by Office Manager | Oct 20, 2023 | Business Expansion, Community, New Business, Property Development
GROVER HILL – October 20, 2023 was a historic day in Paulding County, and specifically the Village of Grover Hill, as a groundbreaking event was hosted for the construction of a new Dollar General store. It was noted that events like this are what bring positive change to communities and what people will look back on in 25 or 50 years and identify as a community building day. There are not a lot of these days noted recently in the history of the village, but Grover Hill residents have made the most of those that have. According to Paulding County historian Walter Lang, the last two commercial buildings that were developed in the village limits were the Bud Stratton Dairy Dip in 1962; and Oakwood Deposit Bank in 1978. Nearly 30 people took the time to attend here today.
This project’s realization has been years in the making, and stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. The visionary efforts and forward-thinking of the Paulding County Land Bank Committee members were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. The Land Bank Committee consists of: Commissioner Mark Holtsberry, Paulding County Treasurer Lou Ann Wannemacher, Commissioner Mike Weible, Mike Kauser representing Paulding County Townships, Paulding Mayor Greg White representing the county villages, and Paulding County Prosecutor Joe Burkard. The land bank purchase and demolition of the existing building on the property at the time, helped kick off this this venture that commenced several years ago. It was in part due to discussions with former county commissioner Roy Klopfenstein and then Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Director Jerry Zielke, who played pivotal roles as members of the project committee.
Rural development relies on local investment and collaborative efforts, as emphasized by current PCED Director Tim Copsey, who stated, “It takes collaboration. We wish to express our gratitude to our partners in this project including: Mayor John Moon and the Village of Grover Hill; Josh Allen with Cross Development, the PC Land Bank; and local property owners Mark and Janette Figert along with Loy and Katherine Taylor. Without all of their dedication to seeing this project to the end this would have not been possible.”
Klopfenstein, now District 82 member of the Ohio House of Representatives, and village Mayor John Moon, both spoke a few words of thanks to the attendees and the efforts of the Paulding County Economic Development office and the collaboration as well.
It was noted that this event ties right in with many other great things taking place in and around the village with the recent opening of the Grover Hill Lions Club Community Center, a functioning Lifewise program, and the upcoming site revitalizations in the old Grover Hill Depot building and blacksmith shop through the Paulding County land bank.
In the photo from left to right: Mark Holtsberry, Tim Copsey, Lou Ann Wannemacher, John Moon, Mark Figert, Loy Taylor, Roy Klopfenstein, Josh Allen.
by Office Manager | Oct 12, 2023 | Community, Funding, Property Development
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release October 10, 2023
Former Grizzley Brake property remediation discussion continues
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Bank met for their October meeting this week.
The meeting led off with Paulding County EPA Consultant Matt Wagner, from Tetra Tech, sharing positive communication from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in regard to the man-made ponds located on the former Grizzley Brake property. There is just over 2.5 acres of the entire 37 acre property that is actually protected as “wetlands”. As long as this part of the property is left alone, the rest of the property can be remediated for future commercial use.
The property has recently changed owners as the new owners, Cummins Engine, have acquired the assets of Arvin Environmental Management, LLC. With the change of ownership, and positive communication from USACE , a meeting has taken place between Wagner, Land Bank representative Mike Kauser, and Tim Copsey with Paulding County Economic Development office. The group has developed a plan forward for Cummins investment into immediate foliage clean-up and fence repair around the overall brownfield property. Remediation inside the fence will come from state allocated funds. All parties are excited with the discussion, immediate, and future plans of the site. Also noted, with less concern, is the remediation of the old Stokely Factory site, located across the road to the west of the Grizzley site.
There are also new brownfield projects being submitted for consideration and review. A former grain mill property, currently owned by Patriot Rail in the Village of Antwerp, and the former Winkle building in Paulding, currently owned by the village. Grant applications will be submitted to fund EPA testing to determine if there are hazardous materials in either structure.
Estee Miller with Maumee Valley Planning Organization brought the group up to date in regard to the county residential blight program. Five projects have been submitted to the state to use up remaining Round 1 funds. The state recently confirmed remaining funds could still be used by each county.
Additionally, residential and commercial properties have been identified by the Land Bank for use of Round 2 funds. To date, Miller has received 5 confirmed applications from property owners around the county. Many more have been contacted by Miller & Copsey. The committee has opted to proactively reach out to additional property owners in a concerted effort to maximize the utilization of the $500,000 in county-allocated funds for blight removal.
The meeting closed out with open discussion of several new project thoughts and how the group might best use county land bank proceeds to benefit the county overall.
For more information please contact Paulding County Economic Development or Maumee Valley Planning Organization.
by Office Manager | Oct 11, 2023 | Community, Events, Membership, PCED Office
The Paulding County Economic office Development proudly presents the 23rd Annual Business & Industry Appreciation Banquet. This event, scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Grant’s Catering in Antwerp, offers a unique opportunity for networking with local, state, and regional business partners. It will also showcase PCED’s accomplishments throughout the year and honor local business achievements.
The evening kicks off with a social hour from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. The night will be enriched with musical performances by the Vivace String Duo featuring local talents Carman Martin and Elsie Manz.
PCED members are entitled to two complimentary banquet reservations, while additional guests can attend for $40 per person. Secure your spot by RSVPing before October 24 by contacting Office Manager Kristen Schilt at 419-399-8295. Payments for additional guests can be made in advance or on the event night.
Economic Development Director Tim Copsey commented, “2023 has been a remarkable year for the county, and we are eagerly looking forward to celebrating with our valued partners and community members at this networking event.”
For more information, contact Kristen Schilt at office@pced.net or RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/7gWfNZnFSSWaGWnVA
by Office Manager | Sep 11, 2023 | Community, Membership, New Business
OAKWOOD – A staple Paulding County venue for outdoor activities held a kick-off event here to introduce their fall line-up on Saturday. Paulding County Economic Development hosted a ribbon cutting for Auglaize Canoe & Kayak, on the Weller Farm, to unveil their two new corn mazes and many other events and opportunities for the 2023 fall season.
The biggest attraction is the nine-acre corn maze. This year the maze will be patterned for the logo of the Cooper Farms 85th business anniversary celebration. Also headquartered in Oakwood, family-owned Cooper Farms is the county’s largest employer and one of the largest employers in the region. Liz Weller, Auglaize Canoe and Kayak business owner shared how the collaboration came about, “Cooper Farms is a huge supporter of our business, as well as being family friends. They give so much to our community and we wanted to acknowledge that by honoring their anniversary in our corn maze.” 
In addition to the large corn maze, new this year is a smaller fall themed maze that allows for younger family members to also participate in the fun. There will be upcoming announcements on a trick-or-treat event hosted inside the maze and also an evening flashlight event.
If corn mazes aren’t your thing, guests can walk through the four-acre pumpkin patch and pick your own pumpkin, or choose one of the already picked pumpkins. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
Also available is a wagon ride through the farm and along the beautiful Auglaize River. The family owned 1947 Allis Chalmers tractor will pull a wagon full of guests on a guided tour of straw bales complete with “celebrity themed” scarecrows. The ride continues on a spectacular fall view lane along the river through a skeleton themed carnival tour with a fan favorite celebrity participant at the end to complete the ride.
In addition, there are many other opportunities for guests of all ages to participate or view. Fall wouldn’t be complete without fresh-pressed apple cider, which the Weller family makes on site with their antique cider press and has full gallon or half gallon options available for purchase. There is putt-putt golf, a youth barrel train ride, a playground including a child size cabin, a campfire pit to enjoy sitting near the river by the fire or cooking smores, ample fall picture setting opportunities for fall themed senior or family pictures, selfies, beautiful fall nature in general, and much more. The canoe and kayak livery continues to be open and available as well. Participating food trucks will be on site on weekends.
The Weller Farm, owned by Doug & Bonnie Weller, started hosting the Canoe & Kayak venue in 2013. As business and attendance picked up, additional opportunities were offered. In 2021 the pumpkin match and corn mazes were added. The Wellers continue to listen to feedback from guests to continue to improve. This also helps with new business thought and growth each year. The farm is now the largest importer of guests to Paulding County. In 2022 the facility hosted more than 10,000 customers. Business is well on pace to exceed that number in 2023.
Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey commented, “This ribbon cutting event today is just another great, historic piece in joining Paulding County quality-of-life opportunity with business. Auglaize Canoe & Kayak is the largest importing business we have, bringing guests into the county from all over the region during the summer season. Adding these fall offerings just carries that on for several more months. Now partnering with Cooper Farms, one of our largest business product exporters, just solidifies the collaboration efforts we continue to promote for sustainability and growth in the county. The Coopers and the Wellers are outstanding families in Paulding County and always think of others first. Providing opportunity and giving back to the community just comes natural in their DNA. We are blessed to have these great folks and their businesses located in Paulding County.”
Come out and see everything the farm has to offer for a quick visit or spend the day. Whether you live in the city and yearn to feel a little bit of the natural outdoors, or live in the country and experience this atmosphere all the time, Weller Farm offers a new experience for you. The farm, located at 24821 Road 207 just off the Putnam/Paulding County line road, is open 9a-5p on Saturdays and noon-5p on Sunday, through October 31. There is also opportunity to schedule weekday and evening events by appointment. The farm has hosted school field trips, youth groups and family reunions, but there is always room to discuss options for any other group opportunities for interested guests. For admission pricing or more detailed information, call 419-594-3456, visit the website www.auglaizecanoe.com or check their social media on Facebook or TikTok.
by Office Manager | Jul 31, 2023 | Community, Events, PCED Office
Haviland, Ohio — The Young Professionals of Paulding County took an enlightening step into the world of drainage solutions as they embarked on a behind-the-scenes tour of Haviland Drainage Products this week. Sales associate Emil Stoller graciously hosted the group, offering an exclusive glimpse into the company’s history, operations, and its reach in both regional and national markets. The visit concluded with an interactive tour of the facility, allowing participants to gain valuable insights and pose questions.
The Young Professionals of Paulding County is a dynamic networking group catering to individuals up to age 40, who reside, work, or worship within Paulding County. The group’s primary mission is to foster networking opportunities, explore the county’s offerings, and facilitate professional development activities for its members.
“The opportunity to explore the history and operations of Haviland Drainage Products and Haviland Plastics was an invaluable experience,” said Kristen Schilt, Office Manager for Paulding County Economic Development and a member of the Young Professionals of Paulding County. “We were truly impressed by the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the drainage and plastics industry. This business tour marks a milestone for our group, and we look forward to organizing similar visits to other local businesses in the future.”
The group will join the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce for their next event at the Paulding County Community Night with the TinCaps at Parkview Field on August 19th. Join in for a promising evening of camaraderie and entertainment to celebrate the end of summer.
For individuals interested in attending the Paulding County Community Night, tickets can be secured online until August 7th through the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce website. For inquiries and additional information about Young Professionals of Paulding County, please reach out to office@pced.net or call 419-399-8295.
