Members of the Ironton Business Association are currently poking at ideas for fall community activities, but as of yet, the only project on the agenda doesn’t tee off until Halloween.

Wednesday, July 19, 2000

Members of the Ironton Business Association are currently poking at ideas for fall community activities, but as of yet, the only project on the agenda doesn’t tee off until Halloween.

IBA leaders say the local events they sponsor help them connect with the community and work on the organization’s main goal – growing and keeping business in downtown Ironton.

Safe Trick or Treat Night is once again being planned for Halloween night. The event brings residents and local businesses together for an evening of trick-or-treating at the Ironton City Center.

But until that magic date, the IBA has a free calendar, co-president Lou Pyles said.

"A couple of months ago, we discussed doing something in the fall, but we haven’t had any concrete ideas," she said. "Unless there’s something that members want to discuss and put the plans forward, that’s the only thing right now."

Safe Trick or Treat will take place in the lobby of the city building, Mrs. Pyles said.

"We open the doors for the children, and it’s a safe activity for the children to participate," she said.

The program involves businesses members, IBA members and any community member interested in participating, she said. Organizations set up tables every year to give candy out to the children.

"It’s for the children, and it gives the parents peace of mind, knowing that it is a safe atmosphere for the children to be in," Mrs. Pyles said.

And the children love it, too. The program lasts one hour, between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and hundreds of people line up in the streets of Ironton before the doors are opened – and after they close, she said.

Mrs. Pyles said participants are not required to be IBA members. Anyone can participate in fall activities, she said.

Comprised of 87 businesses, the IBA’s chief goal with programs like Safe Trick or Treat is to show appreciation to the businesses and consumers that keep Ironton thriving, she said.

"It’s our way of giving back to the community, and it’s always really worked out really well," Mrs. Pyles said.

Community events also welcome outside businesses, possibly enticing them to settle in Ironton. This can give a much-needed boost to the local economy, she said.

"We discuss how we can bring businesses into town and the growth of our town," Mrs. Pyles said.

IBA routinely sends letters and correspondence to outside businesses in hopes to attract private companies and large corporations to look upon Ironton and vicinity as potential areas for business settlements.

This, in effect, will create new jobs.

"We would like to see more people shopping, more children in school, more people buying newspapers. It has a trickle-down effect," she said.

The IBA’s web site, located at www.zoomnet.net/~iba/, also welcomes potential businesses and investors to the community.

"Unfortunately, the last year has not been a great year for the city as a whole," she said. "When you lose businesses, you lose revenue, and you lose people. When you lose a job, your life changes.

The IBA will continue to be part of efforts to improve the economy downtown and around the county, Mrs. Pyles said.

"We try to keep all the businesses in our town and community, and we need (more) businesses," she added.

Mrs. Pyles said the IBA owes much appreciation to the family-owned businesses, who have not only kept the IBA up and running, but have also greatly contributed to the City of Ironton.

"Allyn’s Jewelers, for instance, has given a lot to the community," she said.

Other long-held businesses include Bartrum and Son Grocery, McCauley Furniture, Charlie’s Tire Sales and all local hardware stores, Mrs. Pyles added.