In response to the Virtual YS Chamber Business Hall Meeting, which brought together business owners to discuss the state of the economy, YS Chamber Executive Director Phillip O'Rourke presented a Statement of Awareness during the March 3rd Village Council Meeting, highlighting business concerns.

YS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STATEMENT OF AWARENESS
March 3rd, 2025

Although economic uncertainty is being felt nationwide, its impact is deeply personal in our community. Businesses across the country are facing rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and evolving market conditions—and Yellow Springs is no exception. However, it is in these times that our organizations and leaders stand apart, meeting challenges with strategic action and inspiring collaboration. 

Recently, the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce held a virtual Business Hall Meeting with local business owners and representatives to address the pressing economic challenges affecting our downtown and village. The feedback is clear—businesses are navigating higher expenses, declining tourism, and unpredictable revenue patterns. Beyond seasonal fluctuations, the economic landscape is changing, and without decisive action, we risk losing the vibrancy and character that makes Yellow Springs not only a destination - but a home. 

This is a defining moment. Now, more than ever, we must strengthen our position as a hub for visitors and reinforce local consumer support. In response, the YS Chamber, along with key economic leaders have convened to develop both immediate and long-term solutions, including strategic marketing initiatives, business assistance program review, and enhanced economic partnerships. However, this is not a challenge we can address alone—it requires a united, community-wide effort. 

As an organization dedicated to advocating for our members and fostering economic sustainability, the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast in its mission to support businesses, strengthen partnerships in cultivating a thriving downtown, and create opportunities that benefit both our members and the entire village.

Our upcoming YS Chamber Annual Awards Meeting on the 25th will serve as a crucial platform for engagement, but our commitment extends far beyond a single event. We are aligning our messaging and programming with data-driven strategies to revitalize spending power downtown, ensuring a strong local economy and a resilient business district. 

We want to clearly & publicly state that we are aware and acknowledge the voices of our local business owners and appreciate the immense value they bring to the culture of Yellow Springs. In these uncertain times, we are all challenged to remember that our support of local businesses matters. This is OUR home. Street Fair is in OUR backyard. The fireworks are on OUR hill. The treasured shops, restaurants, and businesses that define Yellow Springs are in OUR downtown powered by OUR entrepreneurs, OUR neighbors, and OUR collective commitment to this town. The strength of Yellow Springs—and its future—depends on all of us.  Only by working together can we sustain OUR downtown, enhance OUR village, support OUR community, and bring spending power back to the heart of OUR vibrant Yellow Springs.  

Phillip O’Rourke
Executive Director | YS Chamber
###