The Richland County Commissioners reviewed the county’s economic development efforts at its July 25 meeting. With significant contributions from the Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development team, this meeting highlighted various initiatives, challenges, and successes in fostering economic growth in the region. The session provided valuable insights into the county’s economic landscape and the collaborative efforts driving its progress.
Economic Development Overview
Ellen Heinz, the CEO and President of the Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development, led the presentation, expressing gratitude for the community’s support. The team, including directors of workforce, marketing, and economic development, shared updates on their respective areas. The discussion centered around recent achievements, ongoing projects, and future plans to bolster the county’s economic standing.
Key Highlights
- Support and Engagement: Hines praised the community’s engagement, emphasizing the financial and participatory support received for various events and projects.
- Leadership and Experience: Hines brought her extensive background in economic and workforce development, sharing her initial 90-day plan focused on understanding team dynamics, processes, and community partnerships.
- Upcoming Events: Two significant events were announced: a Chamber After Hours event on August 12th and the 125th anniversary member appreciation lunch on August 23rd.
Economic Development Strategies and Challenges
The discussion highlighted the county’s strategies in economic development, including collaboration with local businesses, addressing infrastructure needs, and exploring funding opportunities. Hines shared her observations from working in other states, noting the exceptional support and collaborative spirit in Richland County.
Key Points
- Collaboration and Structure: The integration of the Chamber, economic development, and the Education Foundation under one umbrella was highlighted as a key factor in maximizing community effectiveness.
- Land Bank Utilization: The effective use of the land bank in property redevelopment was praised, with a focus on continuing and elevating these efforts.
- Funding and Advocacy: Identifying additional funding sources and advocating for projects at local, state, and federal levels were emphasized as crucial steps in sustaining and growing economic development initiatives.
Workforce Development and Business Attraction
Barrett Thomas, Director of Economic Development, provided insights into workforce development efforts and business attraction activities. He discussed recent business expansions, challenges in utility infrastructure, and strategies for attracting new businesses to the region.
Key Points
- Local Business Expansion: Numerous local businesses have expanded, creating new job opportunities and contributing to the county’s economic growth.
- Utility Challenges: The need for adequate utility infrastructure, particularly electricity, was identified as a significant challenge in attracting large-scale projects.
- Job Attraction Pipeline: While there has been a slight decline in job attraction leads from JobsOhio, Thomas noted an increase in direct inquiries from smaller companies, which often have a higher likelihood of landing in the county.
Community and Housing Development in Shelby
Jessica Gribben, Economic Development Manager for Shelby, shared updates on community development and housing initiatives in Shelby. She highlighted recent improvements in downtown Shelby, facade improvement programs, and ongoing efforts to attract new businesses.
Key Points
- Facade Improvement Program: Five awardees received funding for facade improvements, contributing to the aesthetic and functional enhancement of downtown Shelby.
- Business Attraction: Efforts to attract a new tenant for the former IGA building and the progress of a new Dunkin’ Donuts and gas station project were discussed.
- Housing Development: The importance of housing in community development was emphasized, with ongoing conversations to address the need for diverse housing options in the area.
Workforce Board Administration and Grant Utilization
Clint Knight, Director of Workforce Development, discussed the administrative role of the workforce development board and the successful utilization of grant dollars for various workforce initiatives. He highlighted significant increases in incumbent worker training dollars and collaborative efforts to address workforce needs in the region.
Key Points
- Grant Utilization: The successful use of grants, including a recent $80,000 grant for developing a talent pipeline for mental health professionals, was highlighted.
- Programming and Collaboration: The development of programming through collaboration with the Education Foundation and local businesses was emphasized as a key strategy in workforce development.
Marketing and Community Engagement
Sandy Messner, Chamber Director of Marketing, discussed the importance of effective communication and marketing in promoting economic development initiatives. She highlighted successful campaigns, community engagement events, and the impact of collaborative storytelling in raising awareness about the county’s economic opportunities.
Key Points
- Digital Marketing Campaigns: Utilizing Google for Nonprofits grants for targeted digital ad campaigns to attract workforce and visitors was discussed.
- Community Engagement: The success of community engagement events, such as the video premiere of the brand Richland video, was highlighted as a unifying effort in promoting the region.
Conclusion
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration, community support, and strategic planning in driving economic development in Richland County. The Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development team, along with local partners, are dedicated to creating a thriving economic environment through continuous improvement, innovation, and engagement.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
