News from Ashland Area Council for Economic Development

As the nation continues to respond to a recession, as well as plan for a post-recession economy, our Economic Development Council takes very seriously our role of helping local firms and citizens adapt to a changing economy. In this edition of our newsletter, you will find descriptions of several events and programs that will help you seize new opportunities.

An opportunity our office continues to observe is the strong national movement toward advanced energy technologies, and we want our businesses to have the tools that will help them increase sales in these markets. So, in September we will offer a solar seminar featuring information on solar improvement financing and incentive opportunities (for homeowners and businesses interested in solar improvements), as well as information on how to become a certified solar panel installer.

Please also direct your attention to the article about a new State program called "Project HIRE". This is a program that will help connect our growing local firms with dislocated workers. Whether you're a growing business or a dislocated worker, we want to hear from you to determine if Project HIRE can be utilized to help you succeed.

Finally, in addition to these specific programs, it is very important that we consistently "take the pulse" of the industrial base of our economy. That is why we survey the approximately 100 industrial or R&D firms in Ashland County every other year. Our 2009 survey process is underway, thanks to the generous help of local agencies and governments that are helping us compile this important data. Business responses will allow our team to help each business capitalize on opportunities and/or avert problems. Additionally, the bi-annual survey provides invaluable feedback on how our county might improve its overall environment for business investment.

Please consider getting involved in any of these events and initiatives. You can call me or my staff at anytime to discuss them. You will soon be hearing about other AACED efforts targeted at the entrepreneur who is striving to start a business and/or develop a new product line. We NEED innovation, especially during a recession, so you will hear more about this aspect of our work in the coming weeks and months.

Thank you for making Ashland County such an amazing place to invest one's dollars, time, and energy. By working together, all of our "investments" will lead us to a prosperous future.

Sincerely,
Evan Scurti
Director

Retention and Expansion Survey Initiative

AACED scheduled to launch bi-annual Retention & Expansion survey initiative

Ashland, Ohio August 26, 2009 -Ashland Area Council for Economic Development (AACED) announces the launch of its bi-annual "Retention & Expansion" survey initiative. As an economic development agency, one of AACED's most important duties is to constantly be aware of (and respond to) trends, challenges, and opportunities within the industrial base of the local economy. By surveying our local companies, we will not only help retain them in Ashland County, we will be more able to assist them in their expansion efforts. More specifically, the survey is designed to:

click here for full press release.

Project HIRE
Connecting dislocated workers with growing Ohio companies

AACED is ready to work alongside the Ohio Dept. of Development and local agencies, including Ashland County Job & Family Services and the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center, to help dislocated workers find gainful employment. This program, created at the State level, is an excellent example of how workforce and economic development professionals can and should work side-by-side to help an entire community adapt to a changing economy. Known as Project HIRE, the program offers training assistance to dislocated workers, and financial incentives to companies that hire these individuals. Program details can be found in the link above, highlights include:

1. Ohio Learning Accounts will be utilized to provide short-term or on-the-job training. A maximum of $6000 will be available per individual and training must be completed by Dec. 31,2010.
2. Hiring fairs will be held throughout September to kick off this initiative. At these events, employers can begin interviewing identified dislocated workers. Program dollars will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis.
3. Participating employers may be eligible for the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

Dislocated workers are encouraged to contact JFS or a training provider such as the Career Center, while local companies can contact our office to learn how this program might be an excellent opportunity to improve their business.

For additional information on Project HIRE please check out this website: http://jfs.ohio.gov/releases/OMJProjectHIRE.pdf

Deploying Renewable Energy: Wind and Solar grants -

deadline for project submission is September 21, 2009

From ODOD's press release:

The Ohio Deparment of Development's Ohio Energy Office is currently accepting applications for $14 million in funding available through the Deploying Renewable Energy: Wind and Solar grant program. This announcement marks teh first set of renewable energy grants to be funded through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) in Ohio.

The program seeks eligible applicants including individuals, partnerships, companies and entities that meet the minimum size and other requirements listed in the request for proposal for the installation of qualified solar electric, solar thermal and wind electric technologies. Eligible projects will require a match investment of a minimum of 50 percent of total costs.

For entire press release click here