In the News
We will keep you informed about important news events through the issuance of press releases to members and the local media. News of importance also will be posted on the Chamber website, so check back often to keep on top of the latest information.
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- The Dayton Development Coaliton’s Wright-Patt 2020 meeting that includes the Springfield Air National Guard Base was held recently in Dayton. Here’s a link to the article in the April 14 Dayton Business Journal: www.bizjournals.com
- Expansion of AirPark Ohio and improvements at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport are in the works: www.springfieldnewssun.com
- Southern Gateway Initiative Press Release: Former Springfield Mayor Dale Henry told of the time a number of years ago that when returning from work in Dayton he exited I-70 at South Limestone Street and noticed how high the weeds had grown.
He related that it was also the weekend that visitors were streaming into the city for graduations at Clark State Community College and Wittenberg University.
“I can’t tell you how embarrassed I felt that all these people were coming to Springfield and that was the perception that they left the city with – that nobody cared,” said Henry, who is president of the Southern Gateway Neighborhood Association.
He and others believe that perception will change with the completion of Phase I of the Southern Gateway Initiative that was dedicated recently at the intersection of I-70 and South Limestone Street. A city-built stone sign with lighting and plants greet visitors as they enter the city. In addition, more than 400 colorful trees and shrubs have been planted at the intersection.
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce President Mike McDorman called the completion of the interchange upgrade “a great day for Springfield.”
“This Interstate 70 and 72 interchange serves as the most important gateway leading into our great city,” he said.
McDorman told of the recent Chamber retreat in which those in attendance talked of a shared vision for the community, growing a greater Springfield, changing perceptions and revitalizing strategic community areas.
“This dedication is another great example of these things at work in Springfield,” he said.
Assurant Specialty Property, which employs 1,700 people at its campus on Leffel Lane, was a major contributor to the project, which cost an estimated $130,000 but only $75,000 in actual funding due to work completed by the city and the Ohio Department of Transporation. The Chamber also made a monetary contribution to the project.
Mayor Warren Copeland said without the gifts from Assurant and the chamber the project would not have been as big.
“We hope this is just the beginning of what happens along South Limestone Street,” he said.
Miachel Lawson, Assurant vice president at the local office, said he saw their contribution as a way to give back to the community for all the support his company has received.
“We are thrilled with the outcome. This is beautiful. With most real estate, curb appeal is everything. This enhances our curb appeal,” he said.
The project was discussed for many years and was to coincide with the widening of I-70 to three lanes each way, which has been put on hold. The decision was made to go ahead with the interchange improvements, instead of waiting any longer. The plan is to continue improvements down South Limestone Street to Selma Road, enlisting the help of businesses and residents.
“As I talked with business owners and residents the other day, I felt a real enthusiasm for what we are attempting to do and today is a major turning point in our efforts,” Henry said.
Contributions to the project are being accepted. For information, phone Heather Whitmore at the City of Springfield, 937.324.7300 or visit www.limestonegateway.com.
- Springfield’s Next Industrial Park Underway: Options on the final 26 acres of land needed for the proposed PrimeOhio II industrial park have been secured. This is the first new large-scale industrial park development to occur in Springfield in 20 years.
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce operated park will be located on 250 acres of what is now farm land and green space across Interstate 70 from the Clark County Fairgrounds. When completed, it would be the second largest industrial park in the county. By comparison, PrimeOhio I has 500 acres.
Chamber of Commerce President Mike McDorman said the new park will be similar to the chamber’s nearby PrimeOhio Corporate Park in that it will accommodate light industrial and distribution type companies.
He expects the park could add between 500 and 1,000 new jobs to the community within 10 years. McDorman said it’s an ideal location because of the easy access to I-70, a strong selling point for PrimeOhio, which is at capacity. The site also has level topography, rail access, square configuration and industrial zoning. Five sites were evaluated but the other four were eliminated for various reasons.
“It’s a great location to market future job growth,” McDorman said.
Electric and sewer infrastructure is in place and water and gas lines will be installed.
McDorman said he hopes that tenants can begin establishing a presence in the park within three years.
The park is a $7 million project with approximately half the funding for land acquisition and infrastructure expected to come from the state and federal government.
The only other industrial park of more than 60 acres in the county in addition to PrimeOhio I is AirparkOhio with 191 acres.
For more information, contact Mike McDorman, Chamber president, or David Zak, vice president, at 937.325.7621.
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