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Last week 24 local businesses received a total of $54,265.15 in grant funds to support them during the difficulties faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be eligible for the grant program, commercial or retail businesses must have a storefront in Champaign County (cannot be home-based or nonprofit), have fewer than 50 employees, be current on local, state and federal obligations such as taxes and assessments, been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and, if a franchise, have no more than two storefronts in the county and not be corporate owned. 24 local businesses applied for this grant program and the CEP Board of Directors agreed to assist all 24 businesses that applied. The following businesses received funds: The Half Day Cafe, LG Industrial Supply, Tommy Brooks Salon, Massage on Monument Square, The Cutting Edge Hair Salon, The Hair Closet, Carriage House Salon, Let's Eat Cake, Pam's House of Beauty, Kim's Creative Designs, Theresa's It Figures, East Lawn & Garden, Kaleidoscope, Oxner's General Store, Vape on the Square, Main Graphics, The Vintage Traveler, Brugh's Auto & Tire, Family Country Cuts, Tom's Varsity Barbershop, Paul's Catering, Metz Painting & Roofing, Jones Country Store and The Hive. Many of the business owners were overwhelmed with emotions and all were grateful for the opportunity these funds offered. Some said they were struggling to decide whether to continue after being closed. Mike Manoloff, owner of Oxner's General Store, said, "Thanks to this grant, I'll be staying in business." "This will improve my chances to remain apart of Urbana's Small Businesses... It also keeps a dream alive, " Tina Blakeman, owner of The Vintage Traveler. “Our small businesses are essential to the vitality of Champaign County. We want to do what we can to help get them back on track, to continue providing jobs and valuable products and services that make our county a better place to live and work,” explained Marcia Bailey, CEP Director.
Many of your favorite local restaurants in Champaign County are still offering carry out and delivery options. From Cafe Paradiso, to Airport Cafe, Braden's Cafe & Sweets, Mumford's, Uncle Beth's, Cardinal's Pizza and more. Champaign County Visitor's Bureau has you covered, with local restaurant menus available in one place!
The Visitors Bureau estimates more than 10,000 attendees stopped for information on Champaign County. Representatives of the Visitors Bureau committee, Freshwater Farms of Ohio, Café Paradiso, Folck Winery and 1868 Italianate Casa handed out community guides, event listings, and brochures on local destinations and attractions. Travel show attendees were encouraged to sign up for the Visitors Bureau email list for their chance to win a Champaign County “getaway package” worth over $300.
The mission of the Visitors Bureau is to promote Champaign County as a premier destination of leisure travel, highlighting the area’s historical, cultural, and recreational attractions. The Visitors Bureau distributes the annual Champaign County events rack card, which is available now at the Chamber & Visitors Bureau office at 127 West Court Street. They will soon publish 20-page visitors guide that will feature dining establishments, attractions and lodging options. The Visitors Bureau meets monthly and invites anyone interested in being involved in the Visitors Bureau to its meeting on March 25th at 8 AM at The Farmer’s Daughter. Please contact the Chamber at 937-653-5764 or email info@champaignohio.com for more information on the Visitors Bureau or to RSVP to the March meeting. Story submitted by Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. Downtown spot opening this month to feature health food.
The city is a big part of the couple’s story, Sammie Ropp said.
“I grew up in a tiny town outside of Springfield called South Charleston and he grew up in a tiny town outside Urbana called West Liberty, so this was kind of the middle ground,” she said. Downtown Nutrition will offer energizing teas, healthy meal shakes, donut holes and more. “We have a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, and the best-tasting shakes and energizing teas around,” Sammie said. The shop will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce will host the ribbon cutting for the restaurant’s grand opening on the projected opening date, Jan. 25. “Here at the Chamber, we feel Downtown Nutrition is a great addition to our community because we have nothing like it,” said Chamber Coordinator Rachel Casey. “It’s new and fresh, and a great way to start a new year with healthy options.” The Ropps are excited to open and serve the community and encourage potential customers to check the shop’s Facebook page for updates. “We are here to show people the good in the world and that what they do matters. We are on the same mission to grow and support this amazing community,” Sammie Ropp said. “This community is looking to grow and make their city better and we want to be a part of that.” Contact this reporter at 937-328- 0356 or email brooke.spurlock@cmg.com.  Monument Square District will host it's Annual Holiday Open House November 8th, 9th & 10th. Over 20 locally owned and operated specialty shops and fine eateries are participating.
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