Fayette, Ohio — A large and optimistic audience was on hand to be updated on projects that are currently impacting the Fayette Community.
First on the agenda was Greig McDonald, President of Community Banc Investment, Inc. He was on hand to invite community residents to participate in two upcoming meetings to learn more about the investment opportunities offered by the in support of the Sherwood State Bank’s.
When asked about the possibility of having the banking center up and running, McDonald, indicted that the Bank was still shooting for a January opening.
All present clearly understood what the positive impact of Sherwood’s decision to locate on Main Street means to the long standing drive to redevelop the Main Street Business District. “Sherwood’s commitment to find a new Main Street Location and the Village’s decision to relocate in the former Farmer’s State Bank at the corner of Main & N. Fayette renews the vitality of our Main commercial district”, said CDC President Tom Spiess.
Mayor Marlatt updated those in attendance of the efforts of Fayette’s industrial and business sector to rebuild Industrial Parkway to accommodate the increased truck traffic at the industries located along that street. To date, nearly 80% of that project has been funded through grants and job creation incentives. Fayette’s success on this project included an infusion of support from the Fulton County Community Improvement Corporation and support from the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation.
Representatives of two of the three industries located on Industrial Parkway noted that employment levels have increased over the past year. Fayette generates well over $300,000 annually from the employees payroll tax contributions. It is the largest single source of revenue for Fayette.
Fulton County’s Economic Development Director Matt Gilroy was on hand to update recent articles in newspapers concerning stories surrounding a water park in the area.
He confirmed that one of the over twenty in business opportunities currently being explored in the county is in the Fayette area and that such projects take time to unfold.
He also reminded that the “batting average for such projects are around 200”.
Bean Creek Valley History Center Chairman, representing the Main Street Businesses painted an optimistic view of Main Street Activity and urged current business owners to, be seen on the street sweeping and shoveling their sidewalks, welcoming their customers with smiles and knowing what is going on in the community. She also acknowledged the support that the Fayette CDC has provided to local businesses through their Main Street Storefront Initiative,
On the Service Sector side, the annual Halloween Trick or Treat event is scheduled for Saturday, October 31st. Refreshments will be served at the Fire Station from 5:00-6:00 followed by Trick or Treating from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
The Agricultural Sector report was abbreviated because farmers were in the field.
The meeting concluded with an overview of a community development that has evolved over the past three decades, the need of fine tuning the organizational structure and strengthening private sector ties.
“I was pleased to see the large turnout for the event. Participation by the private sector has been on a steady uptick and we anticipate that that trend will accelerate as businesses grow.” Said Spiess.
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