by Office Manager | Feb 14, 2024 | Business Expansion, Membership, New Business, PCED Office
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release February 14, 2024
New Paulding County Business Back Wall Archery opens
DEFIANCE – A new full-service archery sales and repair service facility has opened for business.
Back Wall Archery, owned by Thomas Cameron, established business located in Paulding County at County Road 171, Defiance, Ohio 43512, in Ohio on September 20, 2023 and opened up the shop on November 27.
Cameron had been working on his own, his family and some friend’s equipment for a couple years. During that time, he continued to develop a greater love for archery and working on the related equipment. The more he worked, the more those he helped encouraged him to go out on his own. “For years I’ve had the love for archery and loved working on my own bow. I wanted to provide the community with great service, along with fast service, for their archery equipment,” Cameron stated.
With the company now certified in the State of Ohio, Cameron is hoping to work with archers in the region that shoot compound or crossbows. In addition to providing archery equipment, arrows and accessories, Back Wall Archery is able to provide fletching repair on arrows along with strings and cables on bows.
The company originally reached out to the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office for guidance of how to begin. The office recommended a meeting with Lisa Becher, NW Ohio representative for Ohio Small Business Development. Using the information provided through those meetings and discussions, the business established and Cameron was able to turn back to the PCED office for additional help.
“Working with Thomas has been great as he dives into his business journey! We tackled his initial hurdles head-on by securing a small business loan and getting him enrolled in our marketing program. These resources, made possible through our collaboration with OhioMeansJobs and the Paulding County Area Foundation, are just some of the ways we’re able to help our local businesses.” shared Kristen Schilt PCED Office Manager.
For questions about the business, inquiries and business hours, contact Cameron at 419-438-6870, backwall.archery@gmail.com or check out Back Wall Archery on Facebook.
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 19, 2023 | Business Expansion, Community, Jobs, Membership, New Business
Join us Tuesday and Thursday at 8 AM and 5 PM on 102.7 FM for a new PCBW episode with Angie Freese, representing Antwerp Main Street Business Center, Hormann’s Heating & Cooling, and Geenex Solar. Missed it on air? No problem, catch the episode anytime on your favorite podcast app. Angie talks us through a new affordable office and meeting space at Antwerp Main Street Business Center, which is perfect for small, new, or existing businesses looking for offices or meeting spaces. Plus, hear details about Hormann’s and Geenex Solar. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss! Thanks to our sponsor; OhioMeansJobs of Paulding County for allowing us to share more about our businesses with the community through this program!
LINK TO LISTEN ONLINE
by Office Manager | Oct 20, 2023 | Business Expansion, Community, New Business, Property Development
GROVER HILL – October 20, 2023 was a historic day in Paulding County, and specifically the Village of Grover Hill, as a groundbreaking event was hosted for the construction of a new Dollar General store. It was noted that events like this are what bring positive change to communities and what people will look back on in 25 or 50 years and identify as a community building day. There are not a lot of these days noted recently in the history of the village, but Grover Hill residents have made the most of those that have. According to Paulding County historian Walter Lang, the last two commercial buildings that were developed in the village limits were the Bud Stratton Dairy Dip in 1962; and Oakwood Deposit Bank in 1978. Nearly 30 people took the time to attend here today.
This project’s realization has been years in the making, and stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. The visionary efforts and forward-thinking of the Paulding County Land Bank Committee members were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. The Land Bank Committee consists of: Commissioner Mark Holtsberry, Paulding County Treasurer Lou Ann Wannemacher, Commissioner Mike Weible, Mike Kauser representing Paulding County Townships, Paulding Mayor Greg White representing the county villages, and Paulding County Prosecutor Joe Burkard. The land bank purchase and demolition of the existing building on the property at the time, helped kick off this this venture that commenced several years ago. It was in part due to discussions with former county commissioner Roy Klopfenstein and then Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Director Jerry Zielke, who played pivotal roles as members of the project committee.
Rural development relies on local investment and collaborative efforts, as emphasized by current PCED Director Tim Copsey, who stated, “It takes collaboration. We wish to express our gratitude to our partners in this project including: Mayor John Moon and the Village of Grover Hill; Josh Allen with Cross Development, the PC Land Bank; and local property owners Mark and Janette Figert along with Loy and Katherine Taylor. Without all of their dedication to seeing this project to the end this would have not been possible.”
Klopfenstein, now District 82 member of the Ohio House of Representatives, and village Mayor John Moon, both spoke a few words of thanks to the attendees and the efforts of the Paulding County Economic Development office and the collaboration as well.
It was noted that this event ties right in with many other great things taking place in and around the village with the recent opening of the Grover Hill Lions Club Community Center, a functioning Lifewise program, and the upcoming site revitalizations in the old Grover Hill Depot building and blacksmith shop through the Paulding County land bank.
In the photo from left to right: Mark Holtsberry, Tim Copsey, Lou Ann Wannemacher, John Moon, Mark Figert, Loy Taylor, Roy Klopfenstein, Josh Allen.
by Isabella Carwile | Oct 10, 2023 | Community, New Business, Paulding County Business Weekly Radio Broadcast
Hear it here! Our next guest on Paulding County Business Weekly is Matt Moore. Matt and his wife, Mandy, are the owners of The Upper Nine golf simulator. This new business is located in the upstairs of a downtown Antwerp building. Listen in to hear how the business came about and our discussion of what entrepreneurism can look like in a rural community. You’ll also hear about some of the funding and grant opportunities that can be provided through your local economic development office. Thanks to OhioMeansJobs, you can tune in on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Click Here to Listen Online! Paulding County Business Weekly is also available in podcast form through Apple, Google & Spotify. #pauldingcountystrong
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.
