by Isabella Carwile | May 18, 2026 | Uncategorized
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 15, 2026
PAULDING – Village leaders from across Paulding County gathered Thursday evening for the quarterly Mayors and Village Council meeting, continuing their collaborative work to strengthen local communities and coordinate countywide initiatives.
County Engineer Scott Strahley opened the meeting on behalf of the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce and Community Redeveloping Paulding (CoRP) committees, providing an update on plans for the upcoming Paulding County America 250 Celebration. The Ad‑hoc America 250 Committee is working to expand this year’s John Paulding Days into a two‑day event scheduled for July 10–11.
Day one will continue to feature the traditional parade and fireworks, with new efforts to increase parade participation from county businesses and encourage children to decorate bicycles and ride in the parade under the America 250 theme. Strahley emphasized that the celebration is intended to be inclusive of all communities across the county.
Each village shared its preliminary America 250 plans, and a countywide schedule of events will be compiled and released to the public in the coming weeks. In conjunction with the celebration, America 250 commemorative banner signs will be available for purchase. Villages, residents, and businesses interested in securing a banner may contact the Paulding County Engineer’s Office for details.
During the meeting, leaders were informed that the county has been awarded a $50,000 grant for a Land Development Study, which will support forward‑thinking discussions on growth, land use, and future development opportunities. Representatives from Antwerp, Cecil, Grover Hill, Haviland, Latty, and Oakwood were present to discuss the grant, along with special guest Scott Sands from the Office of State Auditor Keith Faber.
Speaking on behalf of the Paulding County Engineer’s Office, Strahley outlined long‑term plans to assist the Auditor’s office and eventually assume responsibility for countywide GIS mapping. The transition aims to improve consistency and accessibility of mapping resources, including the addition of sewer, water, internet, and gas utility layers. Enhanced mapping will support future development discussions by providing clear visibility of existing infrastructure. The county also expressed willingness to coordinate line‑locating services for villages without current mapping.
Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey provided updates on ongoing economic development efforts, including the county’s recent $638,000 Brownfield Grant award from the Ohio Department of Development and continued progress across multiple residential and commercial Land Bank projects. Copsey noted that several projects from the previous funding cycle are nearing completion and that a new project list has been prepared for the 2026–27 application. Copsey also encouraged communities to identify additional homes or lots that may qualify for the Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) Grant, which supports the rehabilitation or construction of affordable residential properties.
Village leaders concluded the meeting by sharing updates on community challenges and successes. Participants highlighted the positive momentum occurring throughout Paulding County and reaffirmed the value of these meetings as they continue to build collaboration among the county communities.
by Isabella Carwile | May 18, 2026 | Blight Projects, Brownfield, Community, Funding, Land Bank, Maumee Valley Planning Organization, PCED Office, Property Development, Residential
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release May 13, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) announced this week that it has been awarded $641,495 in brownfield grant funding from the Ohio Department of Development. The funding will support initial environmental assessment work on three former commercial properties located in the Villages of Oakwood, Payne, and Paulding.
Working in partnership with Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) and environmental consultants Tetra Tech, the Land Bank will use the grant to determine whether previous cleanup efforts at these sites were completed and to identify any remaining environmental concerns.
Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey reported that the Land Bank has received a lease contract from Arvin Environmental, owners of the former Grizzly property. Copsey and County Prosecutor Matt Miller will review the document.
The proposed lease would allow the Land Bank to sublease approximately 13 acres of the site to a solar development group. In preparation, T&M Associates, representing Arvin Environmental, has cleared vegetation on the acreage and is currently measuring the depth of the soil cap covering the former facility and asbestos material. The cap must meet a minimum depth of 24 inches before solar installation can proceed.
Environmental consultant Matt Wagner of Tetra Tech noted that there are no new updates at this time regarding the Stokely property project.
MVPO representative Abby White presented the final list of 2026–2027 commercial and residential blight projects that will be submitted to the state. While funding may not be sufficient to complete all projects this cycle, the full list will be submitted as the committee evaluates how far available resources can be stretched. White also reported no new progress on remaining 2025–2026 projects that are still open due to weather‑related delays for contractors.
MVPO’s Grady Vogel provided updates on the county’s Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) housing rehabilitation program. Vogel discussed new concerns that have arisen at the 108 S. Main Street property in Cecil and sought committee guidance on next steps. Work also continues at the 621 Sugar Street residential project in Paulding.
The committee received a construction bid for a new WHO program home on Land Bank‑owned property at 833 W. Jackson Street. In addition, the contractor expressed interest in purchasing the adjacent lot at 831 W. Jackson Street to build a second home. The committee supported the proposal, confirming that the WHO program home will need to include a minimum one‑car garage and be equipped with a stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
- Discussed a potential project in the Village of Broughton involving property owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad; further communication with the railroad is needed.
- Requested a template sublease agreement from Midwest Energy Solutions for the proposed solar field development at the Arvin site.
- Reviewed upcoming Paulding County Sheriff Auction listings for potential WHO program property acquisitions.
- Reported a current Land Bank account balance of $238,294.39.
by Isabella Carwile | May 14, 2026 | Business Advisory Council, Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, Jobs, PCED Office, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release May 14, 2026
PAULDING, OH — The Paulding County Business Advisory Council (BAC) Steering Committee convened this week to continue its collaborative work strengthening connections between local schools, higher education partners, employers, and workforce organizations. The committee’s ongoing focus includes expanding career pathways, enhancing educator engagement, and identifying new opportunities to support students while building a strong, future‑ready workforce across Paulding County.
A central topic of discussion was the continued integration of Career Technical Education (CTE) into local workforce pipelines. Members reviewed the success of last summer’s CAN program and explored additional initiatives with strong potential for replication and expansion as the county works to meet long‑term workforce needs.
Council members also examined current workforce readiness efforts and the value of existing training programs. Healthcare partners highlighted the sustained demand for medical training and shared updates on new grant opportunities that could support program growth. Apprenticeship development remains a priority, with Vantage Career Center and regional partners exploring new apprenticeship partnerships. Mike Burkholder, with the regional office of Workforce Development, will assist in aligning employer needs with student opportunities as expectations for both pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways are defined.
Antwerp Local School Curriculum Director Elyse Boyer provided updates for their school I complying with the new Ohio Department of Education requirements for CTE, noting that middle school students must now have access to career exploration and career‑based learning activities. Boyer shared that programming in computer science, agriculture, marketing, design, and robotics continues to grow. CTE continues to expand across all local districts.
Hands‑on learning remains a cornerstone of student engagement. Business presentations, demonstrations, and countywide events such as Career Day continue to expose students to a wide range of career options. Several employers emphasized the importance of job shadowing as a prerequisite for student applicants, reinforcing the value of real‑world experience.
Vantage Career Center shared updates on student engagement and upcoming discussions with local schools. Educators participating in the upcoming Career Connection Educator Day Camp will receive additional support in teaching soft skills and connecting classroom instruction to workforce expectations.
The BAC also reviewed several upcoming opportunities, including:
- Teacher Boot Camp and Career Connection Educator Day Camp — June 1–5
- Business & Education participation at the Paulding County Fair — June 6–13
- Leadership development, technical experiences, and youth engagement programs offered this summer by Northwest State Community College and Rhodes State College
In closing the meeting, Scott Strahley, representing the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, shared new ideas for a countywide America 250 celebration in conjunction with John Paulding Days. Plans include a Community Day picnic on the courthouse lawn on July 11, with hopes for school and student participation, as well as an enhanced parade featuring a bike‑decorating contest.
The Paulding County BAC Steering Committee remains committed to strengthening partnerships, expanding opportunities for students, and supporting the long‑term workforce needs of the county.
by Isabella Carwile | May 13, 2026 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, Jobs, Membership, New Business, PCED Office, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release May 13th, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Board of Directors convened recently to hear key updates on regional business support programs, workforce initiatives, and ongoing organizational priorities.
Jessica Sattler of the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) provided an in‑depth presentation on two major JobsOhio programs designed to strengthen business expansion and talent attraction across the state.
Sattler highlighted the JobsOhio Small Business Grant, which offers up to $50,000 in financial assistance to eligible Ohio companies seeking to grow their operations. She also outlined the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive, a statewide initiative supporting employers who recruit out‑of‑state STEM and technical talent. Under this program, qualifying Ohio employers may receive $15,000 per eligible new hire who relocates to Ohio and establishes permanent residency, with a maximum benefit of $225,000 for up to 15 hires.
PCED Director Tim Copsey also provided a report on his recent travel to Washington, D.C., where he and Office Manager Jessica Stechschulte represented rural Ohio at the SelectUSA Investment Summit. Copsey shared the excitement of showcasing Paulding County on an international stage, noting productive conversations with JobsOhio representatives from Columbus and abroad, as well as meetings with foreign delegations exploring investment opportunities in the United States.
Committee updates during the meeting included progress on ongoing marketing initiatives, along with recommendations from the Governance Committee regarding bylaw revisions and updated position titles to better reflect organizational responsibilities.
Board members also discussed current economic conditions within their respective sectors and communities. These conversations reinforced the Board’s commitment to supporting business growth, strengthening workforce opportunities, and addressing the evolving needs of Paulding County’s residents and employers.
by Isabella Carwile | May 8, 2026 | Business Expansion, Events, Funding, PCED Office, Shoutout
This week, the U.S. Department of Commerce hosted the 2026 Select USA Investment Summit, the largest in its history. Held May 3-6 in National Harbor, Maryland, the Investment Summit welcomed over 5,500 attendees from a record 100+ international markets and included over 1,100 economic developers representing all 55 U.S. states and territories. Locally. The economic development offices in Paulding and Williams Counties attended the event, representing rural Ohio development.
This year’s Investment Summit catalyzed more than $56 billion in new and planned investment commitments, including a record $2.5 billion in announcements made during the Investment Summit and tens of billions more in ongoing and planned investments from key international partners.
“America is the greatest place in the world to do business, thanks to President Trump’s historic trade and investment policies. We are proud to announce that participants at the 2026 Select USA Investment Summit committed $56 billion in new business commitments, strengthening and supporting thousands of high-paying American jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
The annual Investment Summit attracted several high-level administration officials, including from the National Economic Council, National Energy Dominance Council, Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Departments of State and Labor, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Six global business leaders delivered mainstage plenary remarks.
The Investment Summit also featured nine governors and 25 U.S. Ambassadors and Chiefs of Mission, along with dozens of mainstage speakers, moderators, panelists, and sponsors who contributed to the event’s success.
The SelectUSA Celebrates America’s 250 reception featured a performance by the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and a bald eagle named Lincoln to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit by the Numbers:
- 5,500+ attendees
- 2,700+ international delegates
- 1,100+ economic development organization (EDOs) representatives
- 55 U.S. states and territories represented
- 100+ international markets represented
- 9 governors
- 25 U.S. Ambassadors and Chiefs of Mission
- 200+ speakers
- 600+ tech participants
- 31 first-time rural and tribal EDOs as part of the Invest in Rural America initiative
- 1 bald eagle
Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt also announced that the 2027 SelectUSA Investment Summit will be held May 2-5, 2027 in National Harbor, Maryland.
Since it’s inception in 2011, the SelectUSA Investment Summit has directly helped generate more than $250 billion in new U.S. investment projects, supporting over 125,000 jobs across the United States and its territories.
Housed within the International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce, SelectUSA promotes and facilitates business investment into the United States by coordinating related federal agencies, serving as a single point of contact for investors, and supporting U.S. economic development organizations in competing globally for investment. SelectUSA provides market intelligence, high-level advocacy, and connections that help companies invest and grow in the United States.
