by Office Manager | Mar 19, 2024 | Community, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), PCED Office, Property Development
PAULDING – The first quarter Paulding County Zoning Inspector meeting was recently held at the OSU Extension Building. Tim Copsey, Paulding County Economic Development Director, provided a brief overview of previous meetings for new attendees and shared how this meeting has developed and grown out of the quarterly county mayor meetings. This group developed in 2023 and has continued to meet as a way to bridge communication gaps and provide idea sharing and collaboration around the county. Copsey then introduced the guest speaker, the Honorable Suzanne Rister, Municipal Court Judge, to the group of township trustees, mayors, village council officials and other local officials that attended.
Judge Rister shared the legal process involved in addressing junk or trash ordinances within villages and townships. She presented stats regarding the number of cases handled by the municipal court and shared that there is a low occurrence of zoning cases across the county. Most issues are resolved through correspondence from governing agencies. The number of zoning cases presented to the court annually were: eight in 2020, two in 2021, nineteen in 2022, eight in 2023, and none so far in 2024. Only a small fraction of cases gets to the point of jailable offenses. The cases that do mainly involve repeated violations of the same code.
Judge Rister highlighted the importance of clear communication between townships and village officials and residents, stressing the need of providing detailed documentation and current evidence in zoning violation cases.
Fines collected from convictions are returned to the charging entity. Judge Rister also addressed reimbursement policies, including attorney fees, indicating her efforts to alleviate financial burden on localities in these cases.
Incite was provided for how to increase the likelihood of favorable rulings for concerned localities. Judge Rister advised that representatives from villages or townships stand alongside prosecutors during court proceedings to be a witness to the case.
Participants asked about various procedure and process aspects, such as submitting evidence and how to handle repeat offenders. Judge Rister provided clarifications on landlord responsibilities and the criteria for jailable offenses.
Prosecutor Joe Burkard followed and elaborated on strategies for addressing property cleanup, expressing the importance of thorough information and gathering photos and time stamped evidence.
Copsey followed providing updates on community cleanup efforts, highlighting recent accomplishments, and shared ongoing projects where the Paulding County Land Bank and Community Improvement Corporations are involved.
Copsey then shared a prospective new project that may aid in cutting down zoning violations. A recent investment at Kohart’s Surplus and Salvage, now provides a way to efficiently shred and recycle vehicles. A request was made to all townships and villages to have conversations with property owners that have vehicles that do not have current plates on them. If the owners are willing to sell the vehicle there is a possibility of designing a county program to purchase these cars and remove them at no cost to the owners. In order for this program to develop we need to understand the demand and interest from residents.
Attendees discussed potential ways, including local recycling events, to facilitate resident cleanup efforts and how to identify blighted properties or open lots for future redevelopment.
Sarah McCabe, with the Paulding County Auditors office, shared that the County GIS system is updated now with zoning layers for Oakwood, Antwerp, Paulding and Crane Township. This was thanks to collaboration with the Paulding County Engineers office.
The importance of continuing to improve the county GIS system was noted. It is extremely helpful when inquires for site development come into the PCED office, especially for water and sewer infrastructure mapping. All localities were encouraged to work on mapping their utilities to better streamline planning down the road.
All in attendance agreed to meet again next quarter for continued collaboration between zoning inspectors and to discuss community revitalization efforts.
by Office Manager | Mar 13, 2024 | Community, Events, Jobs, Workforce
ANTWERP, OH – The Paulding County Business Advisory Council (BAC) met at Antwerp Manor Assisted Living facility on Wednesday, March 6th, headed by Tim Copsey, Paulding County Economic Development Director to discuss initiatives focused on collaboration between local businesses and schools for the betterment of Paulding County. The meeting kicked off with a welcome and introduction of 22 attendees, including Lu Cooke, Northwest Regional Liaison Lt. Governor’s Office, and Mike Weible, Paulding County Commissioner.
Key agenda highlights included:
Mission Statement Update: Tom Taylor of Western Buckeye ESC and Tim Copsey, PCED Director, spearheaded efforts to refine the BAC Mission Statement for submission to the state. The goal is to ensure collaboration with the steering committee in shaping the business advisory council’s future direction.
Spring SuccessBound Event: Rhonda Hogrefe of Northwest Ohio College TechPrep invited BAC members to the upcoming Spring SuccessBound event at Terra State on April 26th. The event will facilitate discussions and strategies for education and workforce.
Paulding County Career Expo: Kristen Schilt shared details about the upcoming Paulding County Career Expo, highlighting opportunities for businesses to engage with students. Interested businesses are encouraged to reach out for participation.
Teacher Bootcamp: Lu Cooke announced Teacher Bootcamp funding was available again from the state. They recognize the importance of this program and advocated for it. Paulding County Teacher Bootcamp is scheduled for June 3-6 & 13th. The event, in collaboration with Ashland University, offers educators and businesses a way to connect and learn from each other all while earning continuing education credit.
Education Updates:
- Wayne Trace Junior/Senior High School received a $2.4 million grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to enhance STEAM programs and facilities.
- Paulding High School is organizing a community clean-up day on April 29th, providing students with opportunities for community service and engagement. In addition to an update on the Panthers for Careers program.
- Antwerp High School is launching an Archer Career Advantage Program this fall to expose seniors to career exploration opportunities.
- Vantage Career Center is experiencing record-high applications. There is also a need for adult education instructors.
- Northwest State Community College shared an update on the new Van Wert campus.
The meeting also addressed topics such as Ohio TechCred sign-ups, the need for residential housing, and discussions around other career development initiatives.
The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for June 8th at Mercer Landmark Latty. For more information about the Paulding County Business Advisory Council please reach out to the economic development office at 419-399-8295 or office@pced.net.
by Office Manager | Feb 23, 2024 | Membership, New Business, PCED Office
The Village of Antwerp has seen an awesome transformation on South Main Street, where small businesses Antwerp Pharmacy and More than Boutique have found their new home for well over a year. If you’ve been by recently, you have also seen the eye-catching signage on the building that houses the Antwerp Pharmacy. This enhancement is due in part to the marketing support program that is available for Paulding County small businesses, offered by the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office.
“Our marketing program is a really great tool for our member businesses to have their current business marketing strategies assessed. From that assessment, they receive a tailored proposal that lists different marketing ideas they can pursue on their own, or with the assistance of different partners, like West Bend Printing and Publishing, Natural Design and Graphics, or any other business they want to work with.” says Kristen Schilt, PCED Office Manager.
Schilt introduced Antwerp Pharmacy owner Mandy Miller to the program during the Paulding County Career Day expo last spring. Choosing to use the program, she was able to acquire a branded tablecloth to use for future displays and job fair events. Miller appreciated the simplicity of working with local businesses, adding, “I could prioritize what I needed the most and then make that idea a reality all while keeping the money we spent local.”
Miller continued to praise the local program for making it easy to develop the signage for their new building, “We decided that the new sign was the most important item that was discussed (in the assessment meeting).” With remaining funds, she partnered with West Bend Printing and Publishing to design a banner-style sign, featuring the pharmacy’s logo, services, location, and contact info. Impressively, West Bend installed it within a day.
The local marketing business is excited for the opportunity to work with, and share their talents, with others, “West Bend Printing & Publishing has found this marketing program to be very helpful, for not only businesses looking to expand their marketing reach with useful tools, but it has also opened doors for the spread of our client-base as well,” stated co-owner Angel Steiner. “After being in business for almost 20 years, Bryce (Steiner, co-owner) and I are sometimes perplexed that so many still don’t know West Bend is more than just the newspaper. Clients are excited when they find out they can get marketing tools, like signage, personalized invoices, etc. made right here in Paulding County! We want to thank PCED and this marketing program for helping expand small businesses in Paulding County.”
The program is a collaborative effort made available through a grant from the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) office of Defiance and Paulding County, and facilitated through the PCED office. The program is geared toward small businesses with less than 10 employees. It is designed to offset marketing costs as businesses establish and grow their existing business with new marketing opportunities.
“OhioMeansJobs Defiance & Paulding Counties is thankful for the funding opportunity, through the Greater Ohio Workforce Board, to allow OMJ Defiance & Paulding to help assist businesses with this tailored marketing opportunity. OMJ Defiance & Paulding is also appreciative of the continued partnership with PCED and their promotion and support of this wonderful opportunity,” shared Tiffany Rockhold, Workforce Supervisor for OhioMeansJobs Defiance/Paulding Counties.
For more information about the program, or to confirm your business qualifies for assistance, contact PCED Office Manager Kristen Schilt at office@pced.net or call 419-399-8295.
by Office Manager | Feb 14, 2024 | Business Expansion, Membership, New Business, PCED Office
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release February 14, 2024
New Paulding County Business Back Wall Archery opens
DEFIANCE – A new full-service archery sales and repair service facility has opened for business.
Back Wall Archery, owned by Thomas Cameron, established business located in Paulding County at County Road 171, Defiance, Ohio 43512, in Ohio on September 20, 2023 and opened up the shop on November 27.
Cameron had been working on his own, his family and some friend’s equipment for a couple years. During that time, he continued to develop a greater love for archery and working on the related equipment. The more he worked, the more those he helped encouraged him to go out on his own. “For years I’ve had the love for archery and loved working on my own bow. I wanted to provide the community with great service, along with fast service, for their archery equipment,” Cameron stated.
With the company now certified in the State of Ohio, Cameron is hoping to work with archers in the region that shoot compound or crossbows. In addition to providing archery equipment, arrows and accessories, Back Wall Archery is able to provide fletching repair on arrows along with strings and cables on bows.
The company originally reached out to the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office for guidance of how to begin. The office recommended a meeting with Lisa Becher, NW Ohio representative for Ohio Small Business Development. Using the information provided through those meetings and discussions, the business established and Cameron was able to turn back to the PCED office for additional help.
“Working with Thomas has been great as he dives into his business journey! We tackled his initial hurdles head-on by securing a small business loan and getting him enrolled in our marketing program. These resources, made possible through our collaboration with OhioMeansJobs and the Paulding County Area Foundation, are just some of the ways we’re able to help our local businesses.” shared Kristen Schilt PCED Office Manager.
For questions about the business, inquiries and business hours, contact Cameron at 419-438-6870, backwall.archery@gmail.com or check out Back Wall Archery on Facebook.
by Office Manager | Feb 13, 2024 | Community, Jobs, Membership, Paulding County Business Weekly Radio Broadcast
Did you miss out on Lofton Brown’s inspiring presentation and marketing strategy at the Paulding County Economic Development banquet last November? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Tune in to the latest episode of Paulding County Business Weekly as we sit down with Lofton and his dad Tim to learn about the story behind their family hat business,
Something Brave Supply Company. Hear about their entrepreneurial journey, strategies for success, and the passion driving their brand.
Catch this episode airing on MY102.7 FM every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 AM & 5:00 PM. Can’t tune in at those times? You can also listen online at
www.my1027.org/paulding-county-business-weekly/ or find us on your favorite podcast platform. A special thanks to OhioMeansJobs for sponsoring this program.
