By Gery Deer

Editor

Xenia, OH – The Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce held its November Business After Hours gathering on Wednesday, November 12, at the City of Xenia offices, 107 E. Main Street. The evening event brought together local business leaders, city officials, and community members for networking, refreshments, and a look at the future of downtown Xenia. Many guests even had the opportunity to experience some off-the-cuff sleight of hand by local magician, Dave Davis.

Guests were treated to food, door prizes, and an informative program highlighting current and upcoming city projects. A centerpiece of the discussion was the Xenia Market District Development Project, the ambitious redevelopment of the former Xenia Towne Square Shopping Center. A rolling video display showed some of the plans and progress of the project currently underway.  

The project’s concept draws inspiration from the townscapes of small, historic Ohio villages. Plans call for updated streetscapes, inviting public spaces, and a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and residential opportunities. The goal is to create a lively, walkable district that reflects Xenia’s heritage – including a memorial commemorating the 1974 tornado – while positioning the city for future growth.

After an official welcome and announcements by Chamber Director Donna Saraga, Xenia City Manager Brent Merriman briefly addressed attendees, noting disappointment at the failure of the recent street project tax levy, while stressing the vibrance and importance of the market district project and business community for economic vitality.

“Xenia is a hot place to do business, there’s a lot happening,” Merriman said. “We have a lot of new housing and neighborhoods coming online, new retail coming online, and we’re very excited with the progress of the market district downtown, where vertical construction has begun in several areas of the project.”

The evening offered business leaders a chance to connect while learning how city initiatives will shape the local economy. Chamber representatives noted that events like Business After Hours strengthen ties between the public and private sectors, ensuring that Xenia’s growth is both collaborative and community driven.

With food, fellowship, and forward-looking plans on the table, the November gathering underscored the Chamber’s role as a hub for conversation and progress in Xenia. For information about the next after-hours event, and other upcoming programs, including a new monthly speaker series, visit the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce’s website at http://www.xacc.com.