by Isabella Carwile | Jan 16, 2026 | Blight Projects, Brownfield, Business Expansion, Community, Funding, Land Bank, Property Development, Residential
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release January 19, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) opened its first meeting of 2026 with updates on several major housing, brownfield, and blight-removal initiatives underway around the county.
The meeting began with a discussion involving a collaborative six-county Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) grant application. Estee Blair of the Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) is coordinating the regional grant request on behalf of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, and Williams counties. The joint application was submitted to the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) ahead of the January 16 deadline, with the goal of securing funding that would then be distributed to all participating counties through MVPO.
The conversation then shifted to open and ongoing WHO-funded projects already taking place within Paulding County. In 2025, the county was awarded $300,000 to complete ten residential rehabilitation projects before a June 2027 deadline. Three projects are currently active. Work at 714 N. Main Street in Paulding is nearing completion and will be the first of the ten required county projects finished. Additional rehabilitation efforts are underway at 108 S. Main Street in Cecil and 621 Sugar Street in Paulding. More projects are expected to begin as current projects complete.
Environmental consultant Matt Wagner of Tetra Tech reported that all remediation work is complete at the former JJ Ross Gas Station site in Grover Hill. The final step prior to sale is the issuance and receipt of a No Further Action letter from the Ohio EPA.
Wagner also confirmed that the Land Bank will submit new brownfield applications for the 2026 funding cycle. Proposed projects include environmental reviews at 126 S. Main Street in Payne, 501 North Avenue in Oakwood, and 495 E. Perry Street in Paulding. Additional site funding may also be applied for at the former Spartech Plastics facility, pending review of recent environmental data and coordination between the current property owner and the Land Bank.
MVPO’s Abby White then provided updates on the county’s 2025 Commercial and Blight Removal Program. Only a few properties remain in the open pipeline, and the program’s funds are expected to be fully utilized as those projects conclude. The committee then began reviewing the remaining 2025 projects that were not allocated funding and added newly submitted 2026 proposals. A finalized list will be submitted soon for the county’s $250,000 2026 allocation.
Additional committee business included:
- Reported a current account balance of $157,631.21
- Work updates on open brownfield projects at the Grizzley and Stokely sites in Paulding
- Establishing property maintenance plans for Land Bank-owned property ahead of spring
- Approving a meeting date change to February 4 due to member scheduling conflicts
by Isabella Carwile | Jan 15, 2026 | Uncategorized
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release January 13, 2025
PAULDING, OH — The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Board of Directors has elected its 2026 officers and approved two new members as part of its annual organisational process.
Fred Manz was elected Board President, with Tiffany Rockhold selected as Vice President, Austin Scheiner as Treasurer, and Jason Sheets as Secretary. The board also voted to appoint Trent Church and Randy Price as new directors. They succeed outgoing members Jim States, who concluded his service due to by‑law term limits, and Brett Wagner, who chose not to pursue an additional term.
One board vacancy remains. The Personnel Committee will work to identify a candidate to fill the seat held by Sarah Noggle, who also reached her term limit. In connection with this transition, the board approved a change to the position’s designation—from an OSU Extension representative to a broader agriculture representative—allowing greater flexibility in future appointments.
Committee assignments for Finance, Governance, Marketing, Personnel, and Banquet will be reviewed by the Executive Committee and presented at the March meeting. The board also named its representatives to the Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC): Tiffany Rockhold, Tyson Mowery, and Austin Scheiner, ahead of the council’s annual meeting on February 24. All board members reviewed and signed an updated non‑disclosure agreement during the session.
Treasurer’s reports were shared and discussed before Director Tim Copsey provided an overview of the office’s tentative 2026 strategic plan. Copsey also reminded members of PCED’s committed contribution toward the Vantage Career Center student‑built home in Latty and offered updates on operations and office rentals within the Small Business Innovation Center.
Board members concluded the meeting by sharing updates from the business sectors they represent, supporting ongoing dialogue about local economic conditions and opportunities.
The PCED Board of Directors will reconvene in March.
by Isabella Carwile | Dec 18, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, Membership, PCED Office, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release December 18, 2025
PAULDING — The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Board of Directors recently convened its December meeting.
Guest speaker Roni Bakle of Keller Logistics introduced and explained the K.A.V.I.C. program (Keller Assists Veterans in Crisis), now serving Paulding, Williams, and Henry counties, providing financial support for veterans in need. The hope is to make more people aware of the program in the future.
Treasurer Jeff Mumma reported strong account balances, year-over-year. Membership contributions for 2025 remained steady, and 2026 membership inquiries are in the mail. The board approved the financial report for audit.
Director Tim Copsey provided information on multiple projects around the county, including the recent authentication notice from the JobsOhio team, in regard to the 43-acre Paulding Industrial Park site. There was also an update on the Small Business Innovation Center (SBIC), noting full occupancy on the first floor level and current open office spaces upstairs.
It was shared that Lisa Becher, consultant with the NW Ohio Small Business Development Center, requested county support for entrepreneurial funding. With a positive investment from each of the five counties she serves, there could be a matching grant available. The board approved a donation to the Northwest State Community College Foundation to assist with Paulding County business startups.
A full discussion took place in regard to open board positions. President Jim States, Secretary Sarah Noggle, and board member Brett Wagner have all reached their term limits. The board acknowledged their investment of time, effort, and excellent service to the board and the county and wished them the best going forward.
In other business:
- The Banquet Committee shared that 187 member guests attended the November banquet.
- The Personnel Committee will begin the process of filling open board seats immediately.
- The Governance Committee will begin reviewing the strategic plan for 2026 updates
- Set the 2026 meeting and banquet dates
by Isabella Carwile | Dec 18, 2025 | Business Advisory Council, Community, Events, Funding, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release December 18, 2025
PAULDING — The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center and Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) recently convened the Q4 Business Advisory Council (BAC) at the OSU Extension building, highlighting continued collaboration and innovation in workforce development.
The meeting opened with a discussion on the group’s identity, exploring potential name changes to better reflect its mission. Suggestions included “Community Workforce Development Committee,” “ALIGN Paulding,” and “PACE (Paulding County Alliance for Career and Education).” Following a good discussion, the committee opted to table the decision for future consideration.
Attendees celebrated the success of the Youth Business Showcase and explored merging it with the Next Gen Youth event to create a unified platform for student entrepreneurship and creativity during Small Business Saturday. A committee will work through the details.
A standout highlight was the STNA training initiative, where four Paulding County students earned certification through Vantage Career Center’s Adult Education program. Thanks to a generous contribution from Baughman Tile, a manufacturing facility unrelated to healthcare, all students participated at no cost—an example of cross-sector collaboration driving rural workforce solutions.
PCED Director Tim Copsey elaborated, “It will be this type of collaboration and discussion in future BAC meetings that allow businesses in a rural county like Paulding to sustain and grow. Kudos to Baughman Tile for this investment in our youth and to Vantage Career Center for providing the opportunity.”
Additional topics included:
- Plans to expand the welding cohort at Paulding High School and introduce CDL training.
- A February tour of Sabre Industries for students interested in welding and manufacturing.
- Updates on Teacher Bootcamp funding and potential support from many sources, including OhioMeansJobs.
- Upcoming student-business engagement events in 2026, including career fairs, open houses, and STEAM nights across the county.
To learn more or get involved with the Paulding County BAC, please contact the Paulding County Economic Development office.
by Isabella Carwile | Dec 5, 2025 | Uncategorized
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release December 5, 2025
PAULDING — The Paulding County Business Advisory Council (BAC), in partnership with Vantage Career Center, Baughman Tile, and the Paulding County Economic Development Office, proudly announces the successful completion of a recent State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) training program for local students.
The ongoing need for STNA‑certified employees has been highlighted at several BAC meetings. In response to this demand—and with strong student interest—the BAC collaborated with Vantage Career Center to create a pathway for Paulding County students to earn their STNA certification.
Cost initially posed a challenge. Through continued discussion, Vantage Career Center stepped forward with the majority of the sponsorship, leaving only a small funding gap. Recognizing the importance of strengthening the county’s workforce, Baughman Tile Company—despite being a manufacturing business outside the healthcare sector—generously contributed the remaining support needed to fully fund the program. Their commitment reflects the BAC’s broader mission of improving Paulding County’s workforce across all industries.
With full sponsorship secured, students received high‑quality training that prepares them for meaningful careers in the healthcare field. The program demonstrates a strong commitment to workforce development, student opportunity, and community collaboration.
Four students successfully completed the course, with three already having passed their certification exam and officially earning their STNA credential. This inaugural cohort marks an important milestone, giving these students a valuable head start on their future careers while helping meet the region’s growing demand for skilled nursing assistants.
“This program is a great example of how local businesses and educational institutions can come together to invest in our youth and strengthen our community,” said Jessica Stechschulte, Paulding County Economic Development Administrator. “We are proud of these students and excited about the opportunities this program will continue to provide. Our Paulding County BAC team continues to support the future growth of our county.”
The BAC team looks forward to expanding the STNA program—and exploring additional in‑demand training opportunities—in the coming years, offering more students the chance to pursue local careers while supporting the region’s workforce needs.
