Tower unveils new business attraction website

New and existing business that want to learn more about Lorain have a new online resource to consider, said mayoral candidate Jessie Tower.

On Oct. 8, Tower unveiled lorainbusinessgateway.com, a website that aggregates information about local government, economy and community with an eye toward commerce in the city.

“This Gateway is designed to cater to our current business partners as well as potential businesses that would like to locate in Lorain,” the home page said. “We want doing business in Lorain to be seamless. We want to handle your issues and concerns expeditiously and in a professional manner.”

Tower, a Republican, is squaring off against Democrat Jack Bradley and independent write-in candidates Bill Bobel and Patricia R. Flowers. Voters will select the next mayor of Lorain at the ballot box on Nov. 5.

Tower emphasized the website still is a prototype, but something needed by the city to attract and retain businesses.

On the campaign trail, people have expressed different concerns about what they want done and what they want the mayor to do, Tower said.

Those concerns shaped her platform for office, she said.

“The number one item in that platform was job and economic development and so that’s what we’re here to talk about,” Tower said. Gathering ideas from the community, Tower said one of the things she hears most often is that City Hall needs to do a better job marketing the city.

Lorain’s elected leaders also must take care of existing businesses and attract new ones to the city.

The website has sections to explore Lorain and contact the city. There is a business directory, an area for business recruitment and a calendar for updates and events.

There is a listing of available commercial properties and photos of Lorain landmarks including the Lighthouse, Lakeview Park and the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge.

The website includes a 22-page PowerPoint presentation to promote the city’s assets, explain its history and how businesses may apply for incentives.

Many people reminisce about how Lorain was a great city in the past, where people made cars, steel and ships, Tower said.

“Well they’re not here anymore and so we have to start thinking and planning for the future,” Tower said. “And so as we do that, what does that look like?”

It starts with the prototype of lorainbusinessgateway.com, built through more than 500 hours of volunteer contributions, Tower said.

Bobel said he did not yet have a chance to view the website.

“It sounds like it could be something very positive,” Bobel said. “However, I’m just a little concerned on what she’s putting out there.”

Bobel has emphasized the importance of improving Lorain’s bond rating, which is like the city’s credit score.

Many communities have nice websites and make forms available online, Bobel said. Those resources may be helpful in attracting small businesses, he said.

But larger employers will want to see a city with solid finances, Bobel said.

“It sounds good, but once we get to that point where we are financially stable, this could be something to definitely bring into focus,” Bobel said. “But the biggest problem that’s not being addressed is our financial stability.”

Bradley and Flowers were not available for comment after Tower’s announcement on Oct. 8.

Tower

Bobel