August First Friday is tonight in downtown Mount Vernon!

Anthony McNeal, Mount Vernon Downtown Manager shared details with WNZR’s Wesley Boston about the exciting schedule for August First Friday.

This month’s theme is the “Dog Days of Summer”! You can enjoy music, food, family activities and the “Dog Days of Summer” Costume Parade!

The event runs from 6-9pm tonight! For a complete schedule of events and a map of tonight’s event, go to https://www.wnzr.fm/first-friday

Anthony also shared plans for September First Friday and future events coming to downtown Mount Vernon.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

July First Friday is a perfect kick-off to your holiday weekend!

Anthony McNeal, Downtown Manager, shares details about July First Friday with The Morning Thing.

Hear the complete conversation HERE.

Click HERE to see the full lineup of activities for Friday, 7/2.

Click HERE to register for WNZR’s “Shape Up, Clean Up, Drink Up, Dress Up and Soak Up” Prize Basket valued at over $300!

First Friday is back! Join WNZR in downtown Mount Vernon tonight.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Downtown Manager, Anthony McNeal from Main Street Mount Vernon. They shared the exciting news about June First Friday and other events returning to downtown for 2021.

Click HERE to hear their entire discussion.

Topics discussed included:

  • How long Main Street Mount Vernon has been working and planning for tonight’s event
  • Main Street Mount Vernon’s mission and their connection to First Fridays
  • How Main Street Mount Vernon is approaching Covid protocols for tonight’s event
  • Changes coming to the “first” First Friday of the season?
  • The activities that are coming back from previous years
  • Theme for June First Friday
  • FOOD! Where to find it and what is on the menu for June First Friday
  • Activities for kids
  • Parking
  • Thanks to the wonderful sponsors for tonight and how they are helping to cover the cost of June First Friday
  • Previews for the next 3 First Fridays – July, August, and September?
  • Preview of other events that Main Street Mount Vernon is working on for 2021
  • How local businesses and individuals can get connected to Main Street Mount Vernon and become investors
  • How to stay up to date on the calendar of events

Stay connected to Main Street Mount Vernon HERE.

Lisa Lloyd of the Main Street Mount Vernon Board encourages residents to shop local and support our small business owners this holiday season.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Lisa Lloyd, Program Director for the Knox County Foundation and Treasurer for Main Street Mount Vernon.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

Lisa shared some insight into how Mount Vernon’s business community is doing financially with the challenges of COVID-19.

She also talked about how we are celebrating the holidays and Small Businesses in our community during the holiday season.

Lisa shared the importance of Small Business Saturday and why it is important for our community to support small businesses.

Lisa also talked about how a membership with Main Street Mount Vernon helps small businesses and our community. She also shares the hopes she has for 2021.

For more information about Main Street Mount Vernon, go to their website – https://mainstreetmountvernon.com/

For more information about the Knox County Foundation, go to – https://knoxcf.org/

Angie and Jason Merckling of Scent Life Candle Bar share the perspective of the small business owner with WNZR.

WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle talked with Angie and Jason Merckling of Scent Life Candle Bar.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

They talked about how small businesses are impacted by the pandemic and how the community can support them.

They also shared how important it is for business owners to make changes to follow protocols and look for new and unique ways to serve their customers.

Angie and Jason also shared details of Small Business Saturday and how they are providing special luminaries for the “Downtown Rock Around” event and the special lighting of the public square and downtown Mount Vernon.

The Mercklings also shared how a membership with Main Street Mount Vernon can help small businesses and the hopes they have for 2021.

For more information about Main Street Mount Vernon, go to their website – https://mainstreetmountvernon.com/

For more information about Scent Life Candle Bar, go to – https://thescentlifecandlebar.com/

Sara Stoessel of the Main Street Mount Vernon Board talks with WNZR about supporting small businesses.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Sara Stoessel of the Main Street Mount Vernon Board.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

They talked about how important it is for residents to support our local businesses, especially through the holiday season.

Sara shared details of Small Business Saturday, the special events planned for the “Downtown Rock Around” and the exciting lighting of the public square.

Sara also shared some goals that the Main Street Mount Vernon Board has for 2021 and how a membership in the organization can help local businesses.

To find out more about Main Street Mount Vernon, go to their website – https://mainstreetmountvernon.com/

Main Street Mount Vernon helps downtown businesses through Ohio’s reopening

WNZR’s Rachel Rinehart talked with Anthony McNeal, Downtown Manager for Main Street Mount Vernon. They discussed how MSMV is partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to help local businesses through Ohio’s reopening phases. Anthony shares information about Toolkits and a webinar that will help business owners with their preparations. He also shares about some cancellations and how residents can support our local businesses during this time of COVID-19.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

Click HERE to stay updated with Main Street Mount Vernon.

WNZR and Mount Vernon Nazarene University are proud partners with Main Street Mount Vernon.

Knox County’s businesses can apply for relief with the county’s Emergency Business Loan program.

Jeff Gottke, President of the Knox County Area Development Foundation talked with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

He talked about the development of an Economic Recovery Task Force.
Jeff shared details of a revolving loan fund and how it will help local businesses.
This fund is intended to aid small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.
The program offers loans of up to $10,000 at 0% interest up for a 3-year repayment period. Funds will be drawn from the Local Community Development Block Grant Revolving Loan fund.

An investment of $100,000 from the Knox County Commissioners and donations from other public and private community partners have helped the loan reach a current total of $300,000.

Potential donors wishing to contribute to the program should contact Area Development Foundation president Jeff Gottke at Jeff@knoxadf.com

You can stay connected with Economic Recovery Resources at www.knoxchamber.com

Area Development Revolving Loan Fund Description

Revolving Loan Fund Press Release

EMERGENCY BUSINESS LOAN DESCRIPTION & TERMS SHEET
KNOX COUNTY REVOLVING LOAN FUND

Given the current economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 situation, businesses around the country are suffering. While the state and federal governments have done much to prevent business closures there is still a large demand for working capital assistance to local businesses. The Knox County Revolving Loan Fund, a county-wide non-profit financing partner, has created an Emergency Business Loan (EBL) for Knox County based businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Target Businesses & Area:
Through the EBL, the Knox County Revolving Loan Fund helps finance all private, for-profit businesses operating within the County’s geographic boundaries.

Program Objectives:
The program intends to fill short-term working capital “gaps” for for-profit businesses until they can resume stable operations and repay the loan.

Program Details:

  • This program offers loans NOT grants – All money is expected to be paid back in accordance with the loan agreement
  • Maximum loan amount: $10,000
  • Loans are unsecured
  • 0% Interest
  • 1-3 year repayment terms
  • Automatic deferral on repayment for 90 days
  • Money must be used for working capital
  • Loans must demonstrate that the business will retain at least full-time jobs that employ 51% low to moderate income (LMI) individuals
  • Businesses must demonstrate a financial need and desire to continue to operate by first applying to a state or federal program specifically designed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Approval Criteria:

  • Stable business operations pre-COVID 19
  • Existence of a current working capital “gap” demonstrated through cost savings measures & participation in state and/or federal programs
  • Verification of application to available federal and/or state programs
  • Retention of jobs to LMI individuals in the community
  • A business’ ability to repay the loan based on historical financial data.

Loan Application & Administration:
Referrals to the program must be made through a qualified Small Business Association lender. All interested businesses should contact an approved SBA lender first. Each application is then vetted by a 12-member committee, with final approval by the State. A loan agreement and promissory note will be executed between the borrower and the RLF, setting forth the fixed monthly repayment amount and the conditions for default and available remedy actions.

The RLF is administered by the Area Development Foundation, Knox County’s economic development entity, and funded by federal Community Development Block Grant dollars and private donations. It is intended to promote business retention, growth and employment opportunities, particularly for low to moderate income residents. In response to the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, it has been temporarily repurposed to create the Emergency Business Loan to better meet the immediate needs of Knox County businesses.

 

The Mount Vernon Christmas Festival is coming this weekend!

WNZR’s Todd McKinley talked with Carrie Hyman, Executive Director of Main Street Mount Vernon. Carrie shared all the details about the NEW Mount Vernon Christmas Festival.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

Go to www.mainstreetmountvernon.com for a complete schedule of events.

Main Street Mount Vernon has announced the 2019 Christmas Festival theme “Christmas in the Movies.” The festival is set to take place downtown the first weekend in December.

Festivities downtown kick off with Lights & Carols at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, December 6. Santa arrives in style with a ride from Knox Motor Group.  He starts the festivities by lighting the tree on the Public Square.  After this, local musical groups will lead a Christmas Music sing along.   Many talented groups have signed up to participate, but there is room for more!  Additionally, if you would like to light a luminery  submit this form here

Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 A.M.- 6:00 P.M.  The Christmas Showcase will provide various forms of Christmas themed entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! Check out downtown to join in and spread some Christmas cheer! Here is a list of events and happenings in downtown with much more to come:

– Santa in his house on the Public Square for pictures -each kid gets a free gift!
– Mrs. Claus’s workshop with letter writing and cookie decorating with Christmas Movies upstairs at the
Williams Flower Shop ballroom
– Old- Fashioned carousel on W. Vine Street
– Rex the balloon sculptor
– In shop music of local music groups at The Woodward Opera House, Herald’s Appliances & Electronics,
The Markery, Main Street Makers’ Market, and Happy Bean
– Jingle Bell Marketplace at Knox County Memorial Building (Wanna participate?  There’s still room! Contact dena@steinbrewco.com)
– Petting zoo
– Secret Santa shop meant for kids shopping for their families at the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel
– Knox County Landmarks Foundation Christmas tree decorating contest and auction at the Mount Vernon    Grand Hotel
– Pony rides
– Live nativity by Millwood Church of Christ
– Roving carolers brought to you by the Mount Vernon Players
– Window display contest of local shops

On Sunday the parade begins at 2:30 PM.  The theme is “Christmas in the Movies” and will include prize categories as in previous years. The parade route will come up South Main Street, around the square, and continue up North Main Street ending at the Living Center. Many local restaurants will be open for refreshments before and after the parade.  If you are interested in participating in the parade, click here to participate!

2019 Parade Sponsors:

  • Best Animal Entry – McDaniel CPA
  • Best Antique Implement Entry – Jack Moser Law
  • Best Auto After 1961 Entry – CES Credit Union
  • Best Auto Before 1961 Entry – CES Credit Union
  • Best Business Entry – Williams Flower Shop
  • Best Club & Service Organization (Adult) – SBC Hospitality
  • Best Club & Service Organization (Youth) – WNZR/Mount Vernon Nazarene University
  • Best Emergency Vehicle – Jack Moser Law
  • Best Equestrian Entry – M&M Trucking
  • Best Horse Drawn Entry – DNA Investigations
  • Best Humorous Entry – MVNU Athletics
  • Best Miniature Horse Entry – WNZR
  • Best Pony Entry – The Ruckman Group
  • Best Religious Entry – The Ruckman Group
  • Best School Entry – SBC Hospitality/MVNU Athletics
  • Best Walking Entry – Masonic Lodge – Mt. Zion #9
  • Best Youth Entry – Knox Community Hospital
  • Best Senior Entry – M&M Trucking
  • Best Parade Theme Entry – First-Knox National Bank
  • Best Overall Entry – First-Knox National Bank

8.5x11 of Christmas Festival Poster

Main Street Mount Vernon prepares for September First Friday

Bring your family to downtown Mount Vernon tonight for September First Friday. This month we honor our first responders.

WNZR’s Wesley Boston talked with Carrie Hyman, Executive Director of Main Street Mount Vernon.

She highlighted the event schedule, parking and road closures for tonight’s event.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

Click HERE to stay up to date on all events hosted by Main Street Mount Vernon.

Click HERE for a complete list of activities for tonight’s event. Plus, you can see the description of the fabulous prize basket that WNZR is giving away tonight at September First Friday!

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