City of Belpre Partnering to Assist Local Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE                                                                               Contact: Mike Lorentz, Mayor
January 10, 2022                                                                                              michael.lorentz@cityofbelpre.com
                                                                                                                            740.423.7592

                                                                                                                            Or:  Connie Hoblitzell, SSD
                                                                                                                           connie.hoblitzell@cityofbelpre.com

City of Belpre Partnering to Assist Local Businesses

The City of Belpre is following through on several recommendations received during the Comprehensive Planning process undertaken during 2019 and 2020 to strengthen the local business environment. “Belpre has always been a wonderful place to do business, we want to make sure we are using every tool available to assist businesses and create opportunities in the city” stated Mayor Mike Lorentz. “We want to be proactive in working together to identify challenges that our businesses might be facing – and trying to identify ways to assist them.  Establishing a business retention and expansion program is one way we are doing that.” This Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program is a concentrated effort focused on providing avenues and opportunities for local businesses to connect with local officials and other public entities that offer various forms of assistance. The program is expected to be introduced in the very near future as volunteers and other supporting materials are finalized.  The Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce, the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, and Sixmo have been involved in developing the program. A network of local resource partners have also been established. “We may not be able to serve every need that is identified during this effort, but the information gathered will help us make improvements that might avoid challenges in the future.”