Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce Launches ‘Chillicothe Resilient — Bridge the Gap’

Article Presented By Pickaway Ross CTC Adult Education…

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce today officially launched Chillicothe
Resilient — Bridge the Gap, a coordinated, community-wide initiative to sustain foot traffic, stabilize revenues, and strengthen the long-term identity of Chillicothe’s business districts in the face of ongoing
citywide infrastructure construction.

Businesses along North Bridge Street, Downtown, Western Avenue, High Street, and other impacted corridors have reported double-digit revenue losses and operational challenges caused by access barriers and widespread consumer misperceptions that businesses are closed or unreachable, even when they remain fully open and ready to serve customers. Several businesses have also reduced staff as a direct result of the sustained revenue decline.

“No business in this community should weather disruption alone. The construction is temporary but the businesses, the jobs, and the relationships built on these corridors are not. When we invest in our businesses, we invest in our future. That’s what we’re asking every resident and every partner in this community to do right now,” said Mike Throne, CPO-AP, President and CEO, Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce.

Anchored by the campaign slogan Bridge the Gap and consumer tagline Shop Here. Eat Here. Stay Here., and reinforced by the message Invest in our businesses. Invest in our future., the initiative focuses on three core objectives. It aims to drive measurable consumer traffic to businesses across impacted corridors, connect those businesses with resources and support to reduce financial strain, and build a lasting Chillicothe Resilient brand that extends beyond construction and supports long-term growth.

The Chamber emphasized that Chillicothe Resilient is intentionally designed as a permanent community framework, not a reactive response tied to current construction projects, so that Chillicothe is prepared to show up for its businesses during any future period of disruption.

The initiative is led by the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce and supported by a broad coalition of partners, including the City of Chillicothe, Ross County, Downtown Chillicothe, the Greater Chillicothe Ross County Development (GCRCD), local media, and participating businesses across all affected corridors. The Chamber’s 700+ investors provide immediate communications and outreach infrastructure to bolster this initiative.

The Chamber’s headquarters at 45 E. Main Street, co-located with GCRCD, Downtown Chillicothe, and the OSU Small Business Development Center, will serve as a central hub for business resources.

The initiative launches with an immediate 90-day sprint designed to establish momentum, drive consumer engagement, and connect businesses with available relief resources, followed by a 12-month execution calendar. The Chillicothe Resilient identity is designed to carry forward as a pillar of the community’s economic identity.

Residents, visitors, and regional supporters are encouraged to actively choose local Chillicothe businesses for dining, shopping, and lodging during the construction period and long after. Community members can find participating businesses, access directions, and learn more at chillicotheohio.com. Follow and share the initiative using #BridgeTheGap.