Regional Notes
Congratulations to Jeff Shaner, the Economic Development Director with OSU Extension in Morgan County on his retirement - effective June 30!
The Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC) in Waverly, will welcome John Hemmings as its new Executive Director on Aug. 1. Congratulations to John! OVRDC is the regional council covering 12 counties in southern Ohio.
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DATA CENTER UPDATE:
April Ohio Unemployment Rates
Ohio's unemployment rate was 5.5 percent in April., according to data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The U.S. rate was 4.8 percent.
Rates in the region:
Athens: 5.2%
Hocking: 6.4% Meigs: 8.5%
Monroe: 6.9%
Morgan: 9.6%
Noble: 7.1%
Perry: 7.7%
Washington: 4.5%
Ohio Leads Nation in Alternative Energy Projects
According to Conway Data's New Plant Data, Ohio leads the nation in total Alternative Energy Projects from 2005-2007.
1. Ohio: 350 projects
2. Michigan: 177
3. Tennessee: 150
4. Texas:142
5. Alabama: 133
6. Illinois: 131
7. Iowa: 118
8. Pennsylvania: 112
9. Virginia: 107
10. North Carolina: 103 |
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Ohio 21st Century Transportation Priorities
Task Force to Host Forums
What kind of transportation system do you think Ohio needs?
Governor Strickland has created the Ohio 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force to envision Ohio's future transportation system - determining how the
state can best balance the movement of people and freight, create jobs and generate economic development, and link all modes of transportation by connecting highways to rail, aviation, water ports, transit, bike paths and walkways. The task
force, comprised of both private and public sector experts, is also examining the fairest ways to finance Ohio's future transportation system.
Join the conversation by going online or attending one of these regional meetings (at 4-8 p.m.):
East: St. Clairsville
June 11
Ohio Univ.-Eastern Campus - Shannon Hall
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
Central: Columbus
June 12
Ohio Expo Center/State Fairgrounds
Rhodes Center
Columbus, OH 43211 |
Buckeye Hills' Area Agency on Aging to Host June 24 Own Your Future Forum
Many might ask themselves, can I really own my future? With the right plan and information, individuals can build a firm foundation for the years ahead.
Anyone 45 or older, should join the Area Agency on Aging for a FREE Community Forum, June 24 from 5-7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Pike Street in Marietta to learn first-hand how to Own Your Future!
-- Know Your Options [Receive a Free Planning Kit]
-- Plan Early & Wise
-- Take Action!
The Community Forum is Free; pre-registration is recommended. Call 1-800-331-2644. Visit www.areaagency8.org for details.
Ohio is participating in the Own Your Future campaign to encourage those aged 45-65 to start planning now for their future long-term care needs. Governor Ted Strickland mailed 1.7 million letters to households all across Ohio inviting respondents to request a free Ohio planning guide. The letter reminds readers that while it is a normal part of aging, most do not plan for their future long-term care needs.
More details are available at www.areaagency8.org.
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"Team OHIO" Regional Economic Development Forum Held at Buckeye Hills
 Economic Development Directors from around the 8-county region were invited to join Buckeye Hills in a forum to discuss regional efforts. Representatives from The Ohio Dept. of Development (ODOD), The Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC) and The Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) were on hand to discuss the regional approach to handling business lead management, brand development and best practices.
Shown above: (front from left) are Mike Lloyd, Noble County Economic Development; Karen Craddock, Duke Energy & Chairperson, Team OHIO; and J.C. Wallace, OEDA. Back from left: Matthew McQuade, Ohio Business Development Coalition; Jeff Shaner, Morgan County Economic Development; Christi Mash, ODOD Region 11; Misty Casto, Buckeye Hills; and Mike Jacoby, Washington County Economic Development. Also present (not shown) was Perry Varnadoe, Perry County Economic Development.
As a member of "Team OHIO," Buckeye Hills will serve as the region's coordinator for the Team OHIO lead management system. Focused on target marketing, industry trade shows and conferences and visits with corproate executives/site selection professionals, Team OHIO underscores the message, "Ohio Means Business."
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 Established in 2005 as a division of the Ohio Economic Development Association, Team OHIO's exclusive mission is to promote the state of Ohio as a location for new business investment. Promoting collaboration among Team OHIO members and other statewide organizations is another critical role of the organization.
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Pre-applications for Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grants Being Accepted
Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District is committed to assisting the eight counties in the region in securing grant funding for projects. One important grant funding agency is The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
Typically, ARC grants are awarded to state and local agencies and governmental entities, local governing boards (such as county commissions), and nonprofit organizations. Representatives from these organizations may draw from the expertise and assistance available from Buckeye Hills to navigate the 2009 ARC grant process.
Buckeye Hills will be accepting pre-applications for 2009 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grants.To receive a pre-application packet of information, please contact Buckeye Hills at (740) 374-9436.
Pre-applications due to Buckeye Hills by 5p.m. July 1.
The ARC Grants program has a series of strategic goal areas for project work emphasis that include: increasing job opportunities and per capita income in the region; strengthening the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy; developing and improving Appalachia's infrastructure to make the region economically competitive; and building the Appalachian highway system to reduce the region's isolation.
In 2009, projects will be prioritized with the following goals in mind: to create and/or retain private sector jobs; to extend or upgrade water or sewer services; to provide quality health care; to provide job skills training; or to develop/improve infrastructure for residents.
"Buckeye Hills is committed to helping organizations in the counties we serve to access possible ARC grants for local projects," said Development Director Melissa Zoller. "The pre-application is an important first step in completing the grant request. I urge representatives to contact our office with questions."
For answers on questions regarding the ARC grant process call Charmel Wesel at (740) 374-9436. |
News from Around the Disrict...
Hocking County: Revolving Loan Fund Presents Largest-Ever Award
Chieftain BioFuels of Logan in Hocking County was the recipient of the largest-ever Buckeye Hills RLF loan. With the $300,000 from Buckeye Hills along with funds from Ohio Department of Development, SBA, Citizens Bank of Logan and equity from CEO Doug Kitchen, the project will create an additional 15 jobs within the next three years.
Chieftain will produce and distribute biodiesel fuel to contractors, schools, engineers, landfills and other users of off-road equipment, and offer soymeal to farmers located within Hocking County. Biodiesel is produced from renewable oils, which releases less emissions, therefore it is better for the environment and less harmful to people. The biodiesel processing plant is intended to serve the needs of the surrounding Southeast Ohio community. The facility may also be maximized by providing nearby universities, researching and testing resources.
Washington County: Governor's Office of Appalachia Awards $250,000 Grant for Marietta's Armory Project
 The City of Marietta was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Appalachia to renovate the City's vacant historic National Guard Armory for future use as a visitor information and multi-use community center in downtown Marietta. Governor's Office of Appalachia Director Fred Deel was joined by (from left) Christi Mash, Governor's Economic Development Director for Region 11, State Representative Jennifer Garrison and Marietta Mayor Michael Mullen.
"This is an exciting economic development project that brings together a variety of funds toward a great end goal of creating jobs while promoting historic Marietta and the region's artists and entrepreneurs," said Misty Casto, Executive Director of Buckeye Hills.
The Ohio National Guard Armory was built in 1914 and has been vacant for 10 years. For several years, the community has been developing partnerships to plan for future use of the armory. Upon completion of renovations, the building will include a visitor information center hosted by the Marietta/Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau that will allow tourists to learn about activities and make purchases. Office space will be available for rent on the upper floors, and the lower floor will be used for a farmer's market in the summer months. There will also be a café and a marketplace store that will feature items handmade by local artisans. Residents will also be invited to utilize the facility for community events. The $1.6 million construction project is expected to create at least six jobs and several part-time positions with the possibility of spurring additional indirect job creation by supporting Marietta's downtown district.
"We want to thank the Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District, the City of Marietta, Washington County, and all the partners who joined this effort to bring Armory Square to life again," said Governor's Office of Appalachia Director Fred Deel. "Partnerships like this are incredibly important to increasing prosperity for the people of Appalachian Ohio."
Washington County: CDBG Benefits Salem Township
Lower Salem - Members of the Salem Township community thanked Buckeye Hills for its part in making the area's new township community building become a reality.
An open house was held at the new facility and the volunteers who helped construct the building were also honored. The Salem Township Trustees shared that the building was put together almost entirely through volunteer labor.
Salem Township Trustee Bob West shared that nearly $94,000 has been spent on the building, but volunteer labor, along with a federal Community Development Block Grant and a grant from Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fun, saved the project nearly $120,000.
Bob West is shown with Michelle Hyer of Buckeye Hills, the Washington County CDBG coordinator. |
Funding Opportunities:
Local Government Services & Regional Collaboration Fund to Encourage Community Partnerships for Improved Delivery of ServicesThe Ohio Department of Development announced the creation of the Local Government Services and Regional Collaboration Grant Program, designed to encourage new forms of collaboration among Ohio's many governmental jurisdictions. The program was established in the 2008-2009 Ohio Biennial Budget and provides $1 million in grants to local governments interested in examining the possibility of combining and/or collaborating on its services with other local governments. http://www.odod.state.oh.us/newsroom/releases/1904.asp
Tech Growth Ohio Cultivates Emerging & Innovative Technologies
 TechGrowth Ohio grows technology companies into venture-ready businesses, connecting them with valuable tools for growth and sources of capital. The program focuses on digital interactive media, bio-sciences, bio-agriculture, sustainable energy and other innovative and emerging technologies. Visit www.techgrowthohio.com or call 1-877-476-9681.
Funding for Renewable Energy Projects
Funding opportunity for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects: Grant Deadline: June 30, 2008
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will assist Appalachian communities in leveraging renewable-energy and energy-efficiency resources to revitalize their economies. ARC expects to provide eight to ten awards of up to $75,000 each, for a total of $500,000 in awards, to help communities implement these strategies. Eligible projects should result in the creation of new jobs or businesses in the targeted communities. Outcomes could include:
- Production and use of renewable energy products (such as biofuels, biomass, solar, or wind energy), including siting of these facilities and net metering applications.
- Distribution of renewable energy products, including customer purchasing commitments.
- Expansion or start-up of "clean energy" businesses, including support for business incubation programs and targeted business-financing programs.
- Installation of energy-efficiency equipment in public or nonprofit facilities that is eligible for tax credits under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, directly results in cost savings, and leads to increased delivery of services to local communities.
This grant program will not provide support for projects that propose to study or plan for future activities. Energy audits will not be supported unless they include implementation of energy-efficiency programs. Nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and public educational institutions located within the Appalachian Region are eligible to apply. Private, for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. The RFP and more information about the grant program are available on ARC's Web site at http://www.arc.gov/images/energy/rfpsummary08.html.
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