The Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR&E) at the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC), led by John Kelly, MBA, and Ohio Certified Economic Developer, is a dynamic initiative to bolster the local manufacturing sector. The program is characterized by its proactive engagement with local businesses, involving weekly visits to manufacturers to understand their unique challenges and opportunities. These visits often include JobsOhio regional partner Team NEO and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), enabling the team to listen directly to company leaders and identify ways to support their growth and operational efficiency.
One of the program's core functions is assisting companies with various issues that can impact their success. This includes addressing workforce challenges, such as recruiting and retaining skilled employees, and supporting expansion projects that allow businesses to scale their operations. Additionally, the program offers help with employee training to ensure that the workforce remains skilled and competitive. For companies involved in international trade, the program provides import/export assistance, and for those seeking to do business with the government, it offers guidance on government contracting. Furthermore, the program helps companies identify and apply for grants that can provide crucial funding for growth and development initiatives.
Beyond individual company support, the Business Retention and Expansion Program fosters a collaborative business environment. It actively works to connect local companies, creating opportunities for increased sales and collaborative ventures that can drive mutual growth. By building these connections, the program helps create a more integrated and supportive local business community.
Moreover, the program extends its reach by connecting local manufacturers to a broader network of regional and statewide resources. These can include technical assistance, financial resources, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the companies’ ability to compete and thrive in a larger market. By tapping into these external resources, local manufacturers can enhance their capabilities and improve their competitiveness.
The program also maintains a keen awareness of local economic trends and challenges. By closely monitoring housing and workforce shortages, it can develop targeted initiatives to address these problems. This proactive approach ensures the local economy remains resilient and adaptive to changing conditions. The Business Retention and Expansion Program helps create a sustainable and vibrant economic environment in Tuscarawas County by addressing immediate needs and long-term trends.
If you’re a manufacturing company that has not participated in the Business Retention and Expansion Program in the past and would like to set up a visit from our team, you can either fill out the below or email John Kelly at Jkelly@tuscedc.com.