July was a busy month here at the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation. We launched the ConnecTusc campaign, we participated in the 5th Annual Manufacturing Camp, and we are preparing for a lot of exciting new things coming at the close of this summer that we want to tell you about! 

The ConnecTusc campaign is a part of our participation in the Broadband Accelerator program. This is an effort by the State of Ohio, to identify areas in need of better internet, develop a strategy to provide that internet, and then, hopefully in the end receive some funding to execute the strategy we have developed. Through the office of Broadband Ohio and with the cooperation of the Benton Institute, the Tuscarawas County EDC and other local area leaders, are in the process of doing this all. The ConnecTusc campaign is the first crucial step to seeing this all brought to life. 

To identify the areas that need better internet access, we have to conduct some market research. Our ConnecTusc campaign is exactly that. It’s a campaign to conduct necessary market research that we hope will result in a better-situated business and economic community. We all know just how critical the internet is to our day-to-day lives. Many businesses now operating are dependent upon good internet connectivity. Doctor offices, hospitals, real estate agencies, manufacturing facilities, and so many more organizations have moved to a place where their businesses and the critical services they provide the community are dependent upon consistent and reliable high internet speeds. You can check out our ConnecTusc survey right here!

Speaking of manufacturing, this year was the 5th Annual Manufacturing Camp hosted by Buckeye Career Center and sponsored by many of the area's local manufacturing companies and education institutions! While we were volunteering this year, we made a video to share with the community! We hope this will encourage more kids to come and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn next year! 

The 5th Annual Manufacturing Camp at the Buckeye Career Center!

August is going to be an exciting month for me as I prepare for the Leadership Tuscarawas program. In late August we are going on a team-building adventure for a few days. I alongside many other upcoming leaders in the community will be going on a retreat to the Mohican Lodge and Conference Center in Perrysville, Ohio. I am so excited to get to know the other people in the community I am so fortunate to serve. This program—made available by Kent State University at Tuscarawas—is a great opportunity for people like myself, and I am very glad to be a part of it this year. 

Also, upcoming this month will be our first ever podcast! You may remember from our June Newsletter that we were looking for feedback on what to call this and we did receive the feedback we were looking for! Multiple people said they like the sound of “The Valley Podcast” and I can’t wait to unveil this new platform. We are looking for local leaders to come on this show and give the community a chance to get to know them a little better by talking about local current events with us here at the TCEDC. Yes, this will be available on all your favorite podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Facebook, and YouTube! If you’re looking forward to seeing and/or hearing this podcast, make sure you follow our Facebook page to find out when it is available. 

 So, community leaders, don’t be surprised when I come knocking on the door this month, asking you to come onto our new EDO Podcast! Who knows, I may be able to book a few guests for my Leadership Tuscarawas retreat! 

See you all next month! 

JC Shively

Business Development Director  