BH Masthead

  A Publication of Buckeye Hills-HVRDD April 2010  

Apr. 27: Save the Date! Buckeye Hills General Policy Council Meeting & Semi-Annual Dinner at the Marietta Country Club

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February
Unemployment Rates

Ohio's unemployment rate rose to 10.9 percent in February, up from 10.8 percent in January.

The number of workers unemployed in Ohio in February was 647,000, up from 641,000 in January. The number of unemployed has increased by 99,000 in the past 12 months from 548,000.

The U.S. unemployment rate for February was 9.7 percent, unchanged from January.

In the Region:
Athens: 9.7%
Hocking: 13.6%
Meigs: 17.7%
Monroe: 17.1%
Morgan: 18.3%
Noble: 18.1%
Perry: 16%
Washington: 11.4% 
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Ohio Wins Governor's Cup - 4th Year in a Row
 

CupSite Selection Magazine by Conway Data, reported in the March issue that Ohio was the number one State in the nation for new plants and expansion in 2009. They awarded Ohio the Governor's Cup for the achievement. This was Ohio's fourth year in a row to win the prestigious award. 
 

"The Governor's Cup competition and the acknowledgement of the success of cities and regions in Ohio are particularly important to local economic development professionals throughout the State of Ohio," said J.C. Wallace, Executive Director of the Ohio Economic Development Association. "Ohio's economic developers work on a daily basis with businesses in our communities to help them expand and grow. And we work to attract new businesses to our communities. Recognition of these efforts is an indication that our efforts are bearing fruit.  It also speaks to the spirit of cooperation that is prevalent in Ohio. The success of Ohio's economic development efforts is directly attributable to the collaborative efforts of economic development professionals at the local, regional and state levels."

 
Hocking County
to Host Product R&D Funding and Small Business Seminars
 
April 6:
SBIR/STTR Overview
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs
 
Hocking College Energy Institute Logan
6-8:30 p.m.
No charge, RSVP required by March 31.
 
April 29:Proposal Preparation Workshop
Logan High School
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$15 - Register by Apr. 22
Contact Logan CIC for details:
[email protected]
 

Restoring Prosperity Report Released

Restoring Prosperity: Transforming Ohio's Communities for the Next Economy is designed to facilitate Ohio's transition to the next economy, which will be export-oriented, lower-carbon, and innovation-fueled.  

The report recognizes that Ohio's metropolitan areas - encompassing urban, suburban and rural places - have the resources necessary to lead the state into the next economy, and emphasizes the value of public-private partnerships and of philanthropies.  Its agenda complements numerous state and local initiatives currently under way as Ohioans navigate their way toward reshaping the state's economic landscape.

Greater Ohio is committed to shepherding the ideas contained in this report into legislation and policy, and refining the agenda to match the evolving conditions in the state and its metropolitan areas.  

One of the major elements of the Restoring Prosperity agenda is a significant change in the structure of government and governance in Ohio. According to the study, "Ohio needs to start down the path of reforms that will either save money or yield better results for money spent, through consolidations where appropriate; much more aggressive efforts to encourage local governments to collaborate and share services across the board; and smarter, sharper alignments of the state's own policies and programs to make the most of scarce state resources."

For further information see the Greater Ohio web site where you can view the entire report and an executive summary - http://www.greaterohio.org

Buckeye Hills Participates in DDAA Annual Event
 
Buckeye Hills staff joined representatives from 13 other states for the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) meeting in Washington DC in March. Shown below, Misty Casto presented to the group a new DDAA logo that was designed by Buckeye Hills' own Jenny Myers, as well as a new DDAA web site that was created under the direction of Misty and Bret Allphin - www.ddaa-ldd.org.  
 
DDAA is a membership organization of the 73 Local Development Districts (LDD's) serving the 420 counties of the Appalachia Region. The DDAA works to strengthen LDDs and their member governments and to provide leadership to support the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) federal-state-local partnership. webDDAA
In addition, staff and executive board members also visited with the offices of federal legislators to advocate for the Buckeye Hills region and for federal funding of key programs. 
 
Voinovich
Shown at left is a group meeting with Senator George Voinovich. From left: John Curtis (BH-HVRDD, Monroe); Misty Casto (BH-HVRDD Exec. Director); Senator George Voinovich; Gary Starner (Appalachian Development Corp., Hocking); Bob Proud, OVRDC Board; Behind: John Hemmings (OVRDC Exec. Director); Greg DiDinato (OMEGA Exec. Director); and Mike Walsh (Appalachian Development Corp., Hocking).
  
Sen. BrownRepresentatives also met with Senator Sherrod Brown (shown at left).
 
 Space Visit
 
Shown from left is: John Hemmings (OVRDC);
Kay and John Curtis (Monroe); Misty Casto, Zack Space and Greg DiDinato (OMEGA). 
 
The groups also met with staff from Congressman Steve Austria and Charlie Wilson's offices.
Ohio Launches Enterprise Appalachia Website
 
Enterprise Appalchia
The Ohio Dept. of Development has been working hard to develop the Enterprise Appalachia website. Visit the new web location and click on the upper right hand corner to join the Enterprise Appalachia mailing list and keep informed.
 
Around the District:
Athens: City of Athens to Construct New Roundabout
roundaboutThe city of Athens is ready to begin construction for its first roundabout traffic circle at the intersection of Ohio Rt. 682 and Richland Avenue, one of the largest public works projects in more than a decade. It will also feature an underground tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists.  
 
Phase 1 will have the west part of Rt. 682 shut down completely, and the road down to one lane on the Richland Avenue bridge over the Hocking River. This phase is tentatively scheduled to last until mid-June.

Phase 2 is the most restrictive phase and will begin after Ohio University's spring quarter commencement in early June, the infomercial states. That phase will last about a month with the western part of Rt. 682 closed, as well as the southern part of Richland Avenue. One side of the bridge will be open to one-lane traffic in both directions, and the east side of Rt. 682 will also remain open to one-lane traffic in both directions.

During Phase 3, the roundabout will be open and functional, the infomercial says, with only the bridge restricted to one lane in and one lane out, allowing for construction of the other half of the bridge. This phase will last from mid-summer until late August or early September. More details are available on the Athens City website.
 
Monroe & Noble County: OU Hosts EDA Economic Adjustment Program
The Community Economic Adjustment Program (CEAP) connects communities experiencing significant socioeconomic dislocation due to plant closures with support services and funding opportunities. More than 70 representatives from Monroe and Noble counties attended a regional workshop to learn more about potential partnerships. The program was organized by Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs through a grant made possible by EDA and The University of Michigan. Each county will also receive follow up support for grant writing.
 
Noble County: Water Project Breaks Ground
Buckeye Hills will assist with the administration of the Noble County
SR 821 water project that broke ground in March. The project will serve approx. 440 homes and businesses along SR 821 between Belle Valley and Caldwell and the South Acres area. The project will also present opportunities for additional growth for jobs in the area. The project was made possible with funding through ARC, CDBG, EPA and ARRA (Stimulus). Noble Water
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shown above are those who gathered for the groundbreaking. Front row: Noble County Commissioners Bob Nau, Gary Rossiter and Virgil Thompson.
Mark Your Calendars - April 30
EODA 20th Annual Meeting Celebration

EODA_20th

Lisa Patt McDaniel (ODOD Director) will be the keynote speaker for the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA) 20th Anniversary Annual meeting on April 30. The event will be hosted at Walnut Creek's Carlisle Inn.  Visit www.eoda.org for details.

The Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA), an independent, nonprofit organization, consists of sixteen counties in Eastern and Southeastern Ohio. The counties of the alliance are Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas, and Washington.
AAA8
 

Brendon

Volunteerism and Intergenerational Engagement Alive at O'Neill Center
 
For the past three years, Brendon George
(Battle Creek, Mich.) has been a volunteer at O'Neill Center in Marietta (Washington County). There, Brendon shares his time and expertise helping out with a variety of programs.
 

Brendon has spent 100 hours at the O'Neill Senior Center's Adult Day Services, delivering meals, calling bingo cards, putting on talent shows and preparing public relations programs for the elderly.
 
"The O'Neill Senior Center provides invaluable assistance, and I believe its continued existence is essential in maintaining a healthy environment for local seniors," said Brendon.
 
"I think what keeps me going is just the hope that when my friends do come to this point in their own lives, they have someone who is willing to take good care of them-someone who will laugh when they laugh, listen when they talk and love them for who they are," Brendon added.
 

"This is a great kid," said Terry L. Zdrale, Executive Director at O'Neill. "He is quite humble and really does deserve recognition."
 
April is National Volunteer Month. Volunteer opportunities abound at the region's senior centers and with The AAA8 office.
 
Portions of this article were used with permission from Marietta College.
 

Calling All SE Ohio Farmers!

 

Farmers MarketThe Area Agency on Aging 8 is currently seeking farmers to participate in the 2010 Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program in Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington Counties.

 

The purpose of the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is to improve the nutritional health of low-income seniors and to increase business for local farmers. The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the provision of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey to eligible seniors.

 

Eligible seniors will receive ten, $5 coupons. The coupons will be valid thru July 31 and October 31, 2010 (interim dates may apply). Coupons will be valid for the dates as indicated on each coupon. Coupons can only be redeemed by authorized farmers who sell specific produce and honey at farmers' markets or roadside stands. The 2010 program will end October 31 or when all USDA funds are expended.

 

Please refer Interested farmers to AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644 for details.

 

 

Funding Available to Assist Seniors with Accessibility Modifications and Minor Home Repairs

Know a senior who needs assistance with minor home repairs or modifications to help them stay in their home or to age comfortably in place? The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging (AAA8) can help.

perry county housing grant

At left: This home in Perry County's Roseville received a new sidewalk and wheelchair ramp through a Housing Assistance Grant.

"These grants fund repairs for homeowners who are 60 years of age or older with 35 percent area median income level or less and own their home or have a life estate in the property," said Joe Gage, AAA8 Housing Coordinator. "For residents who qualify monies may be used to assist with the costs associated with accessibility modifications such as widening doorways, wheelchair ramps, handicap modifications of a bathroom or kitchen and other home repairs."

To be eligible, homeowners must live in the Buckeye Hills region, be 60 years of age or older and meet annual income eligibility limits. To learn more about Housing Assistance, PASSPORT or other services call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.areaagency8.org.

Contact Us
Buckeye Hills is organized as a voluntary organization of local government political subdivisions to foster cooperative efforts in regional planning, and implementing of regional plans and programs. Share your success stories and let us assist with your development needs - 740-374-9436. 

 
Misty Casto - Buckeye Hills Executive Director
Rick Hindman - Buckeye Hills Assistant Executive Director & Area Agency on Aging Director
Melissa Zoller - Development Director
Doug Dye - Fiscal Director 
Gwynn Stewart- Communications Director