Toronto economic forum set Wednesday

TORONTO - The Toronto Coalition for Revitalization is sponsoring a community forum on economic development beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Karaffa Middle School.

The forum will include brief speeches from local business people, business advocates and officials from Heritage Ohio, an organization specializing in revitalization, according to George Komar, coalition president.

"We're going to give (city businessmen) a few minutes to speak," said Komar, adding the speakers will mainly talk about the city's business past. "They are going to speak as advocates that something needs to be done. (City Council President) Tom Thomas will be speaking about what Toronto currently is doing (regarding revitalization)."

Komar said businessmen speakers would include Tom "Toot" Wilson Sr., Jay Foster and Doug Flesch.

"Ed Looman, executive director of Progress Alliance, and Joanna Styczenski also will be there," Komar continued. "They will discuss what they can offer."

Tom Kelly and Amy Coles from the Students in Free Enterprises from the Franciscan University of Steubenville also will speak about economic revitalization, and Dean Ellis from the Community Development Corp. of Washington, Pa., also is slated to speak.

Komar said keynote speakers for the evening will be Frank Quinn from Heritage Ohio, who will discuss the Main Street approach, a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

"They are part of what they call the Main Street approach," said Komar. "They are going to talk about their services and what they can provide."

Komar said the organization has been involved for years in the economic revitalization of St. Clairsville, which he used as a possible model for economic development in Toronto. Komar also said the Main Street approach would include the organization developing a blueprint for Toronto revitalization for a fee.

The coalition currently is sponsoring a fundraiser to raise funds for a study, which includes the drawing for $508 worth of Toronto business services, including a $15 gas card. Drawing chances are $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased at CarLaine's Florist, Clarke Funeral Home, Colonial Florist, Images Salon, Olive Branch Florist, Tones Tan and Fitness and the Toronto Apothecary. The drawing will be held during Wednesday's forum with the winner taking all, said Komar.

Tom Graham, Jefferson County commissioner, will moderate an open forum after speakers are finished.

"It's going to be an open forum," Komar said. "Those in attendance will have the opportunity to make their opinions known and ask questions."

For information, go to www.thegemcity.org or call Komar at (740) 544-6439.

(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)