by Isabella Carwile | May 13, 2026 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, Jobs, Membership, New Business, PCED Office, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release May 13th, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Board of Directors convened recently to hear key updates on regional business support programs, workforce initiatives, and ongoing organizational priorities.
Jessica Sattler of the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) provided an in‑depth presentation on two major JobsOhio programs designed to strengthen business expansion and talent attraction across the state.
Sattler highlighted the JobsOhio Small Business Grant, which offers up to $50,000 in financial assistance to eligible Ohio companies seeking to grow their operations. She also outlined the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive, a statewide initiative supporting employers who recruit out‑of‑state STEM and technical talent. Under this program, qualifying Ohio employers may receive $15,000 per eligible new hire who relocates to Ohio and establishes permanent residency, with a maximum benefit of $225,000 for up to 15 hires.
PCED Director Tim Copsey also provided a report on his recent travel to Washington, D.C., where he and Office Manager Jessica Stechschulte represented rural Ohio at the SelectUSA Investment Summit. Copsey shared the excitement of showcasing Paulding County on an international stage, noting productive conversations with JobsOhio representatives from Columbus and abroad, as well as meetings with foreign delegations exploring investment opportunities in the United States.
Committee updates during the meeting included progress on ongoing marketing initiatives, along with recommendations from the Governance Committee regarding bylaw revisions and updated position titles to better reflect organizational responsibilities.
Board members also discussed current economic conditions within their respective sectors and communities. These conversations reinforced the Board’s commitment to supporting business growth, strengthening workforce opportunities, and addressing the evolving needs of Paulding County’s residents and employers.
by Isabella Carwile | Apr 13, 2026 | Business Expansion, Community, New Business, PCED Office, Property Development, Shoutout
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release April 13, 2026
PAULDING COUNTY— Ohio Life Sciences has officially designated Paulding County as an Advanced Life Sciences Ready Community, recognizing the county’s strong foundation for supporting growth in the biotech and life sciences sectors.
This designation highlights communities that demonstrate readiness for industry investment through workforce strength, available sites, supportive zoning, and a commitment to fostering life‑science innovation. The Advanced level reflects Paulding County’s preparedness to attract and support companies in biotechnology, medical research, pharmaceuticals, and related fields.
A key factor contributing to Paulding County’s selection is its central geographic location between several major medical and research hubs, including Fort Wayne, Defiance, and Lima. This proximity provides access to larger healthcare systems, talent pipelines, and collaborative opportunities, all of which strengthen the county’s position as a competitive site for life‑science investment.
As part of the designation, Paulding County will be featured on the Ohio Life Sciences (OLS) website and included in statewide communications promoting Life Sciences Ready Communities. OLS will also share the announcement through social media venues to increase visibility among industry leaders and site selectors.
Ohio Life Sciences notes that the Life Science Ready Community program is designed to spotlight locations across Ohio that are best positioned for life‑science investment and expansion, helping companies identify communities with the infrastructure and workforce needed to support long‑term growth.
Tim Copsey, Director with the Paulding County Economic Development office commented, “We are extremely blessed to receive this designation and are thankful to the State of Ohio for seeing the potential here in northwest Ohio, and specifically in Paulding County. We are ready to assist investors in future development that will enhance the life science industry in the region.”
Paulding County is proud to receive this recognition and looks forward to leveraging this designation to support future economic development opportunities.
by Isabella Carwile | May 5, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, New Business, PCED Office, Property Development, Shoutout
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release May 5, 2025
PAULDING—111 Beauty Lounge has now opened and will hold its open house on Saturday, May 17th. The new owner, Megan Kauser, has purchased the former Styles Unlimited business at 221 W. Wayne Street. The salon has been a cornerstone of the community since 1986. The new ownership will strive to continue great services well into the future.
111 Beauty Lounge is a full-service salon committed to providing exceptional beauty care in the region. Focusing on creating a welcoming atmosphere and high-quality services, the salon is proud to continue serving the community as a trusted destination for self-care and creative flair.
Kauser brings over a decade of experience as a licensed cosmetologist. Having honed her craft at Salon 104 in Paulding, she is known for her expertise in pedicures, manicures, nail art, and her certification in eyelash extensions. She has been performing this work and building clientele for six years.
“I’m thrilled to take on this new chapter and honored to carry forward the legacy of Styles Unlimited,” said Kauser. “Our goal at 111 Beauty Lounge is to create a welcoming and relaxing space where clients can feel their best. We look forward to serving the Paulding County community with personalized, high-quality beauty services.”
Styles Unlimited was originally established by Konnie Gerber, who dedicated over 39 years to her craft as a beautician, creating countless, unforgettable moments for her clients. Kauser looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence while introducing her services with her unique touch.
111 Beauty Lounge will also offer a variety of beauty treatments designed to meet the needs of individuals and families across the area. For more information or
by Isabella Carwile | May 5, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, New Business, PCED Office
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release May 5, 2025
PAULDING – Pet owners across Northwest Ohio have a reason to celebrate!
Scoop Patrol Champs (SPC) is a professional dog waste removal service dedicated to keeping outdoor spaces clean, safe, and pet-friendly. Proudly serving all of Northwest Ohio, the company provides flexible, affordable services to meet the needs of pet owners, families, and businesses
SPC currently serves many nearby cities and villages of Paulding, Defiance, Antwerp, Payne, Bryan, Hicksville, Napoleon, Oakwood, and is open to serving other pet-occupied properties in the region.
Founded by Melinda Bidlack, SPC is built on the belief that every pet deserves a clean, safe play space and that busy pet owners deserve a break. “Our mission is simple,” said Bidlack. “We help keep backyards waste-free so families can enjoy their space without the mess and stress. We’re proud to be the go-to crew for clean, pet-friendly outdoor spaces.”
SPC offers flexible scheduling options to suit any need, including weekly, biweekly, monthly, or one-time cleanups. With affordable pricing and no long-term contracts, their services are perfect for private homes, apartment complexes, dog-friendly businesses, and homeowners’ associations (HOAs).
With a mission to give families, pet owners, and businesses one less thing to worry about, Scoop Patrol Champs is here to help create cleaner yards and happier pups—one scoop at a time. For more information or to schedule a service, visit www.scoop-patrol-champs.com or call 419-438-5026.
by Isabella Carwile | Apr 17, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, New Business, PCED Office, Shoutout
ANTWERP – This week, H&W Napa Automotive opened their new expanded location at 5141 Road 424 in Antwerp. Additionally, the new store brings a hardware store back to the community as it includes a Do It Best Hardware. With the expanded space comes expanded store hours. The retail store will now be open Monday through Friday, 7 am-6 pm, and Saturday, 8 am-12 pm. The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting to commemorate the opening.
Pictured left to right: Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey, chamber member Sue Fowler, store manager Brandon Headley, owners Randy Headley & Jared Headley, and chamber members Shelly Walker, Heather Matusiak, and Jennifer Ankney. *picture by Angel Steiner, West Bend Printing & Publishing
by Isabella Carwile | Mar 11, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, New Business, Shoutout
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release March 11, 2025
ANTWERP – A new childcare-related business will be opening in the village. Co-owners Sierra Halter and Cheyenne Brown are putting their history of childcare experiences and social work to good use by opening the SunnyPatch Playroom.
The SunnyPatch Playroom, LLC is an organized and nurturing space where children can go to learn, play, and grow in a nurturing environment. The business was born from Halter and Brown’s shared dream of creating a space where families from all over the region can connect, play, and celebrate.
Founder Sierra Halter had a lifelong business dream and decided to combine business with her years of hands-on childcare experience. Her childcare background will allow her to balance the new business operations with a deep commitment to fostering student creativity, emotional growth, and cognitive development.
Cheyenne Brown brings a social work background and combines that with a similar passion for creating positive childhood experiences. Having years of experience supporting families, she understands the importance of family-friendly spaces. Her shared creativity and love for children shape SunnyPatch into a joyful, imaginative playroom where families can connect, celebrate, and grow with each other.
Together, the passionate owners are dedicated to offering a safe, community environment where children can thrive. The team will aim to attract children ages 1-6 years old but will offer a baby area for any child 12 months and under. The hope is to grow the business enough to get bigger play equipment to attract kids 7-10 in the future.
Located at 201 South Main Street, they invite you to an open house on Saturday, April 5 from 10 am-3 pm. The Playroom will then be open Monday through Thursday 8 am-3:30 pm; Friday 8 am-12 pm and Saturday from 8 am-10 pm. There will be timeslots available on Fridays to reserve the space for private play sessions and on Saturdays or Sundays to celebrate birthdays or other parties. You can learn more about the business through their Facebook or Instagram page.
