The Xenia Area Merchants Association (XAMA) met on Thursday March 6 at the Xenia Public Library. During the lively Events Committee meeting, they discussed how to involve the downtown area in this year’s Old Fashioned Days. A number of activities were proposed including a “battle of the banks,” battle of the bands, something involving old-fashioned bicycles, and a civil war reenactment.
Next, Ed Marrinan of the Greene County Community Foundation talked to the committee members about benefits of non-profit status and various options of incorporation. Committee members took the initial step of selecting association officers including Elizabeth Svendsen owner of Blue Jacket Books as secretary/treasurer and Alan King of Express Yourself Coffee House, Tim Sontag of Xenia Shoe & Repair, and Sonja Pershing of Oasis Café as co-chairpersons.
XAMA is progressing in other areas as well. One member presents marketing plans for member businesses. Adam Martin is working on the association’s logo and advertising plans. Elizabeth Svendsen presented a rough draft of the proposed Xenia visitor guide. The guide will list all shopping, dining, lodging, and entertainment available with each establishment identified on a map of Xenia.
The next XAMA Events Committee meeting will be held at the Oasis Cafe at 6:15 PM on Wednesday March 19 to discuss upcoming events including a “Hometown” Mothers’ Day on Saturday May 10 and to also see a short presentation by Barb Zajbel of the Xenia Chamber concerning possible urban murals. Merchants and citizens who wish to help grow their businesses and their hometown are cordially invited to attend.