Businesses continue to get the message! The Ft. Knox Bank, Home Depot Springfield, Roman Cycle and the New Philadelphia Walmart are all businesses which briefly posted signs, only to take them down again after hearing from customers.

There are also businesses like Todd Whitacre's (see story), which are not only support by NOT posting signs, but are showing support by posting pro-CCW signs. The sign below is posted at the Ashtabula BP station at the intersection of Rt. 45 and I-90.

May 4, 2004
Springfield News-Sun

Outside The Tunnel Drive Thru, a sign reads "Holstered Firearms Permitted."

Many other businesses in the area have signs forbidding people from bringing in concealed weapons.

Todd Whitacre, 33, the owner of The Tunnel, 1810 E. Main St., wanted to show his support of the law and those who take advantage of it.

"We've been fighting this fight for three years to get the concealed-carry law passed, and it stands to reason that I'm not going to ban people from carrying in my business," Whitacre said. "I call it a tool, not a weapon. When it is used properly, it's effective."

About 170 people in Clark and Champaign counties can legally carry a concealed weapon, now that permits have been issued.

Sheriff’s offices across the state have accepted applications for almost a month.

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Although the sign might act as a deterrent to would-be criminals, Whitacre said he has not had a problem with robberies in the past. He has other means of protecting his property, including a sophisticated surveillance system and safes, Whitacre said.

The sign has been up for about six weeks, with only one negative remark from a customer. Employees get about 15 to 20 positive comments a day, Whitacre said.

"I think the majority of the opposition has come from the elected officials and not the general public," he said. "People understand the crime rate in Springfield and the rest of Ohio is worsening."

The sign also helps business, at least among those who are for the concealed-carry law. The Ohioans for Concealed Carry have a Web site, www.ohioccw.org, listing all the businesses forbidding concealed weapons. Those that are pro-concealed weapons are encouraged not to spend money at those businesses. Whitacre said he has no intention of being on the list.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

OFCC members, training instructors, law enforcement officers and new concealed handgun licensees have already identified several problems with Ohio's concealed carry law that are in need of immediate attention.