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On Monday, March 9, business leaders, city superintendents, and other local influencers gathered at the Answers in Genesis Conference Center for the Williamstown Business Leaders Conference. The event marked Mayor David Henson's second meeting with local businesspeople.
Mayor Henson highlighted accomplishments since his first meeting with business leaders, including new signage at the interstate, a large directional sign to downtown at the intersection of Highways 36 and 25, improvements at Webb Park, installation of downtown speakers, and addressing speed limit concerns.
"We are no longer just talking about ideas, we are turning ideas into action," he said.
He then shared the strategic vision for downtown Williamstown.
"Our vision is simple; we want a downtown that people don’t just pass through but one they stop, explore, and experience."
Referring to a handout from Roger Brooks International outlining 20 qualities of an outstanding downtown, Henson highlighted several that could benefit Williamstown, including accessible public restrooms, enhanced curb appeal, a wayfinding system, outdoor dining, activities, and consistent business hours to improve visitor experience.
He announced the City’s purchase agreement for the building housing Tony's Barber Shop at 121 North Main Street. The location is planned to become a staffed welcome center with public restrooms, targeting an opening date of June 1—just in time for Founders Day and Marigold Day festivities.
When asked about the downtown area’s biggest needs, Rachelle Morse pointed out the inconsistency in business operating hours, noting that the town is closed on Mondays and many businesses shut down in January, which drives potential visitors elsewhere.
Looking ahead, Henson said plans include developing an amphitheater and a downtown Williamstown Park to serve as a central hub for concerts, movies, festivals, and school performances.
The funding for these projects is expected to come from grants. City office manager Brandy Hall shared insights from a recent conference where she learned that HB 723 established a $200 million funding pool in 2024 for local match availability, primarily for cities and counties. She expressed surprise that Grant County has received no funds so far.
Hall has recently trained in grant writing and is actively pursuing grants to support Williamstown projects.
Mayor Henson acknowledged that Williamstown’s city limits extend beyond downtown but emphasized that downtown must be the current focus to attract tourists and stimulate growth throughout the city.
GeoSync 360
David Carter, president of GeoSync 360, spoke about 3-D mapping technology aimed at enhancing tourism. For four years, GeoSync 360 has provided mapping tools to assist the city with repairs, maintenance, emergencies, and planning.
Williamstown’s IT manager noted that the 3-D mapping service is provided at no additional cost.
Carter explained that an app will soon allow residents and visitors to explore Williamstown on their phones, featuring festival maps, event schedules, parks, shopping, and restaurants.
The platform supports videos, visual tours, 360° immersive photos and videos, and UAV imagery.
A Nation Remembers
Joe Montgomery, founder of Patriots Landing, discussed an upcoming week of veterans remembrances scheduled for September 16-20. Partnering with Trail Life USA, Ark Encounter, and a national social media campaign by Disabled American Veterans, Montgomery expects "A Nation Remembers" to be a major event.
He encouraged the community to decorate Williamstown in red, white, and blue during that week.
Events include a kickoff party Wednesday night in Dry Ridge, a remembrance ceremony Thursday at a church in Florence, a veterans’ breakfast Friday, and a large parade through downtown Williamstown later that day.
Friday, September 18, also marks National POW/MIA Day. Bill Robinson, the longest-held enlisted POW in American history who spent nearly eight years in the "Hanoi Hilton" in North Vietnam, will serve as the parade’s grand marshal.
Montgomery hinted at a flyover by B-29 and P-51 aircraft on Friday night.
Grant County Chamber of Commerce/Tourism Executive Director Jamie Baker added that a full festival featuring barbecue and Bluegrass music will accompany the events.
Saturday will be "A Nation Remembers Day" at the Ark Encounter, with the goal of breaking attendance records.
Answers in Genesis
AIG Chief Strategy Officer Joe Boone provided updates on ongoing projects. He noted that the Ark Encounter will celebrate its 10th anniversary in July.
By press time, the new welcome center is expected to be open.
Boone announced that the Megiddo Mosaic, a 2,000-year-old floor currently displayed at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., will be exhibited in Williamstown in about 18 months. The mosaic is inscribed with the first public mention of Jesus Christ.
The ambitious model of 1st-century Jerusalem is projected to be completed by late 2027 or 2028. The project uses a bank of 100 3-D printers to create buildings, people, and other figures at a 1:100 scale.
Williamstown Business Association
Mayor Henson addressed the need for a business association. He provided a template for its creation but noted that while he is willing to assist, leadership must come from someone else.
He concluded the meeting by saying, "Your voices matter. Every resident and business owner plays a role in shaping the future of Williamstown. When we communicate, collaborate, and work together, great things happen."
