2nd Annual Black Swamp Bash

Paulding County Economic Development Press Release                  February 9, 2025

ANTWERP – Three Antwerp businesses will be hosting the 2nd Annual Black Swamp Bash in what they  consider the “ultimate Antwerp triathlon”.  The business collaboration includes, The Upper Nine, Pin-A-Rama Bowling Alley and Hops Place.  Each business will host one leg of the event for two-person teams to compete on Saturday, March 8.

Pin-A-Rama will host bowling at 207 West Daggett Street.  Participants will bowl 20 frames of 9-pin no-tap bowling and use that score to post in the competition.  The Upper Nine golf simulators are located at 113 North Main Street.  There, competitors will play 9 holes of golf in a scramble format.

Following bowling and golf, contestants will end at Hops Place 518 Erie Street.  They will compete in a double elimination washer tournament and post final results for the day to determine the overall winners.

The event started in 2024 as the local businesses tried to find ways to get more customers inside their establishments.  23 teams signed up to compete making a fun day for all and providing a business spark in the community.  The Upper Nine owner Matt Moore remarked, “Last year we made an attempt to get some excitement generated for our businesses.  The participation was more than we initially thought it would be and the comments after were all positive and everyone said they had fun.  Based on that we felt we could have success again this year.”

Tim Copsey, Paulding County Economic Development Director also shared, “During the covid year the Flat Rock Creek Festival wasn’t able to be held.  Instead, there was a tour set up with not-for-profit groups that would have provided food at the festival.  This allowed several stops all around the county.  That event was very successful and well attended.  This Black Swamp Bash event could be something that is the beginning of a county-wide sports event that could be fun for many, just as that tour was.  It will certainly boost the local economy, and would offer the opportunity for county residents and guests to find out more about each community in the county.  We are excited these Antwerp businesses are continuing this event to see how it might grow into something larger and support its future growth potential.”

The entry fee for this Black Swamp Bash event is $100 per two-person team.  Early registrants have the opportunity for a free T-shirt.  Grab a partner and join in the fun.  For more information about the event you can check any of the business Facebook pages or contact them direct.

PCBW Episode 100 – Tim Copsey, Terry Carwile, Joe Barker (Paulding County Economic Development, My102.7 FM)

PCBW Episode 100 – Tim Copsey, Terry Carwile, Joe Barker (Paulding County Economic Development, My102.7 FM)

Episode 100!!  Can you believe we have recorded 100 episodes of Paulding County Business Weekly?  This week, My102.7 FM Station Manager Joe Barker, Station Engineer Terry Carwile, and Economic Development Director Tim Copsey sat down to discuss and reminisce about where it all began and how we developed the idea of PCBW.  Thank you to OhioMeansJobs, My102.7 FM, West Bend Printing & Publishing, Natural Design & Graphics, our show guests, and our listeners for nearly 4 years of fantastic collaboration!  PCBW would not be possible without YOU!  #pauldingcountystrong! You can tune in to Paulding County Business Weekly on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Listen to this episode or catch up on past ones online by Clicking Here or on many podcast platforms including Apple, Google & Spotify.

Paulding County Reviews Economic Strategic Plan

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.