Small business owners gathered at Indian Lake High School on Tuesday evening to collaborate on business recovery after the March tornado that ripped through Russells Point and Lakeview.
Jason Duff, a local businessman, led the meeting, assisted by the Indian Lake and Logan County Chambers of Commerce. Business owners shared the impact that the tornado had on their businesses and talked about what insurance issues they were dealing with.
Jason Duff comments about the meeting:
A representative from the Ohio Department of Insurance attended the meeting and offered her services to the group. The Ohio Department of Insurance can help business owners, through Consumer Services, by calling 1-800-686-1526 or visiting their website HERE.
Several owners expressed concerns about FEMA, and whether or not they will be assisting Indian Lake. Dave Durnell, Owner of RV Wholesalers, who has worked with FEMA on multiple occasions, said that the area might be better off without FEMA aid. Without FEMA, it would force the State of Ohio to step up and provide aid, making the process of recovery quicker. A decision from President Biden, on whether Indian Lake and the other counties in the state, declaring them a national disaster area, is hoped to be announced soon.
Amber Fagan, President of the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce said that she and the Logan County Chamber of Commerce sat down Tuesday and allocated $70,000 to area small businesses as part of phase one of the chamber grants. The next wave of grant funds will be allocated in two weeks. These funds are specifically earmarked for small business owners, however they need to apply. Fagan said that a board of 5 people uses a rubric to decide who is allocated funds. She went on to say that the business owners can use the funds as they see fit. If you are a Logan County business that was adversely impacted by the severe weather on March 14, 2024, CLICK HERE to download a grant application.
A question was asked about the United Way of Logan County Indian Lake Tornado Impact Funds, and if they could be used for business recovery. Committee member, Brenda Moots, told the group that those funds are for individuals, not businesses. If you are someone who was directly impacted, personally, by the storm, they invite you to set up an appointment to apply for funds online at www.uwlogan.org or by calling (937) 592-2886. That committee consists of the following people:
- Dave Coburn – Indian Lake Schools
- Pastor Jim Ellington – Indian Lake Community Church
- Dale Frymeyer – Choice Properties Real Estate / Indian Lake Development Corporation
- Suzanne Gillespie – Shoreline Construction
- Cynthia Heffner – Logan County Department of Job & Family Services
- Rachel Kubic – Hanna Howard Real Estate / Indian Lake Development Corporation
- Scott Mohler – Lift Delivery
- Brenda Moots – Indian Lake Outfitters
- Amy Musil – LuLu’s at the Lake
- Tim O’Rielley – CoverLink Insurance / United Way Allocations Chair
- Rick Powers – NX Automotive Logistics / United Way Board Member
- Katie Rychener – Unit-Ten / United Way Board Member
- Corey VanHoose – CenterPoint Energy / United Way Board Member
Another resource for small businesses was mentioned was the Ohio REALTORS. In partnership with the Delaware County Board of REALTORS, Mansfield Board of REALTORS, Midwestern Ohio Association of REALTORS, Northwest Ohio REALTORS, Licking County Board of REALTORS, Dayton REALTORS, and Columbus REALTORS, they announced aid is available for individuals affected by the tornado. To apply for assistance, visit ohiorealtors.org to access the application. The application process will continue through Saturday, June 1st.
The meeting ended with the consensus that the meetings would continue every month at Indian Lake High School.
That date will be announced soon.
