We hope this newsletter finds you well as we enter the vibrant month of May. It has been an eventful year so far, and we are excited to share some updates on the economic development initiatives and achievements happening in Tuscarawas County.
We hope this newsletter finds you well as we end the first quarter of 2023. Despite some challenges, we are pleased to report that Tuscarawas County continues to show resilience and growth in various sectors. We want to take this opportunity to update you on the latest developments and initiatives we have been working on to support the economic progress of our county.
We want to thank Steve Stokey, Vice President and Principal at Allied Machine and Engineering for stepping up to replace Mike Hovan as our new Chairman. Though we’re happy to say, Mr. Hovan — a key member of our team — will remain on our board of directors. We’re also excited to announce that Mike Lauber, Chief Executive Officer at Tusco Display and Manufacturing has taken a seat as an Executive Director on our board.
Have you ever wondered how Tuscarawas County stacks up against our neighbors economically? We have decided to gather those numbers for you in a quarterly report. Check out Workforce and Housing numbers by reading State of the Local Economy - Q3 2022.
August for the TCEDC has been productive. As I discussed with Commissioner Abbuhl and Co-director John Kelly on the very first episode of the Valley Podcast, we are inching our way closer and closer to a comprehensive plan to bring broadband internet to every resident in Tuscarawas County. I also had the pleasure of meeting a lot of new faces by attending my first Leadership Tuscarawas event. We participated in the opening of the Reagent Chemical facility in Newcomerstown. And, we have started the process of crafting our strategic objectives. Many leaders in the community have been asked to gather and give feedback on how the TCEDC can be a good partner that supports their objectives from within.
In our continued commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, we are excited to announce that the upcoming regional Shark Tub event will be hosted in Tuscarawas County this year at the Buckeye Career Center on April 2nd from 6 pm to 8 pm. This dynamic event will provide a platform for start-up businesses to pitch their ideas to a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. We recently published an episode of the Valley Podcast to discuss the upcoming event and check in with last year's winner, Angela Bailey, from a Taste of Ohio Wine Bourbon and Beer.
Happy New Year! We hope this newsletter finds you well as we start an exciting year of growth and progress in Tuscarawas County. We are thrilled to announce some significant additions to our board that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of our community.
We are honored to welcome two distinguished individuals to our board, Dr. Thomas Rogers and Michele Specht.
Dr. Thomas Rogers joins the board of the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation. He is the president of Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio. With his extensive military background and healthcare leadership, he will bring valuable insights and expertise to our organization as we explore ways to enhance the local economy and add opportunities in Tuscarawas County. Dr. Thomas Rogers and his wife, Christy, live in Massillon, OH. They share six children and three grandchildren. He is the youngest of 10 children, and his family has 130 years of total military service. A native of North Canton, OH, he served 29 years in the US Army after earning a medical degree from Wright State University and a bachelor's degree in biology from John Carroll University.
Michele Specht, representing the Ohio Farm Bureau, is a dedicated advocate for rural communities and agriculture. Her passion for sustainable development aligns seamlessly with our mission, and we look forward to her contributions to promoting economic growth in the agricultural sector. Michele was raised on a family dairy farm in Springfield, Ohio, and moved to Tuscarawas County with her husband, Steve – a Tuscarawas County native – in 1978. Since then, they have owned and operated Trealayne Holsteins in Dover Township. Michele graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science. She and Steve are the proud parents of three adult children: Allison (Matt) Jaynes, Annie Specht (John Duym), and Adam Specht. In their spare time, Michele and Steve are passionate fans of Ohio State and Cleveland sports, and eagerly anticipating their first grandchild's arrival this winter.
We are pleased to announce that Sarah Andreas, Ph.D., has been promoted to a more prominent role within our organization's board. Dr. Andreas, a professor at Kent State Tuscarawas and owner of WiseWood, LLC, has been a valuable member and contributor to our organization. Her commitment to education and entrepreneurship has been instrumental, and we are confident that her creativity in this expanded role will bring continued success to our endeavors.
Our team has been working on a new content marketing campaign, Invading Tuscarawas, funded by Ohio Means Jobs through the Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Board. This innovative initiative aims to showcase our diverse opportunities and vibrant community here in a modern and entertaining way. To be sure the campaign resonates with local youth, we have conducted five focus groups at local schools, gathering valuable feedback from teenagers. Production is set to begin in February and run through March. We encourage you to stay tuned to the internet for our teenagers, Invading Tuscarawas County employers.
We are delighted to share the success of the recent Groundhog Day presentation by Michael Weidokal at the First Federal Community Banks Financial Education Center in Dover, OH. The event was well-received, and we are excited to announce that you can watch the video of this presentation right here in our newsletter. Michael's insights into economic trends and community development provide valuable perspectives for our region.
As we adventure through another year of progress, we are grateful for the continued support of our partners. Together, we will continue to build a prosperous future for Tuscarawas County.
Wishing you a year filled with growth and success!
Sincerely,
James C. Shively
Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation
As we approach the end of another remarkable year, it is with great pleasure and a sense of accomplishment that we extend our warmest greetings to each and every one of you. This year has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that have defined our collective journey. In this edition of our annual report, it is our privilege, to share with you reflections on the progress we've made and the impact we've achieved. Alongside our Chairman, our dedicated Executive Director will delve deeper into the strategic initiatives and milestones that have shaped our organization's path.
As the holiday season approaches, we reflect on the incredible growth and prosperity that Tuscarawas County has experienced over the past year. It's a time to express gratitude for the accomplishments, collaborations, and opportunities that have shaped our community. We at the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corp. are thrilled to share the highlights and express our heartfelt thanks.
This year has seen remarkable achievements in our economy. One of the major concerns for economic development organizations, local governments, companies, and residents is housing availability for the workforce. The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) has held multiple meetings this year to create a Community Action Team. These meetings have involved local investors, developers, non-profits, and local leaders.
Looking at programs to promote housing development, we found USDA Rural Development Loan programs excluded residents and non-profits from the municipalities of Dover and New Philadelphia due to assumptions made regarding their census tracts. Due to our meetings throughout the year and the feedback USDA gathered, they reevaluated this practice. They recently announced Dover and New Philadelphia would be included in these loan programs as we advance. On November 2nd, 2023, a Community Action Team meeting was held at the Senior Citizen Center in Dover. Organized by Director of Business Development and Administration John Kelly, over 50 people attended to hear this announcement from USDA Area Director John Miller and USDA Loan Technician Alexander Heap. TCEDC Business Development Director James C. Shively also gave a brief presentation on how the community might take full advantage of the news from the USDA.
If you want to learn more about the housing programs offered by USDA Rural Development, click here.
One of the hallmarks of Tuscarawas County is the spirit of collaboration. We are immensely grateful for the partnerships between businesses, local government, educational institutions, and community organizations. The Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership (TVISP) was stood up this year with the following mission statement:
““Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership will develop connected systems to promote local manufacturing and equip the upcoming workforce. We will effectively align education and workforce needs to recruit, train, and retain talent to drive growth. “
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Local manufacturers have attended these meetings eager to aid education in the development of curriculum focused on the local economy. The TVISP and Buckeye Career Center are developing a Maintenance Program to train more maintenance technicians to serve local industry. This will be another opportunity for residents to gain credentials and meaningful employment in Tuscarawas County.
Another goal of the TVISP is to work with education to identify existing programs that cultivate engineers and engineer technicians for manufacturing and strategize ways to improve exposure and gain enrollment in those programs. These collaborations are crucial in fostering economic development, driving innovation, and enhancing our county's overall quality of life.
Newcomerstown Mayor Pat Cadle recently held a Mayor’s Breakfast at April’s Country Kitch’n. After a hard-fought battle and glorious win on the football field the night prior, local stakeholders and residents gathered on a Saturday morning to have a bite to eat and drink some coffee. After listening to an update and presentation from TCEDC Director James C. Shively, the group had a lively discussion about the possibilities of using economic development financing tools combined with local incentives for prosperity and job growth.
As we look to the future, the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corp. remains committed to fostering sustainable growth and creating an environment where businesses and residents can thrive. We are excited about the upcoming projects and initiatives that will continue to shape the economic landscape of our community.
December 14th, 2023 - Annual Report & TCEDC Full Board Meeting
January 26th, 2024 - 17th Annual Ground Hog Day - Economic Forecast
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has played a role in the success of Tuscarawas County. Your dedication, passion, and support are the driving forces behind our community's growth. Together, we are building a future we can all be proud of. As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, let's take a moment to express gratitude for the unique assets that make Tuscarawas County special. From the breathtaking landscapes to the strong sense of community, our county is a place we are proud to call home. Let's also appreciate the local farmers, artisans, and businesses contributing to the richness of our Thanksgiving celebrations.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and community spirit.
With gratitude,
Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corp.
We hope this newsletter finds you in good spirits as we embrace the autumn season and prepare for Halloween. As the trees change colors and the air turns chilly, we have some exciting updates and events to share with you from the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC). Don't ghost us; the best is yet to come!
Dear Friends and Partners,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and full of excitement as we exit the month of June and enter the 4th of July weekend. The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) is thrilled to update you on the latest developments and initiatives shaping our county's economic landscape. It has been an eventful period, with various projects and partnerships paving the way for growth and opportunity in our region.
One of the key focuses for the TCEDC has been investing in workforce development to support the expansion of existing businesses. We are proud to tell you that we have several workforce development initiatives in the works. These include the development of an Ohio Manufacturers Association, Industry Sector Partnership, as well as lending our support to the upcoming Dale Lauren Foland Manufacturing Camp at Buckeye Career Center. It is our hope the Industry Sector Partnership will help us bring together our uniquely diverse group of manufacturers to develop one of the best workforce development think-tanks in the State of Ohio.
A skilled and adaptable workforce is crucial for attracting new industries and supporting existing businesses. The TCEDC, in collaboration with local educational institutions and training providers, continues to focus on workforce development initiatives. We are working to help align training programs with the evolving needs of our target industries, ensuring that our workforce remains competitive and prepared for the jobs of the future.
This month at the First Federal Community Banks Financial Education Center in Dover, we held a meeting with community stakeholders regarding our housing needs. Featuring John Miller from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, we learned of programs available to rural residents looking to have new homes built and older home’s rehabilitated. John Miller also discussed possible changes in policy that would promote more housing opportunities in Tuscarawas County.
We would like to celebrate the success of Tuscarawas County industry-based-businesses that have achieved remarkable milestones. We are immensely proud of the companies we have here and the positive impact they have on our local economy. If you know of any outstanding businesses or individuals who deserve recognition, please reach out to us, and we will gladly feature them in future newsletters.
The Dale Lauren Foland Manufacturing Camp is being held on July 17th to the 19th led by local business leaders and manufacturing companies. This event is held annually at the Buckeye Career Center, and gives kids an opportunity to tour some of our great local manufacturing facilities. It helps provide junior high school students valuable opportunities that expose them to a world of creativity, while allowing them to explore the wide variety of potential careers offered here in Tuscarawas County.
As always, we encourage you to stay connected with the TCEDC through our website and social media channels. We are dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest developments, events, and opportunities in Tuscarawas County. Feel free to reach out to our team if you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to learn more about how you can contribute to our county's economic growth.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are unlocking a brighter future for Tuscarawas County.
Sincerely,
Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation
We hope this newsletter finds you well and that you had a great April. Here’s a recap of some of last month's initiatives and events that were worked on at the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC). This month we focused heavily on workforce development and helping establish an entrepreneurial ecosystem around the region.
