What matters

Local Business and a Year Round Economy

Tourism is a major part of Harrison Hot Springs and will continue to be important to our community.

But I believe Harrison can be more than a busy summer destination.

We need practical ways to create a stronger year round economy that supports our existing businesses, attracts visitors during the quieter months and encourages more businesses and services to operate throughout the year.

What I Would Like to See

Public access to our hot springs

I believe we should seriously investigate creating greater public access to the hot springs that gave Harrison its name. A properly planned public hot springs experience could become a major year round attraction and give people another reason to visit Harrison during the fall and winter.

More events outside the summer season

We should work with local businesses, tourism organizations and community groups to develop and promote more events during the quieter months. Fall, winter and spring events can bring visitors here when our businesses need them most.

Build on what we already have

Harrison does not always need another major project to attract people. Our lake, trails, forests, Miami River, restaurants, accommodations, hot springs and natural surroundings already give us a strong foundation. We should do a better job of promoting experiences that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Support local businesses during quieter periods

When the Village considers parking, construction, road work, events and changes to public spaces, we need to consider how those decisions affect local businesses. Wherever practical, work that disrupts businesses should be planned with businesses and seasonal conditions in mind.

Bring businesses into the conversation

Business owners know when their customers come, what visitors are asking for and what challenges they face during the slower months. I would like to see regular conversations between the Village and local businesses about what is working, what is not and what could help extend the tourism season.

Measure what works

When public money is used to support tourism, events or economic development, we should understand what we are getting from that investment. Are events bringing people to Harrison? Are visitors staying overnight? Are businesses seeing increased activity? We should use that information when deciding what to support again.

More Services for Residents

There is another reason I believe a stronger year round economy is important.

It can help bring more services to the people who live here.

With a small permanent population, it can be difficult to support some businesses and services year round. Increasing economic activity during the quieter months can help create a larger and more consistent customer base.

That could make Harrison more attractive for services residents have told me they would like to see closer to home, including more shopping choices, health and personal services, food options and other everyday businesses.

There is no guarantee that a particular business will come to Harrison, and Council cannot simply create private businesses. But we can work toward creating the conditions that make Harrison a more viable place for them to operate.

For me, that is one of the most important reasons to pursue year round tourism.

The goal should not simply be to bring more people to Harrison.

It should be to use our tourism economy to help build a stronger year round community for the people who live here.