Lawrence Countians will catch a glimpse of the county’s future this week.

Saturday, September 09, 2000

Lawrence Countians will catch a glimpse of the county’s future this week.

The Greater Lawrence County Area Chamber of Commerce’s "Project Pride County Wide" will exhibit information Thursday about industrial park plans, the Chesapeake Bypass, a new power plant, Ironton’s new bridge project and at least a dozen other community activities.

People need more information about these projects that will contribute to the growth of Lawrence County, chamber executive director Pat Clonch said.

The chamber has hosted exhibits before – bypass or bridge plans on display at monthly membership luncheons, for example.

People always linger for long periods of time after those meetings, wanting more details, Mrs. Clonch said.

On Thursday, county residents can spend five hours pouring over countywide development plans. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the Grandview Inn in South Point and ends at 7 p.m.

Projects planned for discussion, include:

– The Point, the former 500 acres of South Point Ethanol property turned into a business park. It offers so many benefits, people want to discuss their next business expansion, park manager Roger Haley. View the display and make an appointment to tour the site.

– CME International Inc.’s proposed $4 million merchant power plant in Hamilton Township. Lawrence Economic Development Corporation staff will group this exhibit with maps and photos of the county’s available industrial sites.

– Ironton-Huntington, W.Va., Empowerment Zone. What is it? How can it impact the future? Zone staff will discuss current and future projects that affect the local economy. You’ve got to know what is planned for the future to appreciate the grant’s designation that will make so many good things happen, Mrs. Clonch said.

– Ironton-Russell Bridge, Chesapeake Bypass, Proctorville’s Ohio 7 third lane. Ohio Department of Transportation will be available to discuss the projects.

– Ohio University Southern Campus Center for Development. Staff will discuss technology training. The center can develop a class to meet businesses’ training needs.

– Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization’s housing programs. Senior and lower-income housing projects, including the Marting Hotel renovation, will be discussed.

Countywide agencies displaying information include:

– Collins Career Center, which offers technical and educational training no matter what the age.

– Workforce Development Resource Center, located in Ironton, which offers not only jobless services but also career counseling, training and other resources.

– Procurement Outreach Center, which helps businesses sell services to the federal government.

– The chamber’s Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Small Business Development Center.

For more information, contact the chamber at 377-4550.