Old National

Road Business

Association

Columbus, OH

Committee Updates - August 22nd, 2007 - General Membership Meeting

• Business Directory - We will begin working on materials to market the businesses along E. Main Street.  Our initial thought is to create a directory of E. Main Street businesses that will be available at each business, libraries, and other locations.  Such directories are in use along Livingston Avenue, Cleveland Avenue, W. Broad Street, and Parsons Avenue.  We are looking for volunteers who will help us develop marketing ideas and provide guidance on the business directory.  Call Jon Beard at 251-0926 ext. 101 if you want to participate.

• Banner Program Update - Businesses who did not participate in the first round of street banners may purchase banners for Rounds 2 and 3.  Banner applications and payment must be received no later than Friday September 14^th, 2007.  Order Information can be obtained online at www.oldnationalroad.biz/banners or by contacting Darrell Davis at either banners@oldnationalroad.biz  or 251-0926 ext. 109.

• Join Us - We continue to welcome new members seeking to improve the Main Street business corridor.  If you are interested, please visit us at www.oldnationalroad.biz/joinus to fill out our online application online or contact Clarence Thompson at either membership@oldnationalroad.biz or (614) 253-8444 for more information.

• Business Loans - Several members have asked about small loans to support their businesses.  Subject to your interest, we have made arrangements for ECDI (a community lender that makes loans of up to $15,000) to make a presentation on Saturday, September 1st, at 9:00 AM, place to be determined.  If you would like to attend this session (or if you are unable to attend this session), please contact Clarence Thompson at 253-8444 by August 27th. 

• Public Disorder Study Group - The Board has directed that we form a Study Group to examine “public disorder” on Main Street: open container violations, littering, prostitution, drug sales, illegal sales, etc.  The Study Group now includes businesses, residents, police, and city attorney staff.  We are seeking a few more members from the Main Street business community – particularly those with Class C and D liquor licenses, who are interested in better understanding the issues and developing strategy and tactic recommendations to improve the business district.  The first meeting is August 30, at 5:30, at 1000 E. Main Street.  Additional information, including surveys for you to provide input, is available on our website at www.oldnationalroad.biz/Committees/PublicDisorder  Contact Avery Holman at 895-2205 ASAP if you would like to participate.

• Columbus Police - Officer Terri Kalous and Lt. Conley (Zone 4) spoke about crime on and around Main Street, and took questions from the attendees.  They emphasized to call the police (645-4545 for non-emergencies) and make a complaint on each and every instance where people appear to be violating the law – even nuisance behaviors and loitering outside your business.  Officer Kalous is our community liaison, who helps coordinate police responses: she can be reached at 645-1412.  To view their presentation, please visit www.oldnationalroad.biz/meetings.

• Alcohol Sales Initiative - Residents of Olde Towne East Blockwatch announced they will be seeking to put an issue on the ballot to have a vote on eliminating alcohol sales along E. Main Street in spring 2008 ballot.

Next General Meeting Date: Wednesday November 21^st, 2007 at 6:00p.m.

Committee Updates