by Isabella Carwile | Feb 11, 2026 | Community, Events, Jobs, PCED Office, Workforce
HICKSVILLE – The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office recently coordinated an exploratory learning tour at Sabre Industries in Hicksville, Ohio. The tour included more than 40 students from Antwerp Local, Paulding Exempted Village, Wayne Trace Local Schools, and the Paulding County Opportunity Center. Students who indicated an interest in a welding future were treated to an up-close look at large-scale welding operations tied to Sabre’s steel pole fabrication and production.
Through collaboration with Defiance County Economic Development Director Erika Willitzer, the PCED office learned that Sabre is actively seeking a large number of welding and production employees to support its expanding production needs. In response, PCED worked with Sabre Industries administration team to organize a tour for students who expressed interest in welding careers, giving them the chance to see the profession in action and better understand the skills required.
The Sabre admin team shared valuable information with students about the overall company, but specifically the Hicksville facility. Discussion included safety, quality, production aspects, and employee benefits.
“This experience was valuable on multiple levels,” explained PCED Director Tim Copsey. “Some students realized welding wasn’t the right fit for them, while others left more excited and hope to pursue the trade. Both outcomes are wins—career exploration is about clarity, not pressure.”
The tour served as a pilot for what PCED hopes are more future workforce-focused field experiences. PCED will be gathering student feedback on what worked well, what could be improved, and what additional elements would make future tours even more impactful.
Copsey is encouraging local employers to consider hosting similar student tours, “If your business needs to build a future workforce, now is the time to open your doors. If you don’t have a pipeline of employees ready to step in, or if you have team members nearing retirement, it is time to introduce students to your industry to help secure your workforce for tomorrow.”
The next collaborative workforce event will be the Paulding County Career Day. It is scheduled for April 9 from 8:00a to 12:00p at the county fairground campus. This event brings together all junior and senior students countywide. Businesses throughout the region that are interested in participating or arranging a facility tour are encouraged to contact the PCED office to reserve a spot.
by Isabella Carwile | Feb 11, 2026 | Business Advisory Council, Community, Events, Jobs, PCED Office, Workforce
PAULDING – The Paulding County Business Advisory Council (BAC) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Paulding Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2405. The Paulding Eagles will host future lunch‑and‑learn meetings. The collaboration reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to uniting business, industry, and education in support of local workforce development.
The February meeting featured updates on several upcoming student‑business interaction events across the region. This week, more than 40 Paulding County students toured the Sabre Industries facility in Hicksville, Ohio to learn about their business, welding, and manufacturing career pathways. The event was a joint communication effort between Paulding County Economic Development and Defiance County Economic Development.
Antwerp High School Principal Jessie Arnold shared details about the school’s new Junior High Career Connections event taking place next week. Fourteen area businesses, representing a range of industry clusters, will meet with students to discuss career opportunities, mentoring possibilities, and how early exposure can help guide future high school course planning.
Paulding High School Panther for Careers Coordinator Shawn Brewer provided an update on the after-school welding class led by instructor Staci Miller. The program collaborates with Northwest State Community College (NSCC) and the economic development office to coordinate credentials. The class will take a tour at Mansfield Welding soon, and bring additional industry presenters to the classroom to broaden student to business exposure.
Wayne Trace High School Curriculum Director Tim Manz noted that the STEAM program continues to evolve and looks for additional business partnerships to connect students with real-world problem-solving scenarios.
Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey announced updates in regard to the county’s summer educator program. Formerly known as Teacher Boot Camp, the initiative will now be called the Career Connection Educator Day Camp. Educators will have the option to register for a single day focused on math, science, social studies, arts/specials, or ELA career connections, or attend the full week to earn CEU credit.
Representatives from NSCC and Rhodes State explained upcoming adult and school-aged student learning events that are coming up at their respective schools.
Looking ahead, the BAC discussed several major events planned for 2026, including:
- County Career Day on April 9 at the Paulding County Fairgrounds
- Business displays at the Paulding County Fair in June
- Build Your Future skills development event that will be held in partnership with Vantage Career Center at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds in September
These initiatives reflect the BAC’s continued commitment to strengthening the county’s talent pipeline and creating meaningful connections between students, educators, and employers.
For more information about the Paulding County BAC or to get involved, please contact the Paulding County Economic Development office.
by Isabella Carwile | Dec 18, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, Membership, PCED Office, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release December 18, 2025
PAULDING — The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Board of Directors recently convened its December meeting.
Guest speaker Roni Bakle of Keller Logistics introduced and explained the K.A.V.I.C. program (Keller Assists Veterans in Crisis), now serving Paulding, Williams, and Henry counties, providing financial support for veterans in need. The hope is to make more people aware of the program in the future.
Treasurer Jeff Mumma reported strong account balances, year-over-year. Membership contributions for 2025 remained steady, and 2026 membership inquiries are in the mail. The board approved the financial report for audit.
Director Tim Copsey provided information on multiple projects around the county, including the recent authentication notice from the JobsOhio team, in regard to the 43-acre Paulding Industrial Park site. There was also an update on the Small Business Innovation Center (SBIC), noting full occupancy on the first floor level and current open office spaces upstairs.
It was shared that Lisa Becher, consultant with the NW Ohio Small Business Development Center, requested county support for entrepreneurial funding. With a positive investment from each of the five counties she serves, there could be a matching grant available. The board approved a donation to the Northwest State Community College Foundation to assist with Paulding County business startups.
A full discussion took place in regard to open board positions. President Jim States, Secretary Sarah Noggle, and board member Brett Wagner have all reached their term limits. The board acknowledged their investment of time, effort, and excellent service to the board and the county and wished them the best going forward.
In other business:
- The Banquet Committee shared that 187 member guests attended the November banquet.
- The Personnel Committee will begin the process of filling open board seats immediately.
- The Governance Committee will begin reviewing the strategic plan for 2026 updates
- Set the 2026 meeting and banquet dates
by Isabella Carwile | Dec 18, 2025 | Business Advisory Council, Community, Events, Funding, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release December 18, 2025
PAULDING — The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center and Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) recently convened the Q4 Business Advisory Council (BAC) at the OSU Extension building, highlighting continued collaboration and innovation in workforce development.
The meeting opened with a discussion on the group’s identity, exploring potential name changes to better reflect its mission. Suggestions included “Community Workforce Development Committee,” “ALIGN Paulding,” and “PACE (Paulding County Alliance for Career and Education).” Following a good discussion, the committee opted to table the decision for future consideration.
Attendees celebrated the success of the Youth Business Showcase and explored merging it with the Next Gen Youth event to create a unified platform for student entrepreneurship and creativity during Small Business Saturday. A committee will work through the details.
A standout highlight was the STNA training initiative, where four Paulding County students earned certification through Vantage Career Center’s Adult Education program. Thanks to a generous contribution from Baughman Tile, a manufacturing facility unrelated to healthcare, all students participated at no cost—an example of cross-sector collaboration driving rural workforce solutions.
PCED Director Tim Copsey elaborated, “It will be this type of collaboration and discussion in future BAC meetings that allow businesses in a rural county like Paulding to sustain and grow. Kudos to Baughman Tile for this investment in our youth and to Vantage Career Center for providing the opportunity.”
Additional topics included:
- Plans to expand the welding cohort at Paulding High School and introduce CDL training.
- A February tour of Sabre Industries for students interested in welding and manufacturing.
- Updates on Teacher Bootcamp funding and potential support from many sources, including OhioMeansJobs.
- Upcoming student-business engagement events in 2026, including career fairs, open houses, and STEAM nights across the county.
To learn more or get involved with the Paulding County BAC, please contact the Paulding County Economic Development office.
by Isabella Carwile | Nov 19, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, Property Development, Shoutout, Survey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Village of Antwerp – Mayor Jan Reeb
Antwerp, OH — The Village of Antwerp is advancing plans to replace the deteriorated water main and add storm drainage along Canal and Wentworth Streets. In February 2024 the Village Administrator submitted a Community Development Block Grant application to help offset project costs for the Canal‑Wentworth project. Engineering services for the project were completed by CT Consultants.
Project Scope
- Project limits: Begins at the corner of Main Street and Canal Street; continues west to the intersection of Canal and Wentworth Streets; then proceeds north to West River Street.
- Work proposed: Replace the existing water line and storm drainage. Install new water lines and storm drainage. Add storm catch basins where none currently exist or where the system is deficient.
- Engineer: CT Consultants completed the engineering services and prepared the pre‑bid cost estimate.
Funding and Cost Estimate
- Grant requests: A Community Development Block Grant application was filed in February 2024. The Village Administrator plans to pursue a second funding request through the Ohio Public Works program in the amount of $400,000 in September 2026. The village will also seek a 0% interest loan to fund the balance.
- Critical Infrastructure Grant award amount: $500,000.
- Estimated pre‑bid cost: $2,021,000 (engineering estimate).
Benefits to the Community
- Improved public safety: Replacing the aging water line reduces the risk of breaks and service disruptions.
- Better stormwater management: New storm drainage will reduce localized flooding and improve roadway and property drainage.
- Long‑term infrastructure resilience: The combined water and storm system upgrades will extend the useful life of neighborhood utilities and support future maintenance efficiency.
Next Steps and Contacts
- Upcoming actions: Finalization of grant awards, preparation for bidding, and coordination of construction timelines contingent on funding outcomes. The Village will share project timelines and public notices once funding status and contractor selection are confirmed.
- Contact: For more information or media inquiries contact Village Administrator Brian Davis at 419.258.2371 ext. 1, or ad***@**************rp.com.
by Isabella Carwile | Nov 13, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, PCED Office, Property Development, Survey, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release November 13, 2025
PAULDING – Representatives from the villages of Cecil, Grover Hill, Latty, Oakwood, Paulding and Payne gathered for the fourth quarter Paulding County Mayors Association and Zoning Inspectors met this week at the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office.
The meeting kicked off with guest speaker Maria Martinez from the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission. Maria shared her role in advocating for Latino communities across the state and highlighted the services available to support diverse populations.
Oakwood Mayor Josh Duslak followed with an overview of Ohio House Bill 331, offering insight into how the proposed legislation could impact smaller villages like ours.
Estee Blair, representing Maumee Valley Planning Organization, gave an in-depth update on the WHO (Welcome Home Ohio) grant and what it means for local homeowners. She walked attendees through the eligibility requirements, the types of repairs the grant can cover, and how to begin the application process. Her presentation sparked a lot of interest, with several attendees asking thoughtful questions about timelines, income guidelines, and how the program might support aging homes in our area. It was clear that many saw this as a valuable opportunity to make much-needed improvements while easing the financial burden
Sarah McCabe, Paulding County Auditor, joined the meeting to provide clarity on local zoning maps and address questions related to zoning regulations. She explained how zoning impacts property use and development, and helped attendees understand how to access and interpret the maps for their own parcels. Sarah also broke down the differences between taxes assessed on mobile homes versus traditional housing, noting how factors like location, ownership, and property classification can affect tax rates.
An open discussion followed, focusing on the various projects currently underway throughout Paulding County. Attendees shared updates on ongoing initiatives from infrastructure improvements and community development efforts to local business growth and grant-supported programs. The conversation also looked ahead to 2026, with participants exchanging ideas and outlining goals for the coming year. Topics included potential funding opportunities, ways to strengthen village services, and strategies to keep residents informed and engaged as plans take shape.
The Paulding County Mayors Association / Zoning Inspectors meeting will meet again in February. Presenters for the upcoming agenda will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
