Its name may be broad enough to allow for a larger focus if needed, but the recently formed Ironton aLive organization is starting with a very simple mission: support Ironton’s business community.

Ironton aLive is a new nonprofit agency that will complement other civic groups and community efforts to do exactly what its name says — bring Ironton alive and create a vibrant business district.

The idea for the organization began to take shape in 2011 and the group became official in October when the paperwork was completed.

One of its biggest strengths is that the group is made up of volunteers from a variety of walks of life including local government, the chamber of commerce, the convention and visitors bureau, the economic development sector, downtown revitalization leaders, civic organizations, the travel and tourism industry and business owners.

The creation of this group is a positive step for the area as it will fill a void and allow for a focus on projects that benefit the business sector of Ironton.

We cannot simply rely on government and quasi-government agencies to come in and “save the day.”

Ironton and Lawrence County have seen many successes in recent years that have primarily come from the efforts of citizen-driven nonprofit organizations such as Ironton In Bloom, the Friends of Ironton, Operation TLC and others.

No one is better positioned to help move Ironton forward than the men and women who have already shown a commitment and passion for the city.