COMMUNITY AWARENESS TEAM

OBSERVATIONS

 

Mt. Gilead visits Ottawa

 

  1. Please think about the intentional changes you have made in Ottawa over the past 10-15 years.  Did the visitors from Mt. Gilead notice those changes?  Did the visiting team see those changes the way you had hoped they would?

 

  1. The Mt. Gilead Visiting Team was very impressed with the entry signs (welcoming) into Ottawa.  Was this a recent project t and if so, how does it feel that your efforts brought benefit?

 

  1. The visiting team mentioned they saw no signs for the river.  Is that ok, or is the river a contributor to recreational and tourism efforts?

 

  1. There appears to be consensus that the receptionist at the Economic Development Office was less than friendly.  Since first impressions are extremely important to prospective businesses, you may want to research this further.

 

  1. There were comments regarding only a few houses with “For Sale” signs.  Is this a true reflection of your community’s housing market?  If not, what might be done to express the availability of housing for sale?

 

  1. The responses regarding the appearance of the high school were fine, but not outstanding.  Since a school represents so much regarding the image of a community is this acceptable or should the school’s appearance bring more interest?

 

  1. It appears there was great appreciation for the work Ottawa has done regarding billboards.  Was the success a result of intentional efforts?

 

  1. Under the section “sounds” there was clear consensus that the sound of Ottawa is trains.  Trains are an asset and a major part of Northwest Ohio’s economy, particularly Putnam County.  Do you think the visitor understands the value of trains to Ottawa or are they seen as a nuisance?  What could Ottawa do to express to visitors the value of trains to the community?