LEWISBURG – The Lewisburg Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the Village presentation last week.
Several guest speakers updated community members during the meeting held Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the village’s Community Center.
Speakers included Tri-County North Local Schools Superintendent Bill Derringer, Preble County Commissioner Rodney Creech, Preble County Economic Development Director Brenda Latanza, Lewisburg Vice-Mayor Marsha Jones, Lewisburg Fire/EMS Chief BJ Sewert and Lewisburg Village Manager Jeff Sewert.
In addition, the Chamber honored LCNB as the Business of the Year.
Jones thanked all of the speakers and those in attendance for their part in the event and the role they play in the Lewisburg Community.
“The progress to make our village a better place to live or pay a visit would not be possible without our chamber,” Jones said.
Jones said the village has progressed in its goals over the past year, including the village’s first tax increase, which voters approved, in nearly 30 years.
Derringer updated those in attendance on several projects the school completed within the last year, including improvements to the school’s sidewalks and the main entrance. He also said the district will be seeking a renewal on a permanent improvement levy in November.
“I think we live in an outstanding community that supports each other and I really think that strengthens the schools,” Derringer said.
Creech gave a report which noted he felt the county is in “excellent” shape. He also reported the county recently received a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant for a downtown revitalization project for the village, in addition to an additional $100,000 critical infrastructure grant for the Village of Gratis.
“Preble County has come a long way since 2008,” Creech said. “Every year things keep getting better. I can stand before you today and tell you the county is in excellent shape. We’re doing amazing things here in Preble County.”
Latanza spoke of recent business happenings in the county, including Pratt Industries, Henny Penny, Kettering Health Network, Silfex and others.
