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.
by Isabella Carwile | Mar 27, 2026 | Community, Funding, Land Bank, Maumee Valley Planning Organization, Property Development, Residential, Shoutout
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release March 27, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Reutilization Committee (Land Bank), in coordination with the Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO), have officially completed the rehabilitation and sale of the first residence funded through the Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) grant program. This milestone marks an important step in providing affordable housing opportunities for qualifying residents in Paulding County.
Paulding County was awarded $300,000 in funding through the Ohio Department of Development’s WHO program, which provides up to $30,000 in reimbursable costs per home, for as many as 10 residential rehabilitation projects. The WHO program is designed to increase the availability of safe, affordable homes while supporting revitalization efforts in communities throughout the state.
The first WHO-assisted home, located at 714 N, Main in Paulding, was recently sold to Larry Sr. and Debra Bassler, who officially closed on the property this week. “Working with the Land Bank was a great experience,” stated Larry Bassler, Sr. “They were very helpful and informative in what they were doing. They used good natured contractors that worked together as a team to complete the project. I would recommend the program to others.”
Additional WHO projects are underway in the county as the Land Bank continues its efforts to bring more quality housing options to the local market.
Estee Blair with MVPO shared, ”We’re excited to see our first home close through this program, demonstrating how strategic grant funding and partnerships can make homeownership more attainable for income-qualified buyers. We are looking for additional projects in both Paulding and Defiance Counties where these funds can help rehabilitate homes, address critical repairs, and bring more affordable housing to our communities.”
Paulding County residents interested in learning more about the Welcome Home Ohio program, eligibility requirements, or upcoming housing opportunities are encouraged to contact MVPO at 419-784-3882 or visit www.mvpo.org/WHO for additional information.
by Isabella Carwile | Mar 11, 2026 | Blight Projects, Brownfield, Business Expansion, Community, For Sale, Funding, Land Bank, Property Development, Residential
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release March 11, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Reutilization Committee (Land Bank) moved through a full agenda this week, receiving updates on brownfield cleanup, residential blight priorities, and Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) housing projects.
The county environmental consultant Tetra Tech reported that testing at the former JJ Ross Gas Station property in Grover Hill is complete and meets state standards. A “No Further Action” letter is expected from the state soon, clearing the way for the Land Bank to finalize the pending sale of the property.
“No one likes to see history and memories removed, but if we can make a positive difference in a community by cleaning up a site for future development opportunities, it’s a win,” shared Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey.
Grover Hill has been a beneficiary of several recent Land Bank projects. One project provided the development site for the current Dollar General Store, one provided adjacent property for the fire department, several blighted residential structures have been removed, and currently, the JJ Ross Gas Station corner lot remediation is nearing the end.
The committee was guided by Abby White, from Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO), and reviewed the 21 residential and municipal blight properties submitted from around the county for 2026 demolition and cleanup. With this year’s allocated funds reduced to $230,000 from the previous $500,000, the Land Bank expects to address 10–12 properties. The priority list will be submitted to the Ohio Department of Development once the application portal opens later this spring.
MVPO staff member Estee Blair updated members on the county’s WHO housing rehabilitation projects. Work is complete at 714 N. Main Street in Paulding, with a sale closing set for later this month. A second home at 108 Main in Cecil is nearing completion and also has a buyer, while a larger project at 621 Sugar Street in Paulding remains underway and does not yet have a buyer. The committee is considering participation on the Paulding County Sheriff Auction site to identify additional properties for the program. The grant allows a $30,000 reimbursement for 10 projects to be completed before the June 2027 grant deadline.
The team went into executive session with Copsey to discuss and review specifics of a potential land bank property for sale. There was no action taken coming out of the session.
Discussion also included:
- Members were informed of a current Land Bank balance of $123,436.
- Have received notification of the letter of approval from Ohio EPA to continue work at the former Stokely ponds
- Continue discussion regarding environmental review and site development at the former Grizzly property for a municipal solar field.
- Learned the Village of Latty is interested in partnering to market several village parcels for future residential development.
by Isabella Carwile | Mar 9, 2026 | Business Expansion, Community, Funding, PCED Office, Property Development, Residential, Shoutout, Workforce
For Immediate Release
March 9, 2026
ANTWERP – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced $9 million in statewide grant awards to support residential growth and workforce housing. Among the top recipients is the Village of Antwerp (Paulding County), which secured $2.3 million to advance a long-anticipated workforce housing development positioned along the US24 highway.
Other award recipients include: the City of Youngstown (Mahoning County) – $2.5 million; the City of Hamilton (Butler County) – $2.5 million; the City of Lancaster (Fairfield County) – $1 million and the City of Warren (Trumbull County) – $851,000
These five awards were selected from 48 applicants who requested a combined $99 million, placing Antwerp’s project among the most competitive and highest-ranked proposals in the state.
The project represents one of the most significant housing investments in county history and stands as a testament to persistence, partnership, and community vision.
The Antwerp development project began with the completion of the US24 highway in 2012. At that time, the Antwerp, Payne, Paulding County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) secured a purchase option agreement on approximately 30 acres in the northwest corner of the US24–State Route 49 interchange.
As more detailed marketing efforts progressed, it became clear in 2020 that the option did not include US24 frontage, nor a designated access point into the property. A critical breakthrough came when Jane and Leo Stumphy donated a residential property located between the optioned land and SR49, enabling access into the option property. Kauser Excavation removed an existing building structure on the property and leveled the ground surface. This allowed the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office to apply for and secure a $350,000 Ohio Department of Development grant to construct 300’ of easement road, surface drainage, and curbing, demonstrating to potential investors that the community was committed to a long-term growth plan.
New discussions then began with the highway frontage property owners, the Marlin family and Antwerp Community Church. One of the parcels was located in Carryall Township, the other in Antwerp Village. This led to a plethora of meetings between 2021 and 2024 involving PCED, the CIC, Village of Antwerp leadership and elected officials, Carryall Township trustees, County Commissioners, County Auditor office, County Engineer office, and two related Powell, Ohio-based investment groups—BMJW Investments, LLC and MWB Investments, LLC. These meetings ultimately brought the property all into the village and secured options on the entire 90‑acre area between Antwerp Local School and US24.
In 2025, the two Powell, Ohio‑based investment groups completed the land purchase and began planning what is now known as Antwerp Square. Their early work included surveys and environmental studies to prepare the site for potential funding opportunities. To qualify for this particular grant, the project needed to demonstrate at least 100 residential build lots, which the Antwerp Square plan meets. The awarded funds will support the extension of roads, water, sewer, and natural gas needed to bring those new homes to market.
A second access easement was now needed for the newly acquired US24 frontage. The best fit was a 1.2-acre parcel, also owned by Antwerp Community Church. It is located between the church parking lot and the Dollar General building. Although the CIC and church quickly reached a purchase option agreement, immediate funds were not available.
To bridge the gap, the CIC invited investors to sponsor the naming of the first existing easement road. Mrs. Sue Meyer stepped forward, securing naming rights as Meyer Avenue. Her family’s contribution enabled the CIC to purchase the final easement lot and complete the land control required for this project.
The Paulding County Economic Development office coordinated communication and project management throughout the 14-year process. Current PCED Director Tim Copsey emphasized the extraordinary teamwork behind the effort:
“This grant award was made possible because of the amazing collaboration of so many forward-thinking individuals, groups, elected officials, and businesses over the years that could see a goal of growing the Antwerp community together. Starting with that very first property option, positive help came through the Stumphy donation, Kauser Excavating team, Pastor Rick Grimes and the church board, the Nazarene District Board, the Marlin family, the Meyer family, Antwerp Village representatives and council members past and present, the township, PC Auditor, Engineer, Commissioners, Prosecutor, the CIC Board of Directors, BMJW and MWB Investment groups, the list goes on. At one point, seven sets of attorneys were involved.”
“It has been quite a learning experience. There was anxiety, stress, and if we are being honest, at times we thought we weren’t going to get this over the finish line. Determination guided us throughout this project. We are blessed with so much collaboration. Having the Ohio Department of Development recognize this as one of the top five workforce development projects in all of Ohio makes it all worthwhile.”
With state funding now secured, Antwerp is positioned to move forward with a residential development that will attract new families, support workforce needs, and strengthen long‑term population growth in the community and Paulding County.
