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.
by Isabella Carwile | Feb 25, 2026 | Business Advisory Council, Community, Events, Jobs, PCED Office, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release February 25, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office will host its annual Paulding County Career Day on Tuesday, April 9. The event will take place at the Paulding County OSU Extension Building, located at 503 Fairground Drive from 8a-12p. The event is open to the public from 8a-9a.
High school students from Antwerp, Paulding, Wayne Trace, Continental, and Vantage Career Center will be attending this event to explore career pathways and engage with participating businesses, colleges, and nonprofit organizations.
“Last year, we welcomed more than 51 businesses and colleges, and we are anticipating another strong turnout this year. We encourage employers and institutions seeking talent to contact us for details on participating,” said Jessica Stechschulte, Director’s Assistant at Paulding County Economic Development.
The event is for mor than just hiring a future workforce. The event to to show students what products are made her in the county and the region. It gives employers an opportunity to share their business name, their logo, and engage with students to help them feel comfortable if the need to find employment down the road.
This year, through Business Advisory Council discussions, the schools and businesses have decided to have the students prepare resumes and “dress to impress” to make it a more meaningful event for everyone involved.
To sign up to display, or for additional information, please contact Jessica Stechschulte at of****@**ed.net.
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 | 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.
