MOUNT VERNON – The Mount Vernon News has been asking downtown merchants and organizations for their thoughts about the free public Wi-Fi recently installed for visitors to use outside of their businesses.
Mount Vernon used CARES Act funds to install the Wi-Fi in the downtown area to give local merchants whose businesses have suffered during the pandemic an economic boost.
Free Wi-Fi may keep visitors downtown longer to merchants' benefit
Olivia Toth, marketing manager for the Knox County Convention and Visitor's Bureau and a Knox County native, offered her thoughts in this Q&A conducted via email.
Mount Vernon News: What do you think of this service?
Olivia Toth: I think this service adds a benefit to all businesses, especially during the farmers market or any events. It encourages guests to stay longer around downtown and even conduct business.
MVN: Is it meeting a real need for visitors to downtown?
Toth: When it comes to planning events and the ability to use our downtown areas for event space, I think it’s extremely important.
MVN: The service is intended for outdoors use only. Does that provide what people need?
Toth: These days people are conducting business at all times, using their phones and more mobile than ever. Providing this downtown benefit is just keeping our guests online and connected.
MVN: This time of the year might not be the best time to judge its value, with colder temperatures and fewer people outside. Do you expect it to get high use when people gladly spend time outside?
Toth: Definitely. Our green spaces and outdoor areas downtown are popular, especially for guests that take the afternoon to enjoy it all. We hope as development continues downtown, we keep adding more spaces for guest to sit, meet and enjoy.
MVN: Do you think businesses might seek ways to bring people outside, such as sidewalk tables?
Toth: Yes, we would love to see this more downtown.
