by Isabella Carwile | Jan 16, 2026 | Blight Projects, Brownfield, Business Expansion, Community, Funding, Land Bank, Property Development, Residential
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release January 19, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) opened its first meeting of 2026 with updates on several major housing, brownfield, and blight-removal initiatives underway around the county.
The meeting began with a discussion involving a collaborative six-county Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) grant application. Estee Blair of the Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) is coordinating the regional grant request on behalf of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, and Williams counties. The joint application was submitted to the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) ahead of the January 16 deadline, with the goal of securing funding that would then be distributed to all participating counties through MVPO.
The conversation then shifted to open and ongoing WHO-funded projects already taking place within Paulding County. In 2025, the county was awarded $300,000 to complete ten residential rehabilitation projects before a June 2027 deadline. Three projects are currently active. Work at 714 N. Main Street in Paulding is nearing completion and will be the first of the ten required county projects finished. Additional rehabilitation efforts are underway at 108 S. Main Street in Cecil and 621 Sugar Street in Paulding. More projects are expected to begin as current projects complete.
Environmental consultant Matt Wagner of Tetra Tech reported that all remediation work is complete at the former JJ Ross Gas Station site in Grover Hill. The final step prior to sale is the issuance and receipt of a No Further Action letter from the Ohio EPA.
Wagner also confirmed that the Land Bank will submit new brownfield applications for the 2026 funding cycle. Proposed projects include environmental reviews at 126 S. Main Street in Payne, 501 North Avenue in Oakwood, and 495 E. Perry Street in Paulding. Additional site funding may also be applied for at the former Spartech Plastics facility, pending review of recent environmental data and coordination between the current property owner and the Land Bank.
MVPO’s Abby White then provided updates on the county’s 2025 Commercial and Blight Removal Program. Only a few properties remain in the open pipeline, and the program’s funds are expected to be fully utilized as those projects conclude. The committee then began reviewing the remaining 2025 projects that were not allocated funding and added newly submitted 2026 proposals. A finalized list will be submitted soon for the county’s $250,000 2026 allocation.
Additional committee business included:
- Reported a current account balance of $157,631.21
- Work updates on open brownfield projects at the Grizzley and Stokely sites in Paulding
- Establishing property maintenance plans for Land Bank-owned property ahead of spring
- Approving a meeting date change to February 4 due to member scheduling conflicts
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 admin@villageofantwerp.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.
by Isabella Carwile | Oct 31, 2025 | Community, Funding, PCED Office, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PAULDING – The Paulding County Economic Development Office is excited to announce it has been awarded a $4,000 grant from Norfolk Southern through their Thriving Communities Grant Program. This generous funding will help support the upcoming Youth Business Showcase event by providing essential tools for our young entrepreneurs to thrive.
“This grant from Norfolk Southern is a powerful investment in our youth. It allows us to equip young entrepreneurs with the tools, confidence, and visibility they need to bring their ideas to life and connect with our community in meaningful ways.” — Jessica Stechschulte, Paulding County Economic Development.
The Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that bolster local economies and promote long-term resilience. From sustainability efforts and job training to community-building programs, the grant empowers nonprofit and community organizations working to create lasting impact.
About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a 22-state freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver approximately 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S. It serves a majority of the country’s population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as major ports across the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.
