NEWS FROM DOWNTOWN CHIPLEY

Chipley Downtown Merchants meet for Third Time

Merchants in historic downtown Chipley are moving forward with plans to attract more shoppers and ultimately increase the volume of business coming to their area.

A growing number of downtown merchants are becoming involved in the effort and met for their third session April 1st at The Den (antiques) on Railroad Avenue. 

During the meeting, downtown property owner Dutch Swart outlined plans he has for placing a business directory on the south side of the building housing the Merle Norman Studio on Main Street.  He said the decorative sign, which would be seen from Hwy 90 and those heading south on Hwy 77, would be available for downtown businesses to list their specific store, for a small monthly fee.

While interested in that sign, the business people also showed interest in other  venues for listing their businesses for those driving by to see.  The possibility of decorative signs attached to light poles was another idea put forth at the meeting.

Another idea being discussed by the merchants was using pots of flowers and other plantings to brighten up the downtown area.  Already Baxley's Cleaners and The Den have placed pots of flowers in front of their places of business and other business owners are being urged to help improve the looks of the downtown area.

Washington County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ted Everett was among those at the meeting and reminded the business people of the facade grants offered by the Chipley Development Agency to spruce up the area.

Chipley Councilman Tommy McDonald also encouraged the business people to attend a meeting April 14th at noon at the Chipley City Hall where the study of the downtown area by a University of Florida architect staffer and grad students will be discussed.