BARBERTON, Ohio — Barberton Community Foundation, in partnership with Hotel and Leisure Advisors (H&LA), has launched a market study to evaluate demand for a proposed hotel and event center in Barberton.
The study will gather input from businesses, organizations, residents, and visitors to better understand local lodging, meeting, and event needs. Findings will help determine whether market conditions support future development of a hotel and event center and identify the types of amenities and services that would be most valuable to potential users.
The study is being conducted at a time when Barberton is pursuing opportunities to strengthen economic opportunity and attract investment. Among them is the proposed Defense Energy Polymers Occupational Training Center (DEPOT), a workforce development and training initiative associated with BWXT and regional partners. Understanding future lodging and event needs is an important part of evaluating how growth and investment opportunities may impact the community.
“As a funder, convener, and advocate for Barberton's future, we believe important decisions should be informed by data, market realities, and community input,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “Stewardship of charitable assets requires us to invest those resources wisely. That means gathering the information needed to make informed decisions before making significant investments. This market study will help us better understand demand and provide valuable information as we explore opportunities to support business growth, workforce development, and visitor activity in Barberton.”
The findings will help inform future discussions about community development, business attraction, workforce initiatives, and visitor activity, helping ensure that future decisions are grounded in data and market demand.
“We want to hear from as many stakeholders as possible,” Gordon said. “The more feedback we receive, the stronger the data will be and the more confidence we'll have in the findings.”
The Foundation encourages participation from local businesses, employers, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and individuals who travel to, from, or through Barberton for business, events, recreation, or training opportunities.
The survey is expected to remain open for approximately two weeks, with a goal of collecting at least 500 responses.
Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs. To read more about Barberton Community Foundation, visitwww.barbertoncf.orgor follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.
