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National & State Updates:
ARC Forms Congressional Appalachian Caucus
The Congressional Appalachian Caucus Co-Chairmen, Representatives Nick Rahall (D-WV), Zack Space (D-OH), Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Chip Pickering (R-MS), sent a "Dear Colleague" letter to members of the ARC delegation in the House inviting them to join the Congressional Appalachian Caucus.
Building a large and active Caucus will be a great way to nurture more energetic support in the House for ARC and to expand understanding among House members of the critically important results the ARC federal/state and local partnership accomplishes working with and for the 23 million Americans who live in the region's 410 counties.
As of Jan. 25, BH-HVRDD region representatives that had joined the Caucus include Space and Wilson.
December Ohio Unemployment Details
Ohio's unemployment rate was 6.0 percent in December, up from 5.6 percent in November, according to data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The U.S. unemployment rate for December was 5.0 percent.
Athens: 6.2%
Hocking: 7.1%
Meigs: 10%
Monroe: 9.3%
Morgan: 10.2%
Noble: 7.6%
Perry: 7.3%
Washington: 4.9%
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Leadership Notes:
Buckeye Hills is pleased to welcome Athens City Mayor Paul Wiehl to the General Policy Council
and to the Executive Committee.
Executive Committee Member Gary Starner (Hocking County) was recently appointed to the Board of the County Commissioners Assoc. of Ohio.
A list of the General Policy Council and Executive Committee members is now available on the Buckeye Hills website. |
Congressman Zack Space (D-18th District) Launches RENEW OHIO-18
Zack Space is undertaking a five-month campaign to develop a new economic blueprint for Southeastern Ohio called RENEW OHIO-18 (Realizing a New Economic Way for Ohio's 18th District). The district includes only portions of the BH-HVRDD region including parts of Athens, Hocking and Morgan Counties.
The effort will bring together researchers, industry leaders and interested citizens to share ideas about how to attract new businesses and industry to take advantage of economic sectors that have significant promise.
BH-HVRDD Exec. Director Misty Casto and others from the region attended the kick-off event Jan. 25 in Zanesville. Individual Working Groups will be charged with mapping out a proposal for issues critical to Southeastern Ohio's economy. The findings of each will be presented at a Summit May 23. Each meeting will be open to the public.
Feb. 29: Technology 9:30 -11 a.m.
Chairman Stan Ahalt, Executive Director of the Ohio Super Computer Center
Founders Hall, Kent State University
330 University DR. NE - New Philadelphia, OH
Mar. 21: Agriculture 9:30-11 a.m.
Chairman Adam Sharp, Ohio Farm Bureau
COTC - Coshocton Campus
200 Whitewoman St.Coshocton, OH
Apr. 11: Advanced Energy 9:30-11 a.m.
Chairman Jerry Hutton, Hocking College
Hocking College
3301 Hocking Parkway
Nelsonville, OH
Apr. 25: Healthcare 9:30-11 a.m.
Chairman Ralph Metzger, Executive Director of Adena Health Care
Adena Hospital
272 Hospital Rd
Chillicothe, OH
ECONOMIC SUMMIT
May 23, 9:30-11 a.m.
Ohio University, Zanesville
Campus Center Building - 1425 Newark Rd
Zanesville | |
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| News from Around the Disrict...
Hocking:
 From left: Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, Hocking County Commissioner Gary Starner and Governor Ted Strickland recently took a regional delegation to Detroit to meet with Fisker Automotive Co. at the North American International Auto Show.
Representatives from Hocking County including its Community Improvement Corp and the Logan-Hocking Chamber of Commerce visited Detroit to see the unveiling of the hybrid automaker Fisker Automotive's latest designs and to promote Hocking County. The Hocking College Energy Institute could provide a trained workforce and the Logan-Hocking Industrial Park offers facility resources should the company choose Hocking County. Gov. Strickland's indicates Ohio's automotive industry produces $16 billion worth of goods annually placing Ohio second in the nation. Meigs:
 With an announcement of an estimated 100 new jobs, AHC, a subsidiary of American Security Resources Corp., Houston, Texas, recently announced its move into the Tuppers Plains Industrial Park.
With systems to develop a new form of energy, AHC holds an exclusive worldwide license to commercialize an ammonia-to-hydrogen catalytic electrolyzer (ACE). The ACE assists in producing hydrogen with use of ammonia and according to AHC, hydrogen is the next energy source to be developed to drive the world economy. The Tuppers Plains Industrial Park plan was coordinated by Perry Varnadoe, Meigs County's economic development director with the business lead from Athens County's Jennifer Simon. Varnadoe said AHC was a good fit and diversified the county's employment base.
Monroe:
Economic Developer Brings Experience to Monroe
Monroe County hired a new economic developer - Tom Scott. He lives in West Lafayette with his wife Linda. He brings with him 35 years of experience in human resources and five years with the Coshocton Port Authority, of which he is a charter member. Scott is in the process of forming an advisory committee that will consist of members from all walks of life.
Courtesy of Monroe County Beacon
Perry:
Commissioners Receive Update from Buckeye Hills Misty Casto, Exec. Director of Buckeye Hills met recently with Perry County Commissioners to provide an update on Development and Area Agency on Aging services and areas of assistance.
Casto covered the Revolving Loan Fund services, Appalachian Regional Commission grant project processes, as well as EDA and OPWC deadlines/schedules.
AAA8 provides a variety of services for senior citizens across Perry County. In 2007, the AAA8 provided over $168,000 for homemaker, Medical escort, transportation, congregate and home-delivered meals, caregiver and Alzheimer services. The Medicare waiver PASSPORT home-based program has 106 clients enrolled with $1,093,572 for services last year.
In addition, over $53,000 was invested in 12 Housing projects completed in Perry County offering assistance for homeowners 60+ who need home modifications and repairs.
Washington:
AAA8 Hosts AARP Marietta's Livable Communities Committee Launch
A variety of representatives from Marietta attended the launch of the AARP Livable Communities Committee meeting Jan. 22 at the AAA8 office in Marietta to discuss the assets and challenges facing the city as it prepares to accommodate the growth of the city's aging population.
Pictured from left to right are: Terry Zdrale Exec. Director of the O'Neill Senior Center; Misty Casto Exec. Director of Buckeye Hills' AAA8; AARP's Rebecca Wheeler-Grieve and Marietta Mayor Michael "Moon" Mullen.
As he welcomed guests, Mayor Mullen shared, "This is not just a project, it is a process for enhancing the quality of life and an effort for sustainability of support services and access to critical community resources."
AARP representative Rebecca Wheeler-Grieve reviewed the components of a "livable community" that include: affordable and accessible housing; multiple transportation options and mobility features; supportive services and opportunities to engage in community life.
"AARP's commitment is to helping communities ensure their citizens have the options they need to age with dignity and choice," said Wheeler-Grieve. "The AARP process encourages identifying offerings and needs to show gaps as a community seeks to address the tidal wave of Boomers."
AARP provided initial results of its telephone survey that included more than 800 Marietta residents 45+. The committee includes representation from the following area organizations as well as individuals from the community: Buckeye Hills' Area Agency on Aging 8, AARP, The City of Marietta, Cranston Real Estate, Glenwood, The Marietta Community Foundation, The Marietta Family YMCA, O'Neill Senior Center, RSVP Washington County, WASO, the Washington County Health Dept. and the Washington-Morgan County Community ActionStay tuned for more details on this exciting initiative in Southeast Ohio.
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| Buckeye Hills Attends ARC Energy Conference
Rome, Georgia hosted more than 170 industry and government leaders from across the country to learn from one another about renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies and Buckeye Hills' Development staff Bret Allphin and Michelle Hyer were there.
The Appalachian Regional Commission, in partnership with the Coosa Valley Regional Development Center, Georgia Clean Cities and the state Department of Community Affairs, hosted the conference.
Anne B. Pope, federal co-chair of ARC, delivered remarks and the Keynote speaker Burton C. English, professor of agricultural economics at the University of Tennessee, presented "25x25 - A Plan for America 's Energy Future."
One reason the conference was held in Rome is because Greg Hopkins, president of U.S. Biofuels, was willing to lead conference participants on a tour of his plant and to lead a panel discussion called "building a renewable energy business."
As a conference outcome, GIS Specialist Bret Allphin will be working with regional partners to map areas for biofuels crop growth as well as biofuel station locations (current and proposed).
Development Specialist Michelle Hyer provided a few notes: information provided by Dewey Lee of the University of Georgia on Ethanol
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There are currently 139 operating ethanol plants in the US
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61 new ethanol plants are currently under construction
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Corn and wheat products would be best for the Southeast Ohio region
Information on Solar and Wind from the presentation by Brandon Blevins, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy:
· Wind is the fastest growing new source of energy.
· Any business wanting to come to the area interested in using wind technology would request the use of 15-20 turbines.
· There are currently only four states with installed wind capacity (NY, PA, WV, TN)
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ARC is an economic development partnership between the federal government and the governors of 13 states and serves as an advocate for the 23 million people in the Appalachian region.
ARC Funding Note: On December 26, The President signed the omnibus appropriations bill, which provided $73.032 million for ARC's non-highway program. This represented an increase of $8.17 million increase over FY07's funding level, which was $64.858 million. This increase to ARC's base appropriation was the first since 1998. |
| Dates of Note
 Feb. 21 Marietta: The North Muskingum River Corridor Study Public Input Meeting ODOT Public Open House Meeting on the recommendations being made for the North Muskingum River Corridor (NMRC) study on Thursday, February 21 at the First Baptist Church of Marietta - 301 4th Street from 4-7 p.m. (open house format). At 5:30 p.m., a brief presentation on the recommendations will be presented.For more details, visit: http://www.nmrcstudy.com/about.asp
USDA Rural Broadband Grant Deadline: March 28
The Community-Oriented Connectivity Broadband Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to furnish broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where such service does not currently exist. Grant funds may be utilized to deploy broadband transmission service to critical community facilities, rural residents, and rural businesses and to construct, acquire, or expand, equip, and operate a community center that provides free access to broadband services to community residents for at least two years. Grants will be awarded, on a competitive basis, to entities serving communities of up to 20,000 inhabitants to ensure rural consumers enjoy the same quality and range of telecommunications service as are available in urban and suburban communities. Visit www.buckeyehills.org for details.
Appalachian Regional Commission Ohio Energy Grant Deadline: March 21
At the Appalachian Ohio Energy Economic Development Summit, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Governor's Office of Appalachia (GOA) announced their intention to make available $120,000 in grant funding to support energy-related economic development in Appalachian Ohio.
Grants of up to $40,000 will be provided to assist communities who are interested in pursing energy related activities that meet at least one of the three strategic objectives of the Energizing Appalachia Blueprint that has been adopted by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Visit www.buckeyehills.org for details. |
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1968-2008: Celebrating 40 Years of Regional Service!
Buckeye Hills' first Executive Director, Gerald G. McComb (left) with District President, Forest J. Smith, Jr.- 1969
From "The Story" newsletter
A LOOK BACK - Jan. 1970 Project Analysis
- Nelsonville (Athens County) has filed an application for federal assistance for an expansion of its sewer system. The project is needed to serve new industries planned outside the corporation limits.
- The Hocking Valley Community Hospital in Logan (Hocking County) has planned an extended care unit to provide for needed health care throughout the county.
- The village of Stockport (Morgan County) recently received a grant through the Dept. of Interior to assist in a water and sewer system.
- Monroe County offers one of the most attractive industrial sites on the Ohio River, with several hundred acres available. The site is known as the Whitten Site, and has a potential for the industrial development of the whole area along the Ohio River.
- Selby General Hospital in Marietta (Washington County) has planned an addition and an area nursing home has been proposed for Belpre.
Aug. 1970: BH-HVRDD Qualifies for EDA Designation
Robert A. Podesta, Assistant Sec. of Commerce, has announced that the BH-HVRDD District has been officially designated a development district and has become eligible for federal assistance in planning and carrying out programs for economic growth. The aim of EDA's district program is to encourage counties to pool their talents and resources to combat common, area-wide problems and to help create jobs and increase incomes. | |
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