Thrive Allen County’s Vice President of Economic Development Director Camille Lavon told the Iola City Council Monday they are working from several angles to help businesses being impacted by the US 54 reconstruction project.
Lavon said they have been looking at a number of ideas, and possible funding assistance, which there isn’t a lot of. While Network Kansas has funds for emergency situations, what is going on in Iola would not qualify, but…
One of the things Dodge City did had the project contractor and not the city provide regular updates on the project
Another key part of Dodge City’s strategy was hiring an “ambassador” for downtown
Thrive is looking at using a couple of interns to serve in an ambassador role. Thrive has also been using radio spots to promote shopping at downtown businesses. Lavon added they would be open to any ideas people might have to assist local businesses during the project. On a related topic, Lavon told the Council they are interviewing candidates for the economic development director position this week, and once hired and on-board that person will also be involved in helping downtown businesses.
