by Office Manager | Aug 10, 2022 | New Business, PCED Office, Property Development
PAULDING – Collaboration continues to be the theme in Paulding County and this week was an exciting culmination of that. For the first time in many years, and perhaps ever, the three county Community Improvement Corporations (CIC) met jointly around the same table, in the same meeting, to discuss moving Paulding County forward together.
Members from the Antwerp/Payne Paulding County CIC, Oakwood Development Corporation (ODC) and Paulding CIC followed an agenda developed by county Economic Development Director Tim Copsey.
“Since I began in this role it has been a goal to get all three of these powerful entities together to possibly work collaboratively. They all do tremendous things in their own local areas and each are represented on the county Economic Development Board, but beyond those meetings there isn’t any sharing of thoughts or discussion. There have been some obstacles in the past, but little by little members have changed, philosophy has changed, and maybe even some old burned bridges have been mended or rebuilt. We would like to think our office had a little to do with that, but however it happened, we are excited for this positive meeting and momentum,” stated Copsey.
Copsey shared about how the Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development (NORED) group works with area county economic development directors meeting and sharing ideas; shared the same about the Northeast Indiana Regional Growth Partnership; then updated the group on a recent meeting with eight area economic development directors from Steuben, Dekalb, Allen and Adams Counties in Indiana and Williams, Defiance, Paulding and Van Wert Counties in Ohio. It was noted that if these collaborative meetings can work why not our three entities working together right here for the overall good of Paulding County?
Lively discussion followed about the possibilities but it was quickly noted that nothing would happen without funding. The discussion then turned to the Land Reutilization Committee and Paulding County Area Foundation Director being invited to see if there might be further collaboration involved to get projects rolling together. There was also in-depth discussion about establishing fundraising event opportunities to develop seed money.
The excitement was enough that there is already a follow-up meeting scheduled for the group to meet again in August to review initial thoughts and decide how to develop a collective plan forward. For more information or questions about any of the CIC groups in the county contact the PCED office at 419-399-8282.
by Office Manager | Jun 27, 2022 | Business Expansion, Community, New Business, PCED Office
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release June 23, 2022
Business owner receives support to make building enhancements.
PAULDING, OH – Cassidy Atkins entrepreneur and owner of Fur-Tastic Pups Dog Grooming in Cecil, OH is the first recipient of the Small Business Support Loan through the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office. This fund was made possible by the Paulding County Area Foundation and was established just three months ago to help small businesses in Paulding County.
Having met with PCED, Atkins shared the need at her facility to have a door installed in an exterior wall to allow for the dogs to access the outdoors and fenced-in yard. PCED was able to share the Small Business Support Loan opportunity with Atkins, where she applied and was accepted to be loaned funds to help move the project forward.
Paulding County Economic Development Director, Tim Copsey noted, “Partnering with the Paulding County Area Foundation has allowed this first opportunity for a small business to happen. In a time when things are very uncertain, being able to offer something like this to small businesses reassures them Paulding County is business friendly and that our not for profit groups are supportive. We are excited for Cassidy and her business. This is just the beginning for this program.”
Fur-Tastic Pups is a full-service, bath and grooming salon for dogs. Atkins opened her doors in April and is currently accepting new clients. You can find Fur-Tastic Pups on Facebook or call 419-670-8802.
To learn more about programs and resources available for small businesses check out the PCED website at www.pced.net; or email Kristen Schilt, Office Manager at office@pced.net.
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 Tim Copsey | Dec 23, 2021 | For Sale, Jobs, New Business
Currently located in Cecil, OH Red Oaks Pet Cottage is a small dog and cat overnight boarding facility. The current owners have the kennels set up in the pole barn on their property. The owners plan to move in Spring 2022 and are looking for someone to purchase and take over this great business.
- The kennels would need to be removed from the current location and reinstalled unless you are interested in purchasing the home with the business.
- Installation and removal of kennels is very user friendly
- Current owners are willing to help with this process
- Established client base
- Work from home with your family
- Flexible schedule
Contact Marissa with questions and for more information.
Marissa VanRoessel, Owner and Operator of Red Oaks Pet Cottage
Phone : (219) 510-3564
Email: redoakspetcottage@gmail.com
by Tim Copsey | Dec 21, 2021 | Business Expansion, Funding, New Business
The newly revised Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Committee reconvened this week. This group of financial advisors from PCED Members Union Bank, Premier Bank, State Bank, Antwerp Exchange Bank, First Financial Bank, Citizens National Bank, Sherwood State Bank and Farmers & Merchants Bank is incredible to be around. We learn something from this group every time. For a guy that doesn’t have much financial background, this group is a blessing to this office. We will update the county RLF plan and prepare to make the best use of these available funds. Did you know these funds are available and what these funds do? (Neither did I). These funds can be used in conjunction with conventional bank loans. They can put business loans, that might not quite make the cut with a bank, over the top to help make your business dreams come true. For more information reach out to PCED Office Manager Kristen Schilt to set up an appointment to discuss the options. office@pced.net or 419-399-8295
by Tim Copsey | Apr 29, 2021 | New Business
Communication, collaboration, and partnerships are all sometimes a difficult ask. The ultimate goal of all three is to produce action that leads to meeting a goal or need. At Paulding High School, the goal was met as five students completed the Northwest State Community College welding course. The offering, consisting of two college level welding courses, came to fruition alongside the OhioMeansJobs-Defiance and Paulding Counties Office, the Paulding County Economic Development Office, Paulding High School, and Northwest State Community College.
Communication was the driving force behind this offering, as local employers expressed a need for skilled entry level welders. This need, communicated through the Paulding County Economic Development Office, was then brought to the attention of both the local schools and OhioMeansJobs Office. Tim Copsey, Director of the Paulding County Economic Development Office, elaborated on the course. “The collaboration in this inaugural class was a perfect example of how constant communication can benefit us all. A recent survey by your PCED office indicated a need for welding employees amongst the county employers. Sharing that feedback with NSCC, they were able to identify an available classroom and FFA teacher in Mrs. Staci Miller at PEVS. OhioMeansJobs came to the table and assisted with career coaching and funding for this opportunity. It’s a huge collaboration win for Paulding County and goes to show what can happen when we communicate ideas. Kudos to these students for staying engaged and following through to completion.”
Without the availability of a facility and instructor, this program would not have gotten off the ground, but Paulding High School stepped in and filled the gap. Chris Etzler, Principal of Paulding High School, was very accommodating and grateful to see this program start. “This class did exactly what it was intended to do, allow some of our students to learn the foundations of a skill that they can use to be successful after high school. It also gave them an opportunity to meet and network with business owners in our area, who know that these students have skills they can use in the future. I feel like this is opening the door for more trade related courses like this to be offered to our students. I want to thank Northwest State Community College, OhioMeansJobs, and our Economic Development Office for all of their hard work to make this possible for our students.”
Staci Miller, FFA Teacher at the high school, utilized NSCC’s curriculum to instruct the five students. She also played a role in communicating with a local employer about the program. “It was great to be able to teach the students different welding techniques and skills to help them prepare for the workforce and obtain their career goals.” Employer engagement throughout the course was key, and one of those that came to the table was J&J Ag Equipment. Jarrod Mosier, Owner of J&J Ag Equipment, visited the students to see them in action, provide pointers on their technique, and to talk about career opportunities. Jarrod sees this offering as a great asset to the community. “The leadership of the program and the quality of the NSCC welding program is a great benefit to any employer looking for skilled welders in Paulding County.”
OhioMeansJobs-Defiance and Paulding Counties Office continues to play a key role with meeting the workforce needs of the local community. The office not only assists individuals, but aids companies that are looking to upskill their local workforce. Tiffany Dargenson, Workforce Administrator for OhioMeansJobs-Defiance and Paulding Counties, is very satisfied with the outcome of the program. “This welding program is just another example of our office’s ability to assist and meet the local workforce needs. Listening to our local employers and delivering to them skilled labor is always a priority for our office. I’d like to thank Emilie Heersche, our Paulding County Career Coach, for her great effort with the five students.”
Northwest State Community College continues to be at the front of the line with workforce training in Northwest Ohio. Vice President of Workforce Development, Jim Drewes, knows the importance of helping youth develop the skills needed to achieve success. “The Paulding High School class was a great win for the community as a whole, but especially the five young men that completed the offering. The relevant skills gained from this course will help bolster the students’ resumes and help them find employment with local companies. This program saw curriculum from NSCC be used by Paulding High
School, while OhioMeansJobs and Economic Development provided funding, career coaching, and employer outreach. This was the definition of community support.”
Recently these same noted entities, the Superintendents of Western Buckeye ESC and all three county schools met with representatives of ten of Paulding County’s larger employers. This Paulding County Business Advisory Council meeting was held at the Paulding Exempted Village School. All in attendance believe this class and collaboration was a success. Discussion will continue in regard to how future classes like this, and others, can take place in Paulding County.
