'Committee of 100' members take matters into their own hands

Fund to assist current, future business owners

By KATHIE DICKERSON
Staff Writer • September 12, 2008

COSHOCTON - Some local residents are taking it upon themselves to help boost economic development.

And they are asking for others to join them.

The Coshocton Committee of 100 was announced Thursday by the Coshocton Port Authority and Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce.

The idea came from local business owner Mike Remington, who said as the community continued to fall on economic hard times, he heard, and probably said himself, why doesn't somebody do something?

"What can I do, I'm just one person?" he asked. "What about 100 people who could commit to $100 a month for a year, and that could continue to grow two years, and eventually four, until the port authority would have $1 million available for development?"

The plan has evolved over the last few months, and a fund as been setup through the Coshocton Foundation. Though there's been no formal announcement until now, nine people have committed to the program, Remington said.

Money raised will be used to create a community development fund that will allow the port authority to offer financial assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses; provide lease subsidies to companies interested in locating in Coshocton County; provide $2,500 relocation grants to graduates of Coshocton County high schools who have left the area and want to return and start a business; and provide matching funds to obtain other state and federal dollars to support economic development projects.

"This gives the port authority new tools to create a stronger economic climate here in Coshocton County," said T.J. Justice, port authority executive director.

The funds will be used strictly for economic development and not operating expenses, Justice said. Operating funds for the port authority come primarily from county commissioners and the city of Coshocton.

Kathy Thompson, executive director of the Coshocton Foundation, said the fund is a donor advised fund, which means the port authority will have input in how the money is awarded.

Allotment of fund will have to go through the five-member distribution board of the Coshocton Foundation and the Port Authority Board.

There are certain criteria applicants will have to follow, such as new business owners participating in training with the Small Business Development Center.

The SBDC was one factor that swayed Buehler's Fresh Foods to committing to the project, said Mel Allerhand, marketing consultant to Buehler's.

He said the company was looking for a way to invest in the community that would in turn make a difference at the store.

"Buehler's wanted to look at something that would also assist businesses over a long period of time," he said.

SBDC offers startup training for entrepreneurs, but also has a volunteer committee of professionals who offer advice in a wide area, including accounting, law, human resources and marketing.

"These people are experts in their fields and can help with ongoing strategic planning," said Steve Schillig, director for Region 10.

Allerhand said Buehler's has committed to the project, but the dollar amount won't be decided until next week when the Buehler's Foundation board meets next week.

"This could be a role model for others around the state," he said.

Remington said presentations about the Committee of 100 are already planned for the Coshocton Kiwanis and Coshocton Rotary clubs, and the Board of Realtors has expressed an interest in hearing more about the project.

"It comes back to 'somebody ought to do something,'" Remington said. "Here's your chance to do something for Coshocton County."

kdickerson@nncogannett.com740-295-3442