City leaders said it is important for them to stay in touch with the local businesses because 75 to 80 percent of the economic development comes from local business retention and expansion efforts.
The city started the Business Meet and Greets last year after the Business Walk and business surveys the city did in 2016.
The city learned that the local businesses are too busy during businesses hours to sit with the city government and ask for any assistance nor able to converse with their fellow business owners, stated Kuntz.
This event gives these businesses an opportunity to network with other businesses and possibly make partnerships for the future.
The local businesses that participated last year have said it is a great opportunity to visit other local businesses, discuss what is working for each other and opportunities to strengthen their respective businesses through possible partnerships according to Kuntz.
This event is May 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ray’s Wine and Spirits on Main Street in Clayton. This is an informal event. Contact Kuntz at (937) 836-3500 to RSVP or for questions about the event.
For those who cannot attend this event, another meet and greet is planned in November.
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