Goal is to attract people to local businesses
Osgood Merchants Association elects officers
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

With the first meeting on July 26 at the Whistle Stop Café, the Osgood Merchants Association now has 14 active businesses as members and hopes more business owners will join forces.

Serving as officers are Geneen Ostendorf, president; Pina Knudson, vice president; Henrietta Lay, treasurer; and Shannon Alvey, secretary. Meetings are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month at the Whistle Stop Café at 6:00 p.m.

"The main goal of the association is to develop and organize events in Osgood to attract more potential customers and additional businesses," said Ostendorf.

Alvey agreed the group hopes to make people aware of activities in the town of Osgood and to help people make Osgood their destination for shopping and entertainment.

A poster prepared by members of the association has this message: "Support local businesses. Without local businesses your town will not continue to grow. Shop Osgood businesses during 'Sidewalk Days' and every day. Save gas and help your community continue to thrive!"

Several events will be discussed at the September meeting, and officers are hoping for a good turnout of those who are already active members and others who might want to join the group.

Presently the association is working with the Ripley County Parks & Recreation to coordinate events for Fall Festival Days on October 15, along with the Osgood Lions' craft fair at Jac-Cen-Del school.

Osgood Merchants Association is sponsoring a chili cook-off at the Whistle Stop that day along with other events in the mini park. An advertisement in this newspaper provides information for participation in the chili cook-off, according to the officers.

In addition to Fall Festival Days, the Osgood Merchants Association will organize events to coordinate with the Christmas Walk sponsored by Osgood's bed and breakfast inns.

With membership limited to Osgood merchants, the present list of active members includes: Whistle Stop Café (Cindy Hager); Treasure Chest Jewelry & Gifts (Geneen Ostendorf); The Shepherd's Daughter (Pina Knudson); Somewhere in Time Antiques (Valerie Ludwig); Bear's Den Trading Post (Randy Ludwig).

Also, Mary's Shoppe (Mary DeBurger); Victorian Garden Bed & Breakfast (Paul and Linda Krinop); Ripley County Parks & Recreation (Julie Brancamp, mgr); Victorian & Lace (Henrietta Lay); A & W Auto Parts (Shannon Alvey): Country Restorations (Dedee Holliday); The Tin Crow (Larry Bultman); Recollections (Ed & Debbie Johnson); Precious Gifts & Treasures (Anita Schmidt).

Other business owners interested in joining are encouraged to meet with the group on Tuesday, September 13, at 6:00 p.m. at the Whistle Stop Café.

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

Geneen Ostendorf, president, and Shannon Alvey, secretary, discuss promotional events for the Osgood Merchants Association, newly formed organization to promote business interests and attract people to Osgood as their destination for shopping and entertainment. Meetings of the association are at 6:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Whistle Stop Cafe'.