Article source for : Northwest Ohio Restaurant Association ??
I was wondering if the Northwest Ohio Restaurant Association was still in existence. With the casino opening, I was wondering if a pre-emptive marketing campaign for Downtown Restaurants could in fact soften the blow. I know the short term the answer is no, but long term, say 2-3 months after the Grand Opening, yes. I would hate to see a free fall of Independent Locally Owned & Operated business closing their doors from lack of business. I personally think the Casino is a game changer for small businesses in the area, but the fittest can and will survive.
So, I am looking for information on a local restaurant association to help with the answers, and um... well we DO or DID have one, but with their web presence being what it is (non-existent), I'm not sure what good they are, IF we have one. Last Internet activity was 2 stories published in 2007 (The Blade) and 2008 (Free Press). I have a phone # and Address, but just shocked they don't have a website, and without a website, how do they showcase their members, or promote their mission?
If there are restaurant owners on here, what are your predictions, (or what is the word on the streets) as to the effects of the casino on Downtown Bars and Restaurants?
I have to admit, even though I shouldn't be, I am surprised how little information was published for small businesses to prepare and survive AFTER the opening. From what I understand, the casino is aiming to be operating in the black in 18 months, meaning at least paying off $300 million, and a large portion coming out of OUR local economy in 18 months. With Detroit and Cleveland having their own casinos, our casinos' outside source of revenue are South and West of us.
BTW, has anyone had any meetings concerning the projected impact of the casino on local businesses other than the stuff the casino was putting out get the law changed? Sad how the local media seems to have neglected the subject.