by Isabella Carwile | Jun 5, 2025 | Business Advisory Council, Business Expansion, Community, Events, PCED Office, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release June 5, 2025
LATTY – The Paulding County Business Advisory Council (BAC) gathered for their second quarter meeting last week. It was the first meeting since the school year ended. This second quarter meeting is always scheduled in conjunction with Teacher Boot Camp to allow teachers to join in the meeting. The hope is that with more educators being introduced to local business leaders, more collaboration will take place in the future.
The group met at the Latty Mercer Landmark facility. Their newly expanded facility and state-of-the-art conference room allow enough space to host all participants. The meeting brought in 17 guests for the meeting.
Introductions were made before the group was updated about the current Teacher Boot Camp agenda. Mercer Landmark was the 12th business stop of 13 scheduled during the three-day tour. Tours during the week were provided at all three county schools, Paragon Tempered Glass, PC Hospital, North American Stamping, H.E. Orr Company, Robert’s Manufacturing, virtual tour at Cooper Farms, Baughman Tile, Vantage Career Center, Mercer Landmark, and Haviland Plastics.
Monday opened the camp at the Western Buckeye ESC office and included 10 different business/social service group presentations on site. The Paulding County Commissioners, PC Engineer, Limitless/PC Workshop, PC Sheriff Department, First Financial Bank, OSU Extension, OhioMeansJobs, Wessler Engineering, and Foundations Behavioral all presented on day one. In addition, Ashland University had a representative introduce information to get all the teachers signed up so they could receive CEU credit for participating in the camp.
Moving past the boot camp discussion, Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Director Tim Copsey facilitated discussion about the Business & Industry Career Day Expo held in April. Great thoughts were shared by the group as to how the intent of the day needs to be more clearly identified. Are we looking at this event as a career hiring event, or just an informational day for students to learn more about employment opportunities in the county? It was decided that more discussion will need to take place to determine that answer. However, new thoughts were shared in regard to resume building and exchange, soft skill preparation for discussion, eye contact and communication, attire, and overall presentation. This could provide better interaction between the schools and local business leaders.
The discussion then turned to the Vantage Career Center Adult CNA healthcare program. Now that high school students can be included in this adult instruction program, the county is looking at ways to include the students who have the desire to attend this training during the summer. This would allow employment opportunities in areas with local healthcare providers during the summer months as well as the school year. Adult Director Angie Fahy provided scheduling updates with the group and then how they can potentially fund the student fees. The group is excited to see this program move forward for the first time, to see how it can be built upon in the future.
Information was provided for the county fair that started this week. Businesses, colleges, and schools have the opportunity to set up a booth in the business buildings at the fair and promote themselves. It’s a great opportunity to market or interact with the general public. The interest in these spaces is up, and more businesses than ever before have reached out, so space is limited.
The attendees from the local schools and colleges each provided updates as to their interaction with local businesses. Indiana Tech and Northwest State both shared upcoming meeting and opportunity dates, as did representatives from the Wayne Trace HS STEAM Center.
The next meeting will be held on August 13 at the PCED office. For more information about the Paulding County Business Advisory Council or how to get in contact with the group, please reach out to Jessica Stechschulte at the economic development office at 419-399-8295 or office@pced.net.
by Isabella Carwile | May 14, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, PCED Office, Property Development
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release May 14, 2025
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Reutilization Committee (Land Bank) gathered for their May meeting recently. The group worked through a full agenda of open project updates, current project planning, and discussed what future projects could look like.
Matt Wagner, with Tetra Tech Environmental group, shared updates on several brownfield-funded projects:
- The former grain mill building in Antwerp, located on the Patriot Railroad-owned site, has been removed. The last piece will be site finish work to make space for the grain wagon and grain truck parking.
- The former JJ Ross gas station building, located in Grover Hill, has been removed. The site has been backfilled with stone, however, soil sampling has indicated petroleum in some soil, so further testing will be required. Once the data results are reviewed, it will help determine how much additional soil will still need to be removed. The remaining pieces of the cement parking lot will also be removed during final site completion.
- The Paulding Village owned Stokely pond property remediation is temporarily on hold awaiting results in regard to pond depth. The weather has played havoc with getting a boat out on the water to determine water depth. Knowing the depth will help the excavation team develop and understand a required work plan.
- The Paulding Village-owned utility building, at the corner of Perry and Main Streets, is awaiting state funding approval for asbestos remediation to make it a clean building and an easier discussion for its future.
The former Grizzley Brake facility property is now being remediated by its owners own environmental team, T&M Associates. Owner Arvin Environmental has recently allowed their environmental team on site to draw soil samples on the residential properties, located on the east side of the property. Results are expected soon and will help determine next steps. Additional testing will continue to take place inside the 33 acre fenced area.
Maumee Valley Planning Organization partner Abby White then shared updates in regard to the Residential/Commercial Revitalization Program. Some of the bigger projects are in process or are already in the queue for demolition:
- The removal of the 11 trailers, on the Land Bank owned property located at the north end of Main Street in Paulding, has begun. Dangler Excavation started removing trailers and the cement pads they sit on. Once this project completes the surface will be levelled, filled with topsoil and planted to grass until future development is determined.
- Following the trailer court project, Dangler will move forward with remediation at the Paulding County Library Annex building at 119 S. Main Street in Paulding; former car wash building, located at 316 S. Main Street in Antwerp; and the tile barn building located at 204 Harrmann Road in Antwerp, near the school.
- The fencing is around the perimeter of the former Faith Alive church building located at 220 N. Williams Street in Paulding. The clearing of this site will make room for the future Paulding VFW veterans’ memorial. Guest John Daeger attended, representing the VFW, and shared concerns about verifying compacting of backfill soil. This is critical for the setting of some of the granite memorial pillars. White will confirm compaction with the demolition team, Advance Demolition of McClure, Ohio, which was awarded the bid for this project.
Discussion from White then turned to estimating remaining funds from the $500,000 county allocation and identifying a next round of potential projects.
The committee then discussed additional grant funds. Indication from the Ohio Department of Development is that Paulding County has been awarded $300,000 of Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) grant funds. Unlike the demolition funding, these funds must be used to rehabilitate properties or residential structures. As the legal documentation is completed, the committee discussed several opportunities for current Land Bank-owned properties and potential new purchases to identify the best use of the funds. No decisions were made at this time.
The next meeting will take place on June 11 at 8:30 am in the commissioner’s office.
by Isabella Carwile | May 5, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, New Business, PCED Office, Property Development, Shoutout
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release May 5, 2025
PAULDING—111 Beauty Lounge has now opened and will hold its open house on Saturday, May 17th. The new owner, Megan Kauser, has purchased the former Styles Unlimited business at 221 W. Wayne Street. The salon has been a cornerstone of the community since 1986. The new ownership will strive to continue great services well into the future.
111 Beauty Lounge is a full-service salon committed to providing exceptional beauty care in the region. Focusing on creating a welcoming atmosphere and high-quality services, the salon is proud to continue serving the community as a trusted destination for self-care and creative flair.
Kauser brings over a decade of experience as a licensed cosmetologist. Having honed her craft at Salon 104 in Paulding, she is known for her expertise in pedicures, manicures, nail art, and her certification in eyelash extensions. She has been performing this work and building clientele for six years.
“I’m thrilled to take on this new chapter and honored to carry forward the legacy of Styles Unlimited,” said Kauser. “Our goal at 111 Beauty Lounge is to create a welcoming and relaxing space where clients can feel their best. We look forward to serving the Paulding County community with personalized, high-quality beauty services.”
Styles Unlimited was originally established by Konnie Gerber, who dedicated over 39 years to her craft as a beautician, creating countless, unforgettable moments for her clients. Kauser looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence while introducing her services with her unique touch.
111 Beauty Lounge will also offer a variety of beauty treatments designed to meet the needs of individuals and families across the area. For more information or
by Isabella Carwile | May 5, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, New Business, PCED Office
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release May 5, 2025
PAULDING – Pet owners across Northwest Ohio have a reason to celebrate!
Scoop Patrol Champs (SPC) is a professional dog waste removal service dedicated to keeping outdoor spaces clean, safe, and pet-friendly. Proudly serving all of Northwest Ohio, the company provides flexible, affordable services to meet the needs of pet owners, families, and businesses
SPC currently serves many nearby cities and villages of Paulding, Defiance, Antwerp, Payne, Bryan, Hicksville, Napoleon, Oakwood, and is open to serving other pet-occupied properties in the region.
Founded by Melinda Bidlack, SPC is built on the belief that every pet deserves a clean, safe play space and that busy pet owners deserve a break. “Our mission is simple,” said Bidlack. “We help keep backyards waste-free so families can enjoy their space without the mess and stress. We’re proud to be the go-to crew for clean, pet-friendly outdoor spaces.”
SPC offers flexible scheduling options to suit any need, including weekly, biweekly, monthly, or one-time cleanups. With affordable pricing and no long-term contracts, their services are perfect for private homes, apartment complexes, dog-friendly businesses, and homeowners’ associations (HOAs).
With a mission to give families, pet owners, and businesses one less thing to worry about, Scoop Patrol Champs is here to help create cleaner yards and happier pups—one scoop at a time. For more information or to schedule a service, visit www.scoop-patrol-champs.com or call 419-438-5026.
by Isabella Carwile | Apr 17, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, New Business, PCED Office, Shoutout
ANTWERP – This week, H&W Napa Automotive opened their new expanded location at 5141 Road 424 in Antwerp. Additionally, the new store brings a hardware store back to the community as it includes a Do It Best Hardware. With the expanded space comes expanded store hours. The retail store will now be open Monday through Friday, 7 am-6 pm, and Saturday, 8 am-12 pm. The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting to commemorate the opening.
Pictured left to right: Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey, chamber member Sue Fowler, store manager Brandon Headley, owners Randy Headley & Jared Headley, and chamber members Shelly Walker, Heather Matusiak, and Jennifer Ankney. *picture by Angel Steiner, West Bend Printing & Publishing
by Isabella Carwile | Apr 10, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, PCED Office, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release April 9, 2025
PAULDING – Lisa Lawson, Project Manager for Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Center for Regional Development (CRD), held a grant writing workshop at the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office here. The session empowered 16 local professionals, representing 13 individual businesses, by equipping them with essential skills to navigate the often complicated world of grants.
Lawson introduced attendees to valuable resources designed to streamline the grant-writing process and enhance their chances of securing funding for their initiatives. “CRD is happy to support our rural community partners as part of our mission under the state-funded Rural Universities Program -to support local economic, community, and public health initiatives. It is also part of our mission at BGSU to serve the public good,” stated Lawson.
Participants explored a wide range of grant exploration opportunities and reviewed critical details needed for submitting effective strategies and pre-planning and successful applications. The attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of the grant landscape, ready to transform their newfound knowledge into actionable results for their organizations.
With the help of the BGSU-CRD team, the PCED office remains committed to fostering growth and empowering local businesses with tools and resources for long-term success.
