by Office Manager | Jan 24, 2024 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, Jobs, Membership, PCED Office
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release January 18, 2024
RGP presents JobsOhio Inclusion Grant to Paulding County
PAULDING – Jessica Sattler, with the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP), recently came to Paulding County to present to local small business owners and leaders about an available business grant opportunity. The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant (JOIG) is available to businesses located in the zip codes of Broughton, Cecil, Oakwood and Paulding villages. In addition, the grant is available to female, veteran, disabled or minority owned businesses throughout the county. Fifteen businesses were represented at the meeting by 16 individuals.
The RGP team is the NW Ohio arm of JobsOhio. They help oversee 17 counties in northwest Ohio, including Paulding County, in economic development projects and grant opportunities. With the JOIG opportunity, businesses that are over a year old and provide business to business services with at least $100,000 in annual revenue (but not over $25 million) are eligible to receive a $25,000 reimbursable grant. An additional $25,000 is available to female, veteran, disabled or minority owned businesses that are located in the above-mentioned zip codes. There is a requirement of increasing full time employment, within your business by 10%, over the next three years. A business that has 10 or less employees would only need to increase by one full-time equivalent. Last year Paulding County had two qualified businesses that applied and both received this reimbursable $25,000 grant.
The event was hosted at the Paulding Eagles and organized by the Paulding County Economic Development office, in conjunction with RGP and the Paulding & Defiance OhioMeansJobs office. OMJ Workforce Supervisor Tiffany Rockhold shared several business partnership opportunities with attendees to make sure they were aware of the many options available through the OMJ office.
“The attendance of this event far exceeded what we expected, which shows that our business leaders are engaged and paying attention to opportunities our office is sharing,” stated Economic Development Director Tim Copsey. “The questions and discussions that evolved out of this meeting to both Jessica and Tiffany were informative. It’s great to see so many business leaders participating and thinking outside the box. We are now using the knowledge that we gained from this presentation to reach out and meet with other business owners that weren’t able to attend and share in this opportunity”.
If an Ohio business would like to learn more about this grant opportunity and qualifications, please reach out to your local economic development office for more information.
by Office Manager | Jan 5, 2024 | Business Expansion, Events, Funding, New Business, Property Development
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release January 5, 2024
JobsOhio Inclusion Grant Info Session for Local Businesses
Paulding County – Local business owners are invited to an informative session on the JobsOhio Inclusion Grant, presented by Jessica Sattler from the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP).
Date: Wednesday January 17, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Paulding Eagles, 206 W Perry St, Paulding
This session will highlight grant opportunities for businesses in the specific communities of Paulding, Broughton, Cecil, and Oakwood. Qualifying businesses may access a $25,000 grant. Additionally, minority, female, disabled, or veteran-owned businesses may qualify for further funding opportunities.
To attend, RSVP to Paulding County Economic Development at office@pced.net or call 419-399-8295.
by Office Manager | Dec 13, 2023 | Community, Events, Jobs, Workforce
PAULDING, OH – Baughman Tile Company recently hosted the final Paulding County Business Advisory Council (BAC) meeting for 2023. The quarterly meetings are open to all business professionals and educators, located in and around Paulding County, that are interested in developing communication between the two sectors. The goal is to make sure a pipeline of opportunities are available for students, and residents alike. The meeting continues to grow as a new record of 37 guests attended.
Eric Baughman, Vice President of Direct Sales with Baughman Tile, welcomed all guests to the facility and gave just a brief overview of the facility, now under its fifth generation of leadership. The Paulding County Economic Development team of Director Tim Copsey and Office Manager Kristen Schilt then shared the agenda and introduced James Ricker, Coordinator of Workforce Development and Community Partnerships with Rhodes State College, who discussed apprenticeship and other workforce opportunities with attendees.
The agenda for this fourth quarter meeting was education heavy as the BAC Steering Committee works to make stronger connections with business leaders and educators. Northwest State, Ohio Northern, Defiance College, Rhodes State and Indiana Tech were all in attendance. Rhodes State, Vantage Career Center, Western Buckeye Educational Service Center and all three county high schools updated the BAC on projects or plans they are working on or looking to initiate.
Copsey then shared that the Paulding County College, Business and Industry Expo has been scheduled at the Paulding County Fairgrounds for Thursday, April 4, 2024. This is a growing event that currently brings all Paulding County junior and senior students on site to meet with businesses, armed services and educational providers from the region. Copsey explained that this is not aimed at being a hiring event, but more so an event that allows students to learn about and understand all the great businesses and employment opportunities in the region for future employment. Great discussion followed in how the event might be improved with businesses offering hands-on opportunities and if there could be younger classes of students invited to participate.
The first quarter BAC Steering Committee meeting in will be hosted at the PCED office on February 7 from 1-2pm. The BAC meeting will then be held on Wednesday, March 6 at a time and site to be determined.
by Administrative Assistant | Nov 3, 2023 | Community, Events
Julie Anna Densmore
Paulding County Economic Development
PAULDING- Last weekend, stylist Kara Relyea of Hair Off The Square hosted a Cut-A-Thon event to benefit Children With Hair Loss (CWHL), a non-profit organization that makes natural hair wigs for children and young adults with medically-related hair loss.
Held at the Paulding Eagles on Saturday, October 14th, Relyea rallied with friends, family, business owners and members of the community to provide free haircuts, a free will donation dinner and a variety of items for live and silent auction. An Art Me Party with a fall fairy, face painting, glitter tattoos and Justin the Clown were all there to provide plenty of entertainment for the kids.
Relyea’s five-year-old daughter, Aubree, was diagnosed with a form of Alopecia at just three years old. By the time Aubree turned four and was about to start preschool, she had lost all of her hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. Worried about how the kids in school might treat her, Aubree grew insecure and was afraid to go. Needless to say, Relyea was concerned for her daughter who everyone knew to be such a confident child.
Relyea reached out to Children With Hair Loss, and by Aubree’s first day of preschool, CWHL had provided her with a wig. With her sense of security and confidence renewed by the good people at CWHL, Aubree started going without her wig and was soon thriving and loving school.
Wanting to give back to a cause that gave her family so much, Relyea hosted a Cut-A-Thon for hair donations and to raise funds and awareness for CWHL. The Paulding County community did not disappoint. While Relyea had been collecting hair for donation prior to the event, 31 people had their hair cut at the event, and 88 ponytails were donated that night. With prior donations, Relyea had a total of 140 ponytails. With each wig requiring 10 – 20 ponytails, Relyea potentially provided enough natural hair to create 14 wigs. Without the help of CWHL, a family would expect to pay around $1,500 for a natural hair wig.
With free will donations from the dinner provided, and from the donated items for auction, Relyea raised a total of $7,008 the night of the auction. With additional donations and Cut-A-Thon sponsors, the whole event brought in a total of $11,639.
CWHL Founder Regina Villemure informed Relyea that with the exception of the group they partner with known as The Longhairs, Relyea’s Cut-A-Thon brought in the highest amount any Cut-A-Thon has ever raised.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone involved, this was a huge community and group effort and so much was put into it. Every single person involved has made a huge difference in a lot of kids’ lives, and know you are the reason a child will have a boost of confidence. I cannot wait to present everything to Children With Hair Loss on November 3rd,” said Relyea.
A special thanks to the event sponsors and donors which included: Jason Moore; VFW Post 587; attorney Shane Lee; MTJ Farms, Matt and Christy Stoller; Boyd’s Automotive; Gene and Mary Anne Baughman; Dr. Wendell Spangler; Cooper Hatchery; Paulding Eagles; Lisa and Doug Bragg; Black Angus on Main; and numerous clients and friends of the Relyea family who donated towards the event as well.
Also, a special thanks to guest speaker Taylor Hesseling who shared his own story of coping with Alopecia and has helped raise awareness for the disease.
Relyea is planning another Cut-A-Thon 2024 that will differ from this year’s event and hopes the community will join in again next year.
For more ways you can help children with hair loss, visit childrenwithhairloss.org.
by Administrative Assistant | Oct 16, 2023 | Events
Stylist Kara Relyea of Paulding’s Hair Off The Square is hosting a Cut-A-Thon Saturday, October 14 at 3 p.m. at the Paulding Eagles located at 206 W Perry St.
Relyea has partnered with the non-profit organization Children With Hair Loss (CWHL) to help raise awareness, funds and natural hair to provide wigs for children and young adults facing medically related hair loss.
This cause is very close to Relyea’s heart. Relyea’s five-year-old daughter, Aubree, has an autoimmune disorder known as Alopecia. Before Aubree turned four years old, she had lost all of her hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. Set to start preschool that August, Aubree was afraid to go, worried how the kids in school might react. All those who knew Aubree knew her to be a confident child, and to see her struggle weighed heavily on her family.
The Relyeas reached out to Children With Hair Loss, and by the time Aubree was ready to start school, the organization had provided her with a wig. Aubree went to school on day one with her wig and gradually started going without it. The organization had not only given her what she needed to feel secure, but it also gave her back her confidence and the ability to thrive and she grew to love going to school.
Aubree turns six in February, and though this is a condition she will live with forever, Relyea reports that her hair is growing back and she has her brows and lashes back. “Giving back to Children With Hair Loss is just a tiny fraction of what they have given back to us,” says Relyea.
CWHL Founder Regina Villemure, a former cosmetology instructor, stylist and hair replacement specialist, started CWHL after her niece, Sarah, was diagnosed with Leukemia at age three. Through Sarah’s five years of chemotherapy treatments, Villemure witnessed many children who had lost their hair and wore synthetic wigs made for adults. Given Villemure’s experience in the hair industry, she knew human hair looked most natural on children, however, natural wigs are very costly and knew most families were unable to afford them. From this experience, Villemure made it her mission to “Cover Young Heads to Heal Young Hearts.”
Each wig costs $1,500 to make. Relyea hopes to raise money for wigs and donate hair that will go to other children who can be helped as much as Aubree has.
Relyea expressed her immense gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying “This community has shown us so much love and grace, there is nowhere else I want to live and raise my children. The response we have already gotten for this event is beyond mind-blowing. God has given us an opportunity to give back and I am so thankful we have the community to help do this big.”
100% of the hair and proceeds donated at this event will go directly to (CWHL). For those willing to donate their hair, it must be at least 8 inches in length. Haircutting will begin at 3 p.m. followed by a free will donation dinner at 5 p.m. and the live auction to begin around 6 p.m. Be sure to bring all the kiddos as there will be an Art Me Party with face painting, rock painting, and a visit from Justin the Clown at 6 p.m.
For more ways you can help children with hair loss, visit childrenwithhairloss.org.
by Office Manager | Oct 11, 2023 | Community, Events, Membership, PCED Office
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
