We value the wide range of local businesses that allow us to meet most needs close to home, and appreciate the support that those businesses give to our communities.
Here's what we've heard in surveys and community conversations:
"There is a nice mix of businesses and the infrastructure is kept up to date. City workers, police. EMT, firefighters do a wonderful job keeping us safe.”
“I think continuing to offer activities many normally might go out of town for is awesome. (Hometown Christmas, 4th of July, etc). Doing things to continue supporting and promoting the businesses and restaurants also keeps people in town is great.”
“I'd like to see more business opportunities, and more employment opportunities. Good jobs keep good people.”
“I’d like to see our community thriving still with some new business, apartment style living that’s affordable, and to continue live our lifestyle as we please.
“ I hope to see a place where teens can get together and have fun….arcade, pool tables, movies etc.”
“It was important to our family to be in a town that feels small, but had important facilities-such as a pharmacy, police department and fire department."
“I love having the convenience to purchase birthday gifts, wash my car, send flowers, pick up paint and even find someone local to make cookies! There are many talented people and caring people!”
“I would like more local businesses that keep money in the community, provide more jobs, and bring others in to the community.”
“I’d like to see continued family friendly events & entities (ice skating rink in park (winter), new pool, etc).”
“I would like to see downtown Reed Street become more bustling with activity - people need to be reminded to support local - the Chamber Bucks program is fantastic.”
“I would like more manufacturing jobs, bigger employers so people can stay in town to work. Improve the incentives for business in town.”
“Complete the swimming pool project and encourage more businesses to locate here.”
“I think the businesses and school should work together to keep business in town as much as possible. If there is a home game, for example, have the businesses promote specials.”
“Perhaps have a welcome committee for new residents with a gift basket of Chamber bucks, maps, list of activities, etc...”
“I’d like to see a good headstart and preschool and day care for the care and early education of children. Continued quality care for the elderly.”
“We have some good restaurants around the area. you can swim, golf, go to the park. easy to hang with friends and meet up with each other.”
“I feel that something we could do to make our community better would be to have greater opportunities for students to job shadow or even intern with professionals.”
“I’d like to see a new pool, downtown coffee shop, and microbrewery, increased foot traffic. Attract more small/medium size businesses. Attract remote workers to community.”
“I love that we have business people who work together to make the towns better.”
“I love all the small businesses: The Hometowner. The Broken Kettle Winery. Akron Lumber Yard. Thorsons Drug. Hardware Hank. The Spot.”
“I’d like to see more child care options for families.”
Ideas we've heard:
More restaurants
More new businesses
More teen activities and businesses
More incentives/outreach to attract more businesses
More industry
Improved health club
Skating rink
Businesses should engage more with school and community activities