JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — The Jefferson County Port Authority is announcing a new marketing tool to help develop business in downtown Steubenville.
River and rail bridge industries that run through Steubenville, but they are some of the most under-utilized assets for businesses downtown.
Now, an online map is curating and highlighting those infrastructure assets as well as the real estate and buildings that can use them.
“We’ve spent some time over the last couple months building a Google Earth-based marketing tool that tells that really comprehensive story of the whole area,” said Jefferson County Port Authority Director Evan Scurti.
That story starts with showing a complete picture of downtown Steubenville. It’s all accessible from the Port Authority website in a layered mapping system.
“Everything from existing businesses to available properties that you see here, to tourism and recreation opportunities in the downtown area,” Scurti said.
The hope? To help developers get a better sense of what works where. It could help people like Ken Smith. He started his Antique Warehouse two years ago amidst dares and doubters. He started with only a handful of vendors.
“Today, I have 83 vendors in the building,” said Antique Warehouse Ken Smith. “I only have three empty spots.”
Smith does have 27 rooms for offices upstairs. He’s getting them turnkey ready, hoping his success attracts supporting business.
“I think more and more people like to shop in downtown areas,” Smith said. “It’s coming back to the way it used to be.”
A first-floor space had Ken dreaming “deli, deli.” If the marketing tool can’t bring a restaurant, he might open a delicatessen himself.
“I think anything that could help market anything in downtown Steubenville or anywhere is in Steubenville is great for the area.,” Smith said.
From WTOV9 Fox | December 2017
