Paulding County Economic Development Press Release January 17, 2025
PAULDING – The Paulding County Economic Development Board recently hosted their first meeting of 2025. The business part of the meeting was entirely devoted to the forward progression and strategic plan development for the group. The short agenda meeting was long but impactful.
Prior to the business discussion, a presentation was made by Premier Bank. Local Paulding branch CEO Nicole Robinson, Business Loan Officer Danielle Fowler and VP of Treasury Sales Doug Blackwood shared the full line of business banking options and accounts available with Premier Bank. They then answered questions about the upcoming purchase of Premier by the WesBanco Bank. Although WesBanco is already established in Ohio, this would be their northernmost branch. Board members and the banking team discussed opportunities for potential growth in the county.
Business then turned to strategic planning. The board last did an in-depth dive into the Paulding County economic development strategic plan in 2022. The two-year plan has guided the office in a positive direction over that time. Since then, many things have changed in economic development, within the board and around the county.
The January 2025 meeting was dedicated to reviewing the many goals of that previous plan. Director Tim Copsey shared the goals and results with the board. Based on the reported results, the board is now tasked with developing an immediate plan for 2025 and early 2026 and a 2-3 year plan for the future. This generated great conversation as it was discussed what might be more beneficial to now add to the plan, and what certainly needs to come off. An example that may be added to the list, that wasn’t even noted in 2022, was the great need for residential housing. The adhoc strategic plan committee will convene again before the next official board meeting in March to put together a final plan to present to the full board for approval.
