Another jewel in Frankfort and Clinton County was unveiled Friday when the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce held an open house for its new Engagement and Innovation Hub in the Iron Block Building at the corner of Main and Washington in downtown Frankfort.
“For me, this means opportunity for more commerce, but more connectivity than anything,” said Clinton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shan Sheridan. “Connectivity brings commerce and it brings community together. We believe that this Iron Block Engagement Innovation Hub is going to be able to bring folks together and that’s what this is really all about.”
Not only does the Iron Block house this new hub, it also houses the Iron Block Co-Working Studio, Frankfort Main Street and the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce. This marks the conclusion of the first two steps in renovating the building back to the way it looked in 1878. In fact, this Iron Block building is one of only three left in the United States which has the name ‘Iron Block’ on the building. The others are in Bradenton, Fla., and Milwaukee, Wis.
The Engagement and Innovation Hub will allow individuals to have affordable space to grow their business idea at $35 a month. They will also have 24/7 access, high speed internet access, exclusive workshops and seminars for members, coffee and snack bar, discounted printing for materials, use of conference rooms, mail delivered to their own suite number for $75 a year, networking opportunities in addition to be a part of a growing community of local entrepreneurs.
“We believe that the opportunity to network can happen anywhere at any time,” said Sheridan. “The bottom line is coming together and being able to have that opportunity to network. We believe having a space and a place to do that is absolutely advantageous for our citizens and our community.”
When asked what changes were made to the building, Sheridan said it is going to look a little like it use to.
“We’ve open up the ceilings and we brought back the old wood-looking floor,” he said. “I think you’re going to find warmth and a welcoming environment and the opportunity to see other faces and other people.”
Carol Price, who played a major role in the renovation of the building, says she thinks Clinton County is connecting both inwardly and outwardly.
“This is a place where people are coming to work that live other places and they need a spot in our town,” said Price. “They need to place to start and this gives them that place to start.”
Price added this is just another great move forward for the city and county.
“I’m pleased for the Chamber of Commerce and our community,” she said. “So many great things are happening in Frankfort and across Clinton County. I know the Chamber is working with Kirklin as well and Kirklin has a Main Street (organization). Things are happening in lots of different corners when you think about the new grant Colfax just got. There are so many things that are moving forward.”
Sheridan also said the new facility will handle and serve a multitude of things and people.
“It’s a great place to come and get to know more about your community,” he said. “It’s also the Resource Center and Visitor’s Bureau. It’s a place if you need a map, if you need a festival guide or if you need to know what’s going in the community. This is the place to come.”
The Iron Block Engagement and Innovation Hub is located at 62 N. Main St. in downtown Frankfort.