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 6, 2026 | Business Expansion, Community, Funding, Land Bank, PCED Office, Property Development, Residential, Shoutout
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 6, 2026
PAULDING — American Electric Power (AEP) Ohio has announced the Paulding County Economic Development office as one of 18 community economic development organizations across Ohio to receive a Local Economic Advancement Program (LEAP) grant.
In 2026, AEP Ohio is distributing more than $461,000 through the LEAP program to help organizations across its service territory plan their local economies’ futures, prepare local industrial sites for new businesses and support creative ways to introduce their communities to existing and prospective employers.
“These recipients are helping make their communities better places to live and work, and as a proud member of the communities we serve, we’re honored to support the important work of our neighbors,” said Zach Miller, director of economic development for AEP Ohio.
The Paulding County award will be used in conjunction with the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) grant received by the Village of Antwerp. This award additional award will help bring the electric service into the site designated for residential development and potential commercial growth.
Tim Copsey, Director of the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office explained, “This award provides the ability to stack incentives and helps us provide future affordable growth in rural Ohio. We are thankful to accept this award from AEP on behalf of the Antwerp Village. We are excited for the opportunity to see how this project improves the Paulding County.”
Seventeen local economic development organizations received a LEAP grant this year:
by Isabella Carwile | Apr 13, 2026 | Business Expansion, Community, New Business, PCED Office, Property Development, Shoutout
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release April 13, 2026
PAULDING COUNTY— Ohio Life Sciences has officially designated Paulding County as an Advanced Life Sciences Ready Community, recognizing the county’s strong foundation for supporting growth in the biotech and life sciences sectors.
This designation highlights communities that demonstrate readiness for industry investment through workforce strength, available sites, supportive zoning, and a commitment to fostering life‑science innovation. The Advanced level reflects Paulding County’s preparedness to attract and support companies in biotechnology, medical research, pharmaceuticals, and related fields.
A key factor contributing to Paulding County’s selection is its central geographic location between several major medical and research hubs, including Fort Wayne, Defiance, and Lima. This proximity provides access to larger healthcare systems, talent pipelines, and collaborative opportunities, all of which strengthen the county’s position as a competitive site for life‑science investment.
As part of the designation, Paulding County will be featured on the Ohio Life Sciences (OLS) website and included in statewide communications promoting Life Sciences Ready Communities. OLS will also share the announcement through social media venues to increase visibility among industry leaders and site selectors.
Ohio Life Sciences notes that the Life Science Ready Community program is designed to spotlight locations across Ohio that are best positioned for life‑science investment and expansion, helping companies identify communities with the infrastructure and workforce needed to support long‑term growth.
Tim Copsey, Director with the Paulding County Economic Development office commented, “We are extremely blessed to receive this designation and are thankful to the State of Ohio for seeing the potential here in northwest Ohio, and specifically in Paulding County. We are ready to assist investors in future development that will enhance the life science industry in the region.”
Paulding County is proud to receive this recognition and looks forward to leveraging this designation to support future economic development opportunities.
by Isabella Carwile | Apr 10, 2026 | Business Advisory Council, Community, Events, Jobs, PCED Office, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release April 10, 2026
PAULDING -Paulding County is celebrating another outstanding Career Day event. The annual event brought together 56 vendors and 334 students participating from throughout the county and some students from Continental school in Putnam County. The event continues to grow as a cornerstone experience for local students exploring future career pathways.
This year’s theme encouraged students to “dress to impress” and arrive ready to engage with employers, educators, and hands‑on demonstrations. The result was a high‑energy day filled with meaningful conversations, interactive learning, and real-world exposure to the opportunities available right here in northwest Ohio.
“Career Day is all about helping students discover what’s possible,” said Jessica Stechschulte, Administrative Assistant for Paulding County Economic Development. “Having the chance to speak with employers and try hands‑on activities opens their eyes to new opportunities and makes their future feel real.”
Students had the chance to explore a wide range of industries—from manufacturing and skilled trades to healthcare, business, education, and public service. Many vendors brought interactive activities that quickly became highlights. A few examples were Northwest State Community College showcasing their welding simulator, giving students a safe, hands‑on introduction to welding techniques. Baughman Tile brought a mini remote-controlled forklift, allowing students to test their coordination and learn about equipment used in modern manufacturing. Logisticize brought a new semi cab for students to sit in and experience what it is like to sit behind the wheel of a big rig, and both the county engineer and sheriff brought vehicles to sit in and enjoys as well.
These experiences helped students not only learn about potential careers but also discover new interests and talents.
Career Day continues to serve as a vital bridge between local employers and the next generation of talent. By offering direct access to resources, professionals, and hands‑on learning, the event supports the Paulding County Business Advisory Council and Economic Development (PCED) office mission to strengthen the region’s workforce and inspire students to pursue and fulfill local, future‑ready careers.
PCED extends its sincere appreciation to all participating schools, businesses, educators, and volunteers who made this year’s event a success.
by Isabella Carwile | Apr 8, 2026 | Blight Projects, Brownfield, Business Expansion, Community, For Sale, Funding, Land Bank, Maumee Valley Planning Organization, PCED Office, Property Development, Residential, Survey
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release April 8, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) committee received several encouraging updates this month as brownfield, residential blight, and housing rehabilitation projects continue progressing throughout the county.
Environmental consultant Matt Wagner of Tetra Tech opened the meeting by announcing that the Ohio EPA has issued the “No Further Action” (NFA) letter for the former JJ Ross Gas Station property in Grover Hill. The NFA letter designates an environmentally clean site and clears the final hurdle for the Land Bank to complete the sale of the property. A purchase agreement is already in place, and a closing will be scheduled soon.
Wagner also reported that the Ohio EPA has approved all documentation related to filling the west Stokely pond on property owned by the Village of Paulding. Soil testing confirmed that the fill dirt is clean, allowing continued remediation and pond bank leveling work to begin. Once final costs are known, the committee will evaluate steps for the east pond. The center pond on the property will remain untouched due to overhead AEP transmission lines. In regard to the 2026 brownfield applications submitted earlier this year, the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) has not yet announced project approvals.
Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey provided an update on behalf of T&M Associates, the environmental consultant for Arvin Environmental, owner of the former Grizzly Brake factory site in Paulding. Nearly 14 acres of foliage has been cleared to prepare for a solar field installation on the site. The clearing allows T&M to complete final soil sampling to confirm the required 24-inch soil cap over the remaining asbestos on the property, per Ohio EPA standards. Additional fill dirt will be added if needed. Once environmental work is complete, a new fence will be installed to split the property and separate the 19 acres of remaining wetlands from the solar development area. Construction of the solar field will then begin, allowing the potential of the first income-producing use of this site since 1980. The solar project development is expected to continue through 2027.
The committee then reviewed progress on the commercial and residential blight program. Abby White of Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) shared that ODOD has allocated $230,000 for Paulding County’s 2026 blight removal efforts. White estimates that 10–12 properties can be remediated with this year’s funding. The project list has been reviewed and approved by the committee and will be submitted once the ODOD portal opens. White also provided updates on several 2025 projects not yet complete and are still in the final stages of completion.
Grady Vogel, also with MVPO, reported continued progress on the county’s Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) housing rehabilitation grant. Paulding County received $300,000 in 2025 to complete ten affordable housing residential rehab or build projects by June 2027. Vogel announced that the renovation and sale of the home at 714 N. Main Street, Paulding, is now complete. Work is ongoing at 108 S. Main Street, Cecil, and 621 Sugar Street, Paulding. With one project complete and only two projects still open, the committee will begin searching and identifying additional rehabilitation homes.
Additional committee business included:
- Copsey shared updates from recent Paulding Village Council meetings regarding the former theatre lot development. This is a Land Bank-owned property under a purchase agreement with Foundations Behavioral Health, contingent on approval of a village building permit.
- Committee members attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Paulding VFW Veterans Memorial located at 220 North Williams Street. This site is a former Land Bank property that was remediated and prepared for redevelopment, then sold to the VFW.
- The committee approved a $5,000 investment into the Paulding County Sheriff Auction website to position the Land Bank to bid on future foreclosed property opportunities.
- The Land Bank reported a current account balance of $221,149.
The Paulding County Land Bank continues to advance projects that strengthen neighborhoods, return properties to productive use, and support long-term community development throughout the county. They have previously completed projects in all 12 townships and all 11 villages.
