A partial view of the downtown Warsaw skyline. InkFreeNews file photo.

By Brianna Pitts
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Go Rogue Warsaw is a group of downtown shop owners who have joined efforts, looking to make a difference.

The group began meeting weekly a few months ago in order to support each other as fellow business owners in the downtown area. In doing this, they realized how they shared a common interest in pursuing growth in their businesses and wanting to continue driving energy and excitement into the downtown.

The group also came together with similar goals on how to increase foot traffic in downtown, produce a vibrant space and attract more businesses to the area.

Go Rogue Warsaw was initiated because as business owners, they saw an opportunity to be able to come up with ideas for the downtown and implement them quickly. One of these initiatives included creating a billboard pointing people toward downtown Warsaw. “Our goal is two-fold with this billboard, for local people to be pointed to downtown as well as attracting people driving through Warsaw from South Bend, Fort Wayne and elsewhere,” said Sea Grandon, owner of Atelier.

Another initiative the group has banded together to make happen was applying to the state for a marker, recognizing historic downtown Warsaw.

“Our hope is to fuel energy into the downtown space and showcase the rich opportunity that awaits in Warsaw,” said Grandon. “Warsaw is a fantastic place to live local, but work globally.”

Grandon explained, “I opened my storefront here in Warsaw, after years of doing business on the East and West Coasts because I believe Warsaw is a great place to invest in.”