SOUTH POINT – Want to know about the two new businesses headed into The Point, the county’s 500-acre industrial park?<!—->.

Tuesday, October 16, 2001

SOUTH POINT – Want to know about the two new businesses headed into The Point, the county’s 500-acre industrial park?

Who’s behind those two new power plants planned for Hamilton Township?

What programs do Collins Career Center, Ohio University, the Department of Job and Family Services, and the Workforce Development Resource Center have available for you?

All those questions and more can be answered Wednesday at the Grandview Inn in South Point during "Project Pride County Wide" – the Greater Lawrence County Area Chamber of Commerce’s showcase of public services and exhibits.

The event, designed to answer the public’s questions, begins at noon and ends at 7 p.m.

Company leaders with Duke Energy, Calpine Inc., Liebert Corp., Superior Marine, M7M Services and other industries new to Lawrence County will join with more than 12 organizations for public exhibits, said Pat Clonch, chamber executive director.

"These companies have said they will keep people on the floor," Mrs. Clonch said, adding that such personal presentations are new to this year’s showcase.

OU, Collins and other schools; state public services offices; and the chamber’s own procurement and economic development specialists will also be on hand to discuss the latest programs or projects that highlight the growth and progress of Lawrence County.

They will have easels, designs and papers available – information people can touch, she said.

"It’s important for people to see what’s happening," Mrs. Clonch said.

If you hear it and meet people involved with it, then you leave knowing it’s more real and tomorrow’s outlook is more positive, she said, encouraging everyone to come view the exhibits.

"We want people to know it’s not all gloom and doom."

Positive projects are occurring in Lawrence County, the chamber has not canceled or slowed its work, Mrs. Clonch said.

"It’s hard to get our minds off the terrible tragedies," she said, adding that the agencies support the United States and mourn the Sept. 11 attacks.

"But, we have to look to the future and I think our future looks good."

The chamber of commerce event – which is free to the public – begins at noon on Wednesday at the Grandview Inn in South Point (on U.S. 52). It ends at 7 p.m.

A business after hours, for chamber members only, will also be held at the Grandview Inn on Wednesday, 5-7 p.m.