Frankfort Business Community Shares Post-Election Reflections

The 2012 elections may be over, but their results will be felt for years to come.

The economy was a central campaign issue in the final weeks and months leading up to Election Day. Patch checked in with several members of Frankfort’s business community to get their take on what the future holds for business owners post-election.

“The state of the economy isn’t an easy fix,” said Ken Hawke, owner of Star Visions Photography and a member of the Frankfort Historic Business Association. “I don’t care who the president is, it’s not that simple.”

Frankfort business owners are approaching the economic future with tentative hope. Hawke said he thinks job creation will increase, but that it will do so very slowly. Hawke also feels that young adults will be most affected by the economic climate, and that teens in today’s economy should consider career options that may not require a traditional college degree.

However, this hope is paired with uncertainty.

“It’s been a rough last couple years for everyone,” said Keith Ogle, president of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce and owner of Plus One AV. “Everybody is cautious about what will happen.”

Future tax increases are one cause of concern in the business community.

Ogle said that lower unemployment rates are unlikely if legislators don’t reduce taxes.

Teresa Kara, owner of Chew on This Dog Barkery and a member of the Frankfort Historic Business Association, is also concerned about the impacts of higher taxes.

“If you take away money from one place, it’s got to come from another,” she said.

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