More than a hundred people turned out to a breakfast this morning to tell the Chamber of Commerce why it’s so tough for small business in Owen Sound.
Mayor Deb Haswell and Economic Development Director, Steve Furness, attended along with city bank managers.
They heard the City should have taken the initiative for the meeting and the banks have not been there for small business when they were most needed.
Overall, the call was for more leadership from the city.
Small business owners say there is a vision issue as well as a capital issue.
Small business owners like the sense of community and the spirit in Owen Sound — but they don’t appreciate the lack of a “can do” attitude.
One of the main complaints is high business taxes, although few reported they have ever appealed their assessment.
Moderator Cliff Bilyea kept the meeting moving through a series of questions about what factors beyond the control of small business owners impact success.
Bilyea says the Chamber will analyze the findings and produce recommendations leading to solutions.
There is a concern that downtown Owen Sound is “going south” with many vacancies, a trend away from retail stores in favour of social agencies, a lack of boutique shopping, loitering and drugs.
There were also suggestions that the city needs to look at its signage and its web site if it wants to be known for its strengths.
