by Office Manager | Sep 11, 2023 | Community, Membership, New Business
OAKWOOD – A staple Paulding County venue for outdoor activities held a kick-off event here to introduce their fall line-up on Saturday. Paulding County Economic Development hosted a ribbon cutting for Auglaize Canoe & Kayak, on the Weller Farm, to unveil their two new corn mazes and many other events and opportunities for the 2023 fall season.
The biggest attraction is the nine-acre corn maze. This year the maze will be patterned for the logo of the Cooper Farms 85th business anniversary celebration. Also headquartered in Oakwood, family-owned Cooper Farms is the county’s largest employer and one of the largest employers in the region. Liz Weller, Auglaize Canoe and Kayak business owner shared how the collaboration came about, “Cooper Farms is a huge supporter of our business, as well as being family friends. They give so much to our community and we wanted to acknowledge that by honoring their anniversary in our corn maze.” 
In addition to the large corn maze, new this year is a smaller fall themed maze that allows for younger family members to also participate in the fun. There will be upcoming announcements on a trick-or-treat event hosted inside the maze and also an evening flashlight event.
If corn mazes aren’t your thing, guests can walk through the four-acre pumpkin patch and pick your own pumpkin, or choose one of the already picked pumpkins. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
Also available is a wagon ride through the farm and along the beautiful Auglaize River. The family owned 1947 Allis Chalmers tractor will pull a wagon full of guests on a guided tour of straw bales complete with “celebrity themed” scarecrows. The ride continues on a spectacular fall view lane along the river through a skeleton themed carnival tour with a fan favorite celebrity participant at the end to complete the ride.
In addition, there are many other opportunities for guests of all ages to participate or view. Fall wouldn’t be complete without fresh-pressed apple cider, which the Weller family makes on site with their antique cider press and has full gallon or half gallon options available for purchase. There is putt-putt golf, a youth barrel train ride, a playground including a child size cabin, a campfire pit to enjoy sitting near the river by the fire or cooking smores, ample fall picture setting opportunities for fall themed senior or family pictures, selfies, beautiful fall nature in general, and much more. The canoe and kayak livery continues to be open and available as well. Participating food trucks will be on site on weekends.
The Weller Farm, owned by Doug & Bonnie Weller, started hosting the Canoe & Kayak venue in 2013. As business and attendance picked up, additional opportunities were offered. In 2021 the pumpkin match and corn mazes were added. The Wellers continue to listen to feedback from guests to continue to improve. This also helps with new business thought and growth each year. The farm is now the largest importer of guests to Paulding County. In 2022 the facility hosted more than 10,000 customers. Business is well on pace to exceed that number in 2023.
Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey commented, “This ribbon cutting event today is just another great, historic piece in joining Paulding County quality-of-life opportunity with business. Auglaize Canoe & Kayak is the largest importing business we have, bringing guests into the county from all over the region during the summer season. Adding these fall offerings just carries that on for several more months. Now partnering with Cooper Farms, one of our largest business product exporters, just solidifies the collaboration efforts we continue to promote for sustainability and growth in the county. The Coopers and the Wellers are outstanding families in Paulding County and always think of others first. Providing opportunity and giving back to the community just comes natural in their DNA. We are blessed to have these great folks and their businesses located in Paulding County.”
Come out and see everything the farm has to offer for a quick visit or spend the day. Whether you live in the city and yearn to feel a little bit of the natural outdoors, or live in the country and experience this atmosphere all the time, Weller Farm offers a new experience for you. The farm, located at 24821 Road 207 just off the Putnam/Paulding County line road, is open 9a-5p on Saturdays and noon-5p on Sunday, through October 31. There is also opportunity to schedule weekday and evening events by appointment. The farm has hosted school field trips, youth groups and family reunions, but there is always room to discuss options for any other group opportunities for interested guests. For admission pricing or more detailed information, call 419-594-3456, visit the website www.auglaizecanoe.com or check their social media on Facebook or TikTok.
by Office Manager | Mar 13, 2023 | Events, Jobs, Membership, PCED Office, Workforce
The Paulding/Defiance County Ohio Means Jobs (OMJ) office hosted a recent business workshop for Paulding County businesses. The event was facilitated by the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) at the Paulding Eagles community room.
The event was intended to educate business owners on services, tax credits and reimbursement programs available to employers through OMJ and Job & Family Services offices.
Tiffany Goings, Workforce Supervisor for Ohio Means Jobs, opened the meeting and presented OMJ’s Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) and On-The-Job (OTJ) Training reimbursement programs.
The IWT program is for employers interested in upskilling or training an employee for a different skill. OMJ will provide reimbursement for 50% of the training cost. To be eligible, the employee must be full-time and employed for at least six months.
The OTJ program is for potential candidates an employee would want to bring onto their workforce. Before an employee goes through the onboarding process, they’ll meet with the OMJ career coach team to determine their eligibility, and if they are eligible, they can receive 50% of their hourly wage, up to $13,000 or six months, whichever comes first; meaning an employer can put $13,000 back into their business to train and bring on a new hire.
OMJ also offers pre-hire assessments, drug screens, background checks, job postings on their ohiomeansjobs.com website, and services to post to social media. All of these services are available at no cost to businesses.
Greg Warren, Ohio Means Jobs Program Administrator, demonstrated how to navigate the OMJ website, i.e. employers posting their job listings, establishing metrics and guidelines for resume mining to find the ideal candidate, and managing their online accounts.
Presenter B.J. Knutson, Program Administrator for the Office of Workforce Development, presented the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), a federal tax program for employers who hire eligible individuals from defined targeted groups, many of which have barriers to employment. “There is no cap on the amount of dollars that the IRS is offering,” explains Knutson. This program can also be used in conjunction with OTJ training and apprenticeship programs.”
Tech Cred was then presented and explained by Tori Atkinson, Executive Director of Workforce Development Client Services for Northwest State Community College. TechCred, a workforce training program, provides reimbursement dollars to Ohio companies that have W2 employees. Reimbursement is provided for qualified businesses when they train and upskill their workforce in short-term, technology-focused, industry-recognized credentials. Atkinson describes the program as “a win-win. Ohio is winning because your companies are winning as you train your individuals and upskill them.”
Since the start of the program in October 2018 and through 2022, over 2100 employers have applied for TechCred, equaling $24.3 million. 57,000 plus credentials have been awarded and funded through the program. “We have companies in our area that have applied [every round] since October of 2018. The application portal is currently open. The window opened on March 1, 2023, and closes at 3 p.m. on March 31, 2023. The next round will begin in May.
There are currently over 2000 credentials that are pre-approved on the list. “When the program launched, there were just over 400, and the only way to have credentials added to the pre-approval list is by employers. Training providers, universities, community colleges, don’t have the ability to request to have something added. This is completely an employer-driven system.” Participants were guided through a sign-up form for the Ohio program. For more information, to begin the application process, visit www.techcred.ohio.gov.
The meeting closed out with quick presentations from Ivy Tech, Ft. Wayne; Northwest State and Rhodes State Community Colleges as the shared how each could assist businesses in using the Tech Cred office.
by Office Manager | Nov 3, 2022 | Community, Events, Membership, PCED Office
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release November 2, 2022
Paulding County Economic Development hosts annual banquet
ANTWERP – The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office recently hosted their annual Business and Industry Appreciation Banquet. Over 200 guests gathered at Grant’s Catering in Antwerp to network and join in the evening event.
Key-note speaker for the evening was Dr. Marty Miller, Superintendent of Antwerp Local School. Dr. Miller shared his Paulding County upbringing and compared the vast difference in today’s business climate with the climate when he graduated in the early 1980’s. Dr. Miller emphasized that culture trumps strategy, noting that the current business culture dictates future decisions for graduates each year. As a Paulding County graduate, and now working with today’s youth, Dr. Miller has seen both ends of the spectrum first-hand.
PCED Office Manager Kristen Schilt presented four new county business videos to market the businesses to the group. The videos for Ties & Bows Craft Shop, Antwerp; Pin-A-Rama Bowling, Diner & Pizza, Antwerp; Fur-Tastic Pups Dog Grooming, Cecil; and Maid to Achieve Cleaning Services, Paulding were created in conjunction with the Paulding Putnam Electric Co-op marketing team, PCED Board member Sarah Noggle and Schilt.
Economic Development Director Tim Copsey introduced PCED board members: Larry Manz, President, representing business and industry; Jim States, Vice-President, Oakwood Development Corp; Jeff Mumma, Treasurer, Financial Institutions; Sarah Noggle, Secretary, OSU Extension; Mike Kauser, Township Association; Bud Koenig, Planning Commission; Greg White, Mayors Association; George Carter, Paulding Community Improvement Corporation; Brett Wagner, at-large member; Ryan Whitaker, at-large member; Don Oberlin, Antwerp/Payne/Paulding County Community Improvement Corporation; and Joe Burkard, legal council but non-voting member.
Copsey shared many incredible statistics in regard to the 2022 business success of Paulding County. It was presented in the annual report that the current investment membership includes 234 business and individual entities from around the region. There were ten of those businesses identified by having been investment members of PCED for 20 years: Arthur Mutual Telephone Company, Paulding County Carnegie Library, Pleasant Valley Golf Course, Insource Technologies, Harrison Township, Tri-County Roofing, H.E.Orr Company, Village of Antwerp, Village of Cecil and the Village of Paulding.
Additionally, there was $65,302,241 capital investment reported by businesses in the county. Another point was that there have been 22 commercial property sales reported in the county this year. This brings the 3-year total to 56 properties changing hands since 2020.
Also noted was 191.92 new miles of fiber-optic cable put into the ground in 2022 with additional projects still being submitted. The hope is to use high speed internet as a draw to keep young people in the county and to offer an opportunity to bring back those that work from home.
Copsey then shared a narrative of how the business climate may change in the future with two 1000+ acre “mega” development sites within 20 miles of Paulding County. One is located just east of the Paulding County line in Defiance County, and the other in Van Wert County along US30. The development of one, or both of these sites, could drastically change and affect the Paulding County economy unless we plan ahead. There was additional presentation in regard to the subject.
PCED board President Larry Manz opened the event by welcoming attendees and sharing that for the second consecutive year, the economic development office posted 30% income growth over the previous year. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, a nourishing meal was served by Grant’s. Wonderful dinner music was provided by Vivace String Duo.
by Office Manager | Aug 10, 2022 | Membership, New Business, PCED Office
PAULDING – The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Board met this week with all board members present. John Kobee, President of PCED Diamond Investment Member Antwerp Exchange Bank, and former PCED Board Chair, was invited to update the board about the bank. Kobee spoke on current events with the bank branches in Antwerp, Payne and Harlan, IN, and shared some incite on current banking conditions. Kobee also shared what it means for the bank to be an active community participant and investment member with the PCED office. The group agreed in whole that this collaboration is beneficial to both parties and all the residents and communities they serve.
PCED Director Tim Copsey then updated the board on office business. Copsey announced the Small Business Innovation Center, which is a small business incubator office space managed by the PCED office, is at capacity. The eight finished offices are all currently being rented. Discussion with the board followed as there is still room for two additional spaces to be developed. The board approved estimates be obtained to develop these last two spaces. A determination from the board of how to move forward will take place upon receipt of the estimates.
It was shared that private membership investment into the PCED office is up 13.5% over the 2021 record year. At this point in 2022 there have been 31 new investment members added to the roster. Copsey asked the board to continue providing investor leads for the office to follow up on and add as potential opportunities to add even more members in the future.
Discussion took place in regard to the strategic plan for Paulding County. A draft of decided goals was recently presented from the board. Copsey presented some possible tracking for reaching those goals to the group. Pertinent discussion followed and a decided forward path was developed. This path will tie into future director presentations to the board and will be monitored for depth of value in the future.
Copsey shared that it has recently been agreed by all three county community improvement groups in the county (Antwerp/Payne/Paulding County, Paulding Village & Oakwood Village) to collectively meet and share some thoughts and ideas. This has been discussed in the past but this was the first time it was suggested by the groups themselves. A near future date will be set for the discussion.
The regular business agenda followed including:
Board consent for Copsey to attend the upcoming annual Ohio Economic Development Summit in Dublin, OH October 4-6.
Banquet update for the annual event to be held at Grant’s Catering in Antwerp November 1, 2022
Financial Committee update to discuss current budget and projections.
Executive session to discuss future salary and benefit packages for new and existing office employees.
The board will meet again in a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 13, 2022
by Office Manager | May 4, 2022 | Community, Funding, Membership, New Business, PCED Office
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release April 27, 2022
Collaboration builds and supports Paulding County business growth PAULDING COUNTY, OH – The Paulding County Area Foundation (PCAF) and the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office have once again collaborated to promote Paulding County business growth. The PCAF has contributed $20,000 to the PCED office to be used in small business loans. The loans can be used for any variety of expenses that could include: business start-up costs, equipment upgrades, facade improvements, etc. It would be asked that the loans be paid back, at a very low interest rate over an extended period of time, so that the funds would continue to be available for future businesses and investment.
Tim Copsey, PCED Director explained, “The partnership between these two county entities has always been strong. Lisa (McClure) and her board have been one of the biggest supporters of PCED, all the way down to providing us office space. But this collaboration piece goes above and beyond, in true promotion of business growth and expansion in the county. If we could turn this money over two or three times, just imagine how many businesses this could touch and support around the county.”
The conversations began with PCAF Director Lisa McClure and Copsey discussing the surrounding counties and how their foundations were interacting with economic development. Some were heavily involved, some weren’t involved at all. The question became if PCAF and PCED wanted to develop and test a new opportunity and begin something that could offer a small, but quick benefit to the county business community.
“During covid there were businesses that stated they would do some growth or expansion but just needed a little seed money to get started. They weren’t exactly sure how covid was going to affect their bottom line. It would have been great to have this in place to help them jumpstart their ideas,” stated Copsey. “Since covid has tapered off, similar type of requests continue to come into the office. We believe this loan program will really assist in putting these small ideas into real projects that assure businesses of their idea and perhaps further enhance business, employment, include financial institutions, and basically grow the county bottom line” he continued.
McClure presented the opportunity to her PCAF board and they were in full support, “Our board was fully engaged in this grant opportunity. Promoting growth to the residents of Paulding County, in part, is the mission statement of the Paulding County Area Foundation. We look forward to many more partnerships with Paulding County Economic Development as we continue to further enhance the business of Paulding County”.
Loan applications are available through the PCED office. For those that employ less than ten full-time employees, and meet the established eligibility guidelines, there will be loans of up to $2500 considered. The business that qualify will receive their funds and have a ninety day grace period before a repayment schedule is provided for payment over the next 18 months. All repaid loan funds will be returned back into the account for future use.
“We cannot thank Lisa and the Paulding County Area Foundation board enough for believing in us enough to make these funds available and helping develop this opportunity” closed Copsey. The Paulding County Area Foundation contributed funds to the Paulding County Economic Development office to be made available for area businesses. The collaboration will allow businesses that have ten full time employees or less to apply for a low interest improvement loan.
Pictured above (L-R): Area Foundation Director Lisa McClure, Economic Development Director Tim Copsey, and George Carter, member of both boards.
by Office Manager | Apr 22, 2022 | Community, Events, Jobs, Membership, PCED Office
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release April 20, 2022
PCED hosts Career Day Showcase
PAULDING, OH – The Paulding County Economic Development office hosted a Career Day
Showcase event here this week. The event, held at the Paulding County Fairgrounds, was the
first in the county in three years. Businesses, colleges, not-for profit groups, and government
offices displayed and highlighted their businesses to the junior and senior classes from all three
Paulding County schools.
The event ran from 8am-12noon with students arriving at the top of each hour. The Vantage
Career Center students from Antwerp, Paulding and Wayne Trace schools were invited to
attend the first hour. Each school then brought their students on the hour for forty-five
minutes. CHEP-C homeschool students and the public were invited to attend at any time.
“It was great to see the students asking valuable questions about hiring, job duties and getting
a better idea of what our local businesses do. A few even filled out job applications on the
spot! While some left with seasonal or full-time jobs in mind, all left with extra knowledge of
what opportunities we have here in Paulding County.” stated Economic Development Office
Manager Kristen Schilt.
Students were provided a “passport”. The passports suggested a variety of questions to ask
presenting businesses to help create conversation. Each student was invited to talk to a
minimum of five businesses and have the business sign their passport. Completed passports
were entered into a drawing for two $25 gift gas cards per school. The cards were sponsored
by National Oil & Gas, Inc. They provide fuel to Marathon gas stations all over the county.
Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey noted, “The event far exceeded
what we hoped to create and achieve today. The excitement of the businesses and colleges to
get in front of the students again was a great positive, but to see the interaction of the students
in front of the presenters today, for the first time in years, was worth all of the time and effort
put into this event.” Copsey continued, “The county Business Advisory Council meetings have
provided interaction between the PCED office, county businesses, and school officials and
certainly helped facilitate this event coming back. With our office going in and meeting with
students a couple times this year, to help prepare them for this event, it seemed to make the
students more comfortable with us. The bridges that were built today between students and
business leaders was truly impressive to watch.”
This was the first event that the fairly new economic development office staff was able to host
since taking their PCED positions. They noted their thankful appreciation for the help of Vicky
Steele who has helped prepare this event for the PCED office in the past.
