Dear Supporters,
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.
Adding New Board Members:
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.
Sarah Andreas, ph.d., moves to President of the Board:
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.
Invading Tuscarawas:
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.
Groundhog Day Presentation Success:
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