PCBW: Doug Schlatter – (Schlatter’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air)

PCBW: Doug Schlatter – (Schlatter’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air)

Hear it here! This week on Paulding County Business Weekly, we’ll hear from the owner of Schlatter’s Plumbing, Heating and Air, Doug Schlatter. Listen in as Doug shares how a strong work ethic can lead to fulfilling the dream of owning your own business, and how investing in your employees can help a business grow. Thanks to OhioMeansJobs, you can tune in Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Click Here to Listen Online! Paulding County Business Weekly is also available in podcast form through Apple, Google & Spotify. #pauldingcountystrong
Grover Hill Dollar General Groundbreaking 10 20 2023

Grover Hill Dollar General Groundbreaking 10 20 2023

GROVER HILL – October 20, 2023 was a historic day in Paulding County, and specifically the Village of Grover Hill, as a groundbreaking event was hosted for the construction of a new Dollar General store.  It was noted that events like this are what bring positive change to communities and what people will look back on in 25 or 50 years and identify as a community building day.  There are not a lot of these days noted recently in the history of the village, but Grover Hill residents have made the most of those that have.  According to Paulding County historian Walter Lang, the last two commercial buildings that were developed in the village limits were the Bud Stratton Dairy Dip in 1962; and Oakwood Deposit Bank in 1978.  Nearly 30 people took the time to attend here today.

This project’s realization has been years in the making, and stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. The visionary efforts and forward-thinking of the Paulding County Land Bank Committee members were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.  The Land Bank Committee consists of:  Commissioner Mark Holtsberry, Paulding County Treasurer Lou Ann Wannemacher, Commissioner Mike Weible, Mike Kauser representing Paulding County Townships, Paulding Mayor Greg White representing the county villages, and Paulding County Prosecutor Joe Burkard.  The land bank purchase and demolition of the existing building on the property at the time, helped kick off this this venture that commenced several years ago.  It was in part due to discussions with former county commissioner Roy Klopfenstein and then Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Director Jerry Zielke, who played pivotal roles as members of the project committee.

Rural development relies on local investment and collaborative efforts, as emphasized by current PCED Director Tim Copsey, who stated, “It takes collaboration. We wish to express our gratitude to our partners in this project including: Mayor John Moon and the Village of Grover Hill; Josh Allen with Cross Development, the PC Land Bank; and local property owners Mark and Janette Figert along with Loy and Katherine Taylor.  Without all of their dedication to seeing this project to the end this would have not been possible.”

Klopfenstein, now District 82 member of the Ohio House of Representatives, and village Mayor John Moon, both spoke a few words of thanks to the attendees and the efforts of the Paulding County Economic Development office and the collaboration as well.

It was noted that this event ties right in with many other great things taking place in and around the village with the recent opening of the Grover Hill Lions Club Community Center, a functioning Lifewise program, and the upcoming site revitalizations in the old Grover Hill Depot building and blacksmith shop through the Paulding County land bank.

In the photo from left to right: Mark Holtsberry, Tim Copsey, Lou Ann Wannemacher, John Moon, Mark Figert, Loy Taylor, Roy Klopfenstein, Josh Allen.

Former Grizzley Brake property remediation discussion continues

Paulding County Economic Development Press Release                                      October 10, 2023

Former Grizzley Brake property remediation discussion continues

PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Bank met for their October meeting this week.

The meeting led off with Paulding County EPA Consultant Matt Wagner, from Tetra Tech, sharing positive communication from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in regard to the man-made ponds located on the former Grizzley Brake property.  There is just over 2.5 acres of the entire 37 acre property that is actually protected as “wetlands”.  As long as this part of the property is left alone, the rest of the property can be remediated for future commercial use.

The property has recently changed owners as the new owners, Cummins Engine, have acquired the assets of Arvin Environmental Management, LLC.  With the change of ownership, and positive communication from USACE , a meeting has taken place between Wagner, Land Bank representative Mike Kauser, and Tim Copsey with Paulding County Economic Development office.  The group has developed a plan forward for Cummins investment into immediate foliage clean-up and fence repair  around the overall brownfield property.  Remediation inside the fence will come from state allocated funds.  All parties are excited with the discussion, immediate, and future plans of the site.  Also noted, with less concern, is the remediation of the old Stokely Factory site, located across the road to the west of the Grizzley site.

There are also new brownfield projects being submitted for consideration and review.  A former grain mill property, currently owned by Patriot Rail in the Village of Antwerp, and the former Winkle building in Paulding, currently owned by the village.  Grant applications will be submitted to fund EPA testing to determine if there are hazardous materials in either structure.

Estee Miller with Maumee Valley Planning Organization brought the group up to date in regard to the county residential blight program.  Five projects have been submitted to the state to use up remaining Round 1 funds.  The state recently confirmed remaining funds could still be used by each county.

Additionally, residential and commercial properties have been identified by the Land Bank for use of Round 2 funds.  To date, Miller has received 5 confirmed applications from property owners around the county.  Many more have been contacted by Miller & Copsey. The committee has opted to proactively reach out to additional property owners in a concerted effort to maximize the utilization of the $500,000 in county-allocated funds for blight removal.

The meeting closed out with open discussion of several new project thoughts and how the group might best use county land bank proceeds to benefit the county overall.

For more information please contact Paulding County Economic Development or  Maumee Valley Planning Organization. 

PCED’s 23rd Annual Business & Industry Appreciation Banquet

PCED’s 23rd Annual Business & Industry Appreciation Banquet

The Paulding County Economic office Development proudly presents the 23rd Annual Business & Industry Appreciation Banquet. This event, scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Grant’s Catering in Antwerp, offers a unique opportunity for networking with local, state, and regional business partners. It will also showcase PCED’s accomplishments throughout the year and honor local business achievements.

The evening kicks off with a social hour from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. The night will be enriched with musical performances by the Vivace String Duo featuring local talents Carman Martin and Elsie Manz.

PCED members are entitled to two complimentary banquet reservations, while additional guests can attend for $40 per person. Secure your spot by RSVPing before October 24 by contacting Office Manager Kristen Schilt at 419-399-8295. Payments for additional guests can be made in advance or on the event night.

Economic Development Director Tim Copsey commented, “2023 has been a remarkable year for the county, and we are eagerly looking forward to celebrating with our valued partners and community members at this networking event.”

For more information, contact Kristen Schilt at office@pced.net or RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/7gWfNZnFSSWaGWnVA

PCBW: Matt Moore – (The Upper Nine)

PCBW: Matt Moore – (The Upper Nine)

Hear it here! Our next guest on Paulding County Business Weekly is Matt Moore. Matt and his wife, Mandy, are the owners of The Upper Nine golf simulator. This new business is located in the upstairs of a downtown Antwerp building. Listen in to hear how the business came about and our discussion of what entrepreneurism can look like in a rural community. You’ll also hear about some of the funding and grant opportunities that can be provided through your local economic development office. Thanks to OhioMeansJobs, you can tune in on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Click Here to Listen Online! Paulding County Business Weekly is also available in podcast form through Apple, Google & Spotify. #pauldingcountystrong

PCBW: Alycen Urban, Paula Stout, Cindy Sinning – (Community Healthcare Professionals (CHP) Home Care & Hospice Group)

PCBW: Alycen Urban, Paula Stout, Cindy Sinning – (Community Healthcare Professionals (CHP) Home Care & Hospice Group)

Hear it here! Our next guests on Paulding County Business Weekly are from CHP Home Care & Hospice. Hear from Alycen Urban, event coordinator of the local CHP Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction; Paula Stout, nursing supervisor; and Cindy Sinning, business development for Paulding County. Learn about the history of this group that developed from Visiting Nurses. We discuss the services they provide, as well as employment opportunities and scholarships for nursing students. Thanks to OhioMeansJobs, you can tune in on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Click Here to Listen Online! Paulding County Business Weekly is also available in podcast form through Apple, Google & Spotify. #pauldingcountystrong