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Report/review gives OCAD reason to celebrate
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| Andrea Detweiler |
(The following article was submitted by Oelwein Chamber and Area Development (OCAD) Associate Director Andrea Detweiler.)
OELWEIN - On Nov. 7, 2007, Cresco’s Alliant Energy First Impression Team visited Oelwein. After receiving a 40-page report from the team, OCAD has come to the conclusion that our community has much to celebrate and has learned that there are areas where we can improve. OCAD will host a rally and celebration on Saturday, June 28 in the South Municipal Parking Lot to celebrate all that Oelwein has to offer. Everyone over 21 years of age are welcome to attend!
In the fourth installment of “Cuz Cresco Said So” we will reveal Cresco’s first impression of Oelwein’s local economy. Topics of discussion will cover the traditional downtown, general information and overall retail, other retail shopping areas, local industries, commercial and professional services and tourism. With OCAD’s concerted effort to better the business environment, this information comes to us in a very timely manner.
What is your impression of the health of the local economy?
• The health of the local economy seems to be very good, but has no big employer with employees that number over 200.
• Low side, several second-hand stores.
• Looks like revitalization is in full force starting in downtown. A great start! “Positively Oelwein” “ very clear and positive campaign. Lots of cars on Main Street.
• Mostly healthy, but several closed businesses south of downtown and closed stores on main street.
Rate and comment on the variety of shopping in the downtown.
Average score: 8.4 out of 10
• Had good variety of restaurants, clothing, hardware and second-hand stores. Kmart and Pamida located south of downtown. Need a downtown hotel and apartments.
• Had a decent mix, including hardware, clothing, re-sale/consignment. Not a lot of specialty/niche shops.
• A lot of variety: clothing, pharmacy, food, gifts/homes d©cor, but only one grocery store.
• Lots of cafes and taverns. The buildings are a little run-down.
Rate and comment on the customer service you received in the downtown.
Average score: 8.5 out of 10
• Very friendly, willing to help. Very clean and very nice. Eager to give information.
• Staff very friendly.
• Very good! Everyone was friendly.
Comment on the mix of facilities and services in the downtown (housing, professional services, retail, recreation, accommodation and food, industry, parks, etc.).
• Food good. ATM downtown “ good!
• Didn’t notice any housing or industry in downtown. Good mix of retail and food.
• Good restaurant mix. Very limited recreation facilities. Good clothing retail, banks, hardware and professional. Industrial park available outside town with some occupancy. Good hotel room availability “ nice property downtown.
Rate and comment on the quality and availability of parking in the downtown.
Average score: 8.2 out of 10
• There seemed to be good parking areas downtown. Plenty of parking.
• We didn’t have a problem parking downtown “ also noticed a big lot behind the pharmacy (and a back door).
• Nice parking area near Chamber. Free parking lots next to downtown “ requires walking but not bad.
ß Plenty of “free municipal parking” signs and lots. A few of the signs are in poor shape. I know the landscaping is probably not snow removal friendly, but I’m glad to see you sacrificed with the design to side with beauty versus practical.
walk to. Very pedestrian friendly!
OELWEIN - On Nov. 7, 2007, Cresco’s Alliant Energy First Impression Team visited Oelwein. After receiving a 40-page report from the team, OCAD has come to the conclusion that our community has much to celebrate and has learned that there are areas where we can improve. OCAD will host a rally and celebration on Saturday, June 28 in the South Municipal Parking Lot to celebrate all that Oelwein has to offer. Everyone over 21 years of age are welcome to attend!
In the fourth installment of “Cuz Cresco Said So” we will reveal Cresco’s first impression of Oelwein’s local economy. Topics of discussion will cover the traditional downtown, general information and overall retail, other retail shopping areas, local industries, commercial and professional services and tourism. With OCAD’s concerted effort to better the business environment, this information comes to us in a very timely manner.
What is your impression of the health of the local economy?
• The health of the local economy seems to be very good, but has no big employer with employees that number over 200.
• Low side, several second-hand stores.
• Looks like revitalization is in full force starting in downtown. A great start! “Positively Oelwein” “ very clear and positive campaign. Lots of cars on Main Street.
• Mostly healthy, but several closed businesses south of downtown and closed stores on main street.
Rate and comment on the variety of shopping in the downtown.
Average score: 8.4 out of 10
• Had good variety of restaurants, clothing, hardware and second-hand stores. Kmart and Pamida located south of downtown. Need a downtown hotel and apartments.
• Had a decent mix, including hardware, clothing, re-sale/consignment. Not a lot of specialty/niche shops.
• A lot of variety: clothing, pharmacy, food, gifts/homes d©cor, but only one grocery store.
• Lots of cafes and taverns. The buildings are a little run-down.
Rate and comment on the customer service you received in the downtown.
Average score: 8.5 out of 10
• Very friendly, willing to help. Very clean and very nice. Eager to give information.
• Staff very friendly.
• Very good! Everyone was friendly.
Comment on the mix of facilities and services in the downtown (housing, professional services, retail, recreation, accommodation and food, industry, parks, etc.).
• Food good. ATM downtown “ good!
• Didn’t notice any housing or industry in downtown. Good mix of retail and food.
• Good restaurant mix. Very limited recreation facilities. Good clothing retail, banks, hardware and professional. Industrial park available outside town with some occupancy. Good hotel room availability “ nice property downtown.
Rate and comment on the quality and availability of parking in the downtown.
Average score: 8.2 out of 10
• There seemed to be good parking areas downtown. Plenty of parking.
• We didn’t have a problem parking downtown “ also noticed a big lot behind the pharmacy (and a back door).
• Nice parking area near Chamber. Free parking lots next to downtown “ requires walking but not bad.
ß Plenty of “free municipal parking” signs and lots. A few of the signs are in poor shape. I know the landscaping is probably not snow removal friendly, but I’m glad to see you sacrificed with the design to side with beauty versus practical.
walk to. Very pedestrian friendly!
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