Harrison chamber meets at Zion Retreat and RV Park

Behind the backdrop of the scenic Zion Retreat and RV Park in Flushing, the Harrison County Regional Chamber of Commerce met May 21 inside one of the resort’s cabins.

Manager Marcia Stafford spoke about the retreat’s amenities and upcoming attractions.

“One of the things that we have recently added to the trails is micro stories,” Stafford said. “There are currently three, which includes ‘The Manger’ and ‘The Crucifixion.’ In addition, we have a bike trail. If you bring in your own bike it is free, but we do have bikes that are for rent.”

Stafford said the retreat hosts church meetings and offers a lakeside area for baptisms that other churches may reserve. A baptism already is scheduled for June 29.

She also said the retreat is awaiting state approval for a new RV park with 40 additional spaces.

“We hope to have it opened this summer,” Stafford said. “It is ready to go, but we are waiting for those formalities to be completed.”

Stafford said the resort’s zip line will open July 3, costing $5 per ride or $20 for unlimited rides for the day. She also discussed plans for a larger Christmas in July celebration July 25 featuring Santa Claus, balloon artists and a fire truck appearance.

The retreat also will continue its apple festival, held annually the second Saturday in September, featuring apple picking, cider pressing and vendors.

“One bit of information that is circulating around the camp is that Jim Wagner, founder of Zion, wants to really focus on the people who are coming here to experience Christ,” Stafford said. “You really can’t come here and not.”

Stafford said the retreat includes rustic lakeside cabins with modern amenities, along with fishing opportunities and walking trails open to the public. She also noted discussions continue about potentially opening a restaurant at the retreat while maintaining the camp’s alcohol-free mission.

Chamber Executive Director Milo Baker praised the retreat’s impact on the area.

“I think the one thing I don’t have to say as the director of the chamber is that the Zion Retreat and RV Park has been a real benefit to the surrounding area,” Baker said. “You’re promoting us, and when someone says, ‘What do they do there?’ we are able to articulate just what the retreat offers.”

Baker also introduced Stephen Cicak, liaison for the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office.

Cicak explained the office audits government entities and organizations using public funding throughout Ohio.

“We’re seeing tremendous amount of cybercrime,” Cicak said, citing a case in Athens, Ohio, where nearly $793,000 was mistakenly sent to the wrong account after email information was altered.

Cicak also said finance officers are personally responsible for safeguarding public funds.

“I love Harrison County,” Cicak said. “There’s a lot of entities in Ohio that do things very well, and it’s sad what you hear about on the news. It’s a bad thing all the time. But I’m very happy to be able to be here today.”