TCEDC Newsletter
As we embark on another year of advancing economic development in Tuscarawas County, we are excited to share the latest progress under the four pillars of our strategic plan: Business Development, Workforce Development, Growing a Diverse Industry Base, and Enhancing Leadership and Engagement.
Strategic Plan Updates
In Business Development, the Matrix scoring process for the Joy Development Project's RFPs has been completed. This critical step brings us closer to shaping the future of this transformative project. TCEDC and the City of New Philadelphia are now collaborating to assemble a team that will chart the project's next steps, ensuring alignment with our community's goals. In other Business Development news, Schaeffler recently hosted a meeting at First Federal Community Bank's Financial Education and Operations Center, providing local businesses with an update on their plans for their new facility in Dover. This event highlighted Schaeffler’s commitment to fostering growth and collaboration in our region. We are excited to announce that the Newcomerstown Industrial Park hosted the region's first site visit of the year by a company exploring expansion into the United States.
Under the Workforce Development pillar, efforts to align education with industry needs are moving forward steadily. Our Civic Lab team is meeting regularly as part of a multi-year initiative to create meaningful connections between local schools and businesses. The Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership (TVISP) has also received a significant boost as a sub-recipient of the Charged Up grant. This funding will enhance TVISP’s capacity to address workforce challenges and support the development of a skilled labor pool for local employers.
Our mission to Grow a Diverse Industry Base has also seen remarkable progress. During our December annual meeting, we celebrated a year filled with impactful projects and strong partnerships. Our Business Retention and Expansion efforts resulted in 48 visits to local companies, reflecting our dedication to fostering connections and understanding industry needs. Over the past five years, businesses in the county have received nearly $1 million through the Tech Cred program, with $232,833 awarded in 2024 alone. Key retention projects were announced for Altor Solutions (Plymouth Foam) and the Muskingum Watershed Conservation District’s Tech Park. Additionally, significant expansions were unveiled by major companies, including $3.4 million by Battle Motors, $3.5 million by Gradall, $8.5 million by ProVia, and an impressive $31 million investment by Novelis. These projects underscore the strength and resilience of our local economy.
Finally, our Leadership and Engagement efforts remain a cornerstone of our strategy. Over the past year, we have focused on tracking and reporting progress on our strategic plan, developing policies and procedures to enhance our operations, and launching a marketing calendar to better connect with our community. By staying ahead of economic development trends and best practices, TCEDC continues to build the leadership capacity needed to drive our mission forward.
Board Updates
We are thrilled to announce new leadership changes within our organization. Michael Lauber, President of Tusco MFG, has been appointed as Chairman of the Board, bringing his expertise and vision to this key role. Additionally, we welcome Marc Nolen, President of Dover Chemical, and John Fondriest, Trustee of Dover Township, to our Executive Committee.
We are proud to recognize the exceptional leadership and expertise of the full board of the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation. This dedicated group brings a wealth of experience and passion to our mission of fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Chase Hostetler of American Electric Power provides valuable insight into the energy sector, ensuring our initiatives are powered by innovation and sustainability. Christopher Lane, a franchisee of Wendy's, offers a unique perspective on the importance of small business growth and community-focused enterprises. John Maxwell, an attorney with Fitzpatrick, Zimmerman & Rose Co., L.P.A., brings a wealth of legal expertise to our strategic efforts, ensuring sound decision-making and compliance. Finally, Ethan Zucal of the Muskingum Valley Watershed District provides leadership rooted in environmental stewardship, helping us balance economic development with the preservation of our natural resources.
Together, this dynamic board embodies a shared commitment to advancing Tuscarawas County's economic future, and we are grateful for their dedication to our community.
Their collective experience and leadership will play an integral role in driving our mission forward and ensuring continued economic growth in Tuscarawas County. Please stay tuned to our social media pages for bios on these new additions!
Upcoming Events
The 18th Annual Groundhog Day Breakfast is just around the corner! Join us on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 AM at Founders Hall at Kent State University at Tuscarawas. This beloved tradition provides an opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate our community's progress. Be sure to register by January 27th by visiting our website at Groundhog Day Registration.
Looking ahead, we are also excited to announce the 3rd Annual Shark Tub competition on Thursday, April 24, 2025. This event will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Zane State College’s Campus Center in Zanesville, Ohio. Mark your calendars for an evening of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship! Stay tuned, we will be publishing more information on this event very soon!
The next Economic Development Finance Alliance meeting, open to the public, will take place on January 29th at 11:30 AM at the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation office, located at 339 Oxford St., Dover, OH 44622.
As we move forward in 2025, TCEDC remains committed to driving meaningful progress across all four pillars of our strategic plan. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in building a thriving and resilient community.
