staff sat in on a videoconference of the Healthcare and Economic Development Advisory Committee recently, conducted by U.S. Congressman Steve Austria (R-7th District). He listed his three focal points on the issue that must be addressed: (1) How do you lower costs? (2) How you make healthcare more accessible? (3) How do you keep and improve healthcare?
He has learned through surveys and contacts with constituents that they overwhelmingly want to be able to choose their own doctor and treatment.
By the way, Austria will speak at the Chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee breakfast on this and other topics on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the Courtyard by Marriott beginning at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $20 and is for Chamber members only. A table of 10 is $175. Call Pam Johnson at 937-325-7621 or email her at pjohnson@greaterspringfield.com.
Austria said he would like more data on the uninsured statistics that are so often cited in the debate. There are people who have the option from their employer to purchase healthcare and choose not to. There are people temporarily without it because they are between jobs or laid off. Are undocumented workers part of the count? He said there’s a need to prioritize where the focus should be among the uninsured.
He supports Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) which creates a nationwide data base in which the information is contained in a patient chart on a computer, rather than on paper and can be accessed among your primary care physician, cardiologist, oncologist and others to review and share. It promises to create significant cost savings in the long term.
A major debate around the healthcare issue is the single-payer system. The argument is while proponents say the “public option” will compete with private insurance system, the opposition says employers will favor the government’s “public option.” The result will be an eventual single-payer system. Austria said he believes that’s the intent of many proponents of a “public option.”
One business owner said if any system costs him more money, he will have to lay off employees.
To lower costs, Austria said medical liability tort reform needs to be part of the debate and none of the proposals include it. He also said there needs to be incentives for people to invest in their health and well-being. Expanding Health Savings Accounts would be a way to do that, while lowering costs.
Austria asked for input on the idea being floated that would take healthcare reform out of the hands of the legislature and put it into the hands of an independent non-partisan panel, much like the Base Realignment and Closure process that impacted our own Air National Guard Base at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport and Wright-Patterson AFB.
What we must avoid is a system that raises costs for employers and costs jobs and one that leads to a less efficient health care system for all Americans.
He has learned through surveys and contacts with constituents that they overwhelmingly want to be able to choose their own doctor and treatment.
By the way, Austria will speak at the Chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee breakfast on this and other topics on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the Courtyard by Marriott beginning at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $20 and is for Chamber members only. A table of 10 is $175. Call Pam Johnson at 937-325-7621 or email her at pjohnson@greaterspringfield.com.
Austria said he would like more data on the uninsured statistics that are so often cited in the debate. There are people who have the option from their employer to purchase healthcare and choose not to. There are people temporarily without it because they are between jobs or laid off. Are undocumented workers part of the count? He said there’s a need to prioritize where the focus should be among the uninsured.
He supports Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) which creates a nationwide data base in which the information is contained in a patient chart on a computer, rather than on paper and can be accessed among your primary care physician, cardiologist, oncologist and others to review and share. It promises to create significant cost savings in the long term.
A major debate around the healthcare issue is the single-payer system. The argument is while proponents say the “public option” will compete with private insurance system, the opposition says employers will favor the government’s “public option.” The result will be an eventual single-payer system. Austria said he believes that’s the intent of many proponents of a “public option.”
One business owner said if any system costs him more money, he will have to lay off employees.
To lower costs, Austria said medical liability tort reform needs to be part of the debate and none of the proposals include it. He also said there needs to be incentives for people to invest in their health and well-being. Expanding Health Savings Accounts would be a way to do that, while lowering costs.
Austria asked for input on the idea being floated that would take healthcare reform out of the hands of the legislature and put it into the hands of an independent non-partisan panel, much like the Base Realignment and Closure process that impacted our own Air National Guard Base at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport and Wright-Patterson AFB.
What we must avoid is a system that raises costs for employers and costs jobs and one that leads to a less efficient health care system for all Americans.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Springfield City Schools Convocation
Two weeks ago the Springfield City Schools held its annual convocation that takes place the day before students report. There was something different about this year’s event. I could feel it. After talking to some teachers, they felt it, too. One long-time teacher in the district said it was the best such event she’s ever attended. It was a very energetic gathering, one in which those attending were obviously excited about the direction the district is headed. It was the first convocation for new Superintendent David Estrop or - as Board member Ed Leventhal referred to him at Rotary - “Chief Wildcat.” I liked that. I also liked that “The Chief” has a clear vision of where we’re headed. I’m convinced that teachers, staff, administrators, parents, students, community are coming together to make the Springfield City Schools the place to be, instead of fleeing to other districts. There’s a new sense of spirit, a sense that the system is heading in the right direction and building a positive perception. It is in “continuous improvement,” as judged by the state’s report card, but the superintendent is determined to have an “excellent” system. I think it can be second to none. We all have to do our part. Have a great Chamber day!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Springfield's EcoSports Corridor
If you’ve seen our Chamber’s coverage of the Great Buckeye Challenge Half Triathlon and Duathlon at Buck Creek State Park (flickr.com/photos/greaterspringfield and youtube.com/greaterspringfield), you would have noted some of the license places on cars in the parking lot.
The event attracted approximately 700 competitors on Aug. 23 who swam, biked and ran. North Dakota, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania – at least nine states in all and two foreign countries – were represented. HFP Racing founder Shannon Kurek says our venue is second to none. Competitors say they love it.
Couple that with prospects for the eco-adventure venue on Buck Creek with kayaking and canoeing, bouldering in Veterans Park and more plans for rock climbing and mountain biking being proposed by Kevin and John Loftis, along with a downtown ice arena, and it’s clear we are developing a niche that will make Springfield the place to come and play. I saw some of the competitive cyclists in the event on Aug. 23 and thought by creating routes on country roads for cyclists this would provide another attraction.
Talking with some Chamber executives from Columbus and explaining what we have and what’s proposed, their comment was we could become the Boulder, Colo. of the Midwest with our many outdoor adventure venues. Springfield could be an adventure destination in the not too distant future. Have a great Chamber day!
The event attracted approximately 700 competitors on Aug. 23 who swam, biked and ran. North Dakota, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania – at least nine states in all and two foreign countries – were represented. HFP Racing founder Shannon Kurek says our venue is second to none. Competitors say they love it.
Couple that with prospects for the eco-adventure venue on Buck Creek with kayaking and canoeing, bouldering in Veterans Park and more plans for rock climbing and mountain biking being proposed by Kevin and John Loftis, along with a downtown ice arena, and it’s clear we are developing a niche that will make Springfield the place to come and play. I saw some of the competitive cyclists in the event on Aug. 23 and thought by creating routes on country roads for cyclists this would provide another attraction.
Talking with some Chamber executives from Columbus and explaining what we have and what’s proposed, their comment was we could become the Boulder, Colo. of the Midwest with our many outdoor adventure venues. Springfield could be an adventure destination in the not too distant future. Have a great Chamber day!
Revitalizing Downtown
Garrigan's Office Plus new location at 14 N. Yellow Springs Street represents more than meets the eye. Their decision when displaced by the Springfield Regional Medical Center construction to relocate a couple blocks away in another downtown location is an additional step made in downtown revitalization. The fact the Garrigans have created a new use for an abandoned building that was once a car dealership adds to the significance of their commitment to downtown. And they're not just rehabilitating the building. Because there's more land than they need, they have plans for a beautiful landscape design that will be eye catching. That's what it takes to contribute to our downtown revitalization - visionary business owners who see the value in rehabbing older buildings and bringing neighborhoods back to life. Here's a pat on the back from the Chamber of Commerce for your belief in Springfield and downtown. Have a great Chamber day!
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