With a recent closing by the grocery store and the announcement of the impending departure of Huntington Bank, members of the Fayette Chamber are not taking these issues lightly and are working full steam ahead to remedy them.
Talks continue with several parties interested in restoring a grocery store to the village. Building owner Jeff Kaiser who owns a grocery himself has been helpful in speaking to the parties involved and offering assistance where available.
The equipment from the grocery was purchased by the Fayette Foundation in hopes of helping the potential new owner get a good start. Members are also looking to get data from Toledo Edison and Ohio Gas to let a new owner know there is a future in Fayette and things are improving.
Chamber members noted the loss has a domino effect on other local businesses and are working hard to change that. The quicker this can happen the better.
Also on the horizon is talks with other banks to keep some kind of financial institution within the village. Many on the Fayette Chamber are not happy with the loss of personal touch from local people they have dealt with for years and all agree they don’t want to lose the convenience of hometown banking.
On the upside to the “bad” news is the continued growth in industry. Plans for the TRW expansion are moving along and a future ground breaking will take place soon to get this going.
Another local business Cra-Z-Art is presently occupying about 60% of the Fayette Tubular Building. Mayor Ruth Marlatt noted that she and other village officials had recently toured the plant and were excited to see the facility. She said that there is about 52 employees and they are working four shifts to keep up with the Christmas demand. A supplier of children’s paints and toys, they also are building children sized shopping carts for Target and are working towards a potential contract for Pedal Cars.
With all the added truck traffic it was noted Nyce Drive will be in need of resurfacing and there is a meeting coming up to address this issue. Owners of the building are also working on installing new lighting for the entryway.
Other items on the agenda included thoughts on a name change and members offered up potential ideas. Plans are being shored up to once again serve hotdogs, chips and drinks for Trick or Treaters. This will take place on October 31 from 5:00-6:00 pm at the Fire Station. Trick or treat will follow from 6:00 to 7:30 followed by cider and donuts.
November will be bringing the Fireman’s Feather Party and December the Cookies with Santa event. The next meeting of the Chamber will be held on November 20 at 7:00 pm in the Opera House.