Avon Lake Group Pledges Support For Closed Bars, Restaurants

AVON LAKE, OH — The Avon Lake Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) announced financial support for local restaurants and bars. Gov. Mike DeWine ordered restaurants and bars closed on Sunday. He cited the spread of new coronavirus, COVID-19, as the reason for the closure.

The CIC announced its intention to aid impacted businesses the same day as DeWine's order to close. The CIC has not yet finalized its assistance program, but wanted to let the community know help is on the way.

“This move from our CIC is extraordinary,” said Ted Esborn, Avon Lake’s economic development director. “Seeing the frightening situation that these small businesses are in, Avon Lake’s CIC is shifting its full focus to this crisis, and at a time when those business owners can still take some hope in this news.”

The Avon Lake CIC was established in 2013. The group provides funding and advisory services to citizens and businesses in Avon Lake, with the goal of promoting economic growth. The group is led by Janice Lapina, Joe Carson, Ross Vincent, Erin Rudy and Steve Luca.

“The time for all of us – our great City, its individuals, businesses, faith based organizations and
others – to act is now," said Luca. "The Avon Lake CIC is honored to provide support to our local business community during this moment of uncertainty and instability in our society. We only ask that others who may be in a position to help, please consider doing your part."