OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) –Oak Grove’s Special Economic Development Committee gathered to explore strategies for attracting new businesses and residents to the city.
“We are in a great spot,” said Public Works Director, Brian Ahart. “We are in the middle of half a million people.” Ahart, who has been actively reaching out to potential businesses mentioned he has contacted Montana Grille, Ace Hardware, Panda Express, NAPA Auto Parts and others, but has yet to receive any type of response.
Ahart told committee members there are many rumors swirling around of businesses coming to Oak Grove, but the only one planned is Starbucks. “Until I get building plans from these places, it’s mostly just talk,” he said.
Committee member Janet Edwards expressed that residents are looking for more than just dining options, they want activities and entertainment in the area. In response, Traci Cunningham, Director of Oak Grove Tourism, proposed that the committee consider reaching out to Chicken N Pickle, an indoor-outdoor entertainment complex, as a potential addition to the city’s offerings.
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“I think Oak Grove has an identity crisis,” said Edwards. “We need to do something to sell our city and figure out weather we want to keep our land or sell it.” Committee members agreed that, given the abundance of available land, it’s crucial to determine how best to utilize it. They discussed large-scale ideas, such as establishing a distillery, a downtown with a multipurpose building or installing wayfinding signs, to create a welcoming environment for new businesses.
They also agreed that Oak Grove sh0uld revamp its welcome packets for new residents and businesses and reinstitute ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The meeting concluded with plans to develop marketing strategies to promote Oak Grove, and the next meeting was scheduled for October 10.
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