Ohio Public Works Round 25 Reminders
- Training June 2
- Round 25 Applications Due: Aug. 13
Ohio's April
Unemployment Rates
Ohio's unemployment rate was 10.9 percent in April, down slightly from 11.0 percent in March.
Ohio gained more jobs than any other state in April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Ohio gained 37,300 jobs over the March number, followed by Pennsylvania which gained 34,000 jobs.
Despite the gain in April, the state still has a long way to go before recovering all the jobs lost since the beginning of the current recession in December 2007. There were 5,023,000 jobs reported for April, 405,000 fewer than the 5,428,000 jobs in December 2007. In the Region:
Athens: 9.8%
Hocking: 12%
Meigs: 15%
Monroe: 14.7%
Morgan: 15.1%
Noble: 15.5%
Perry: 14%
Washington: 8.7%
Greg Hargett Named Director of the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Greg Hargett will be Director of the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
Hargett has served as Assistant Director at the Ohio Department of Agriculture since 2007. In that capacity, he has worked with the Governor's Food Policy Advisory Council which, among other things, addresses issues of hunger and food security of Ohio families.
He began his career in 1995 working with then-Congressman Ted Strickland advocating for people throughout the state. Hargett has a deep concern for those among us living in poverty and has committed much of his life's volunteer activity and career to serving those in need.
Greg's values and commitment to service started being shaped when he worked in the 1980's with summer youth enrichment programs for families in need in West Virginia. He served as an AmeriCorps member working to increase the college going rate among families in Appalachia Ohio.
Hargett received his bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Rio Grande. He is a native of Clermont County in the Cincinnati area and currently resides in Columbus with his wife and son.
Save the Date: 2010 Candidates Forum - Aug. 4
Please plan to attend the 2010 Candidates Forum August 4 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton. The Ohio Association of Regional Councils (OARC), Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA), Transportation Matters, Women in Transportation (WTS, Columbus Chapter), The American Planning Association Ohio Chapter (APA OH) and The Ohio Public Transit Association (OPTA) will host a 2010 Gubernatorial & U.S. Senate Candidate Event on August 4 at the Hilton Hotel at Easton in Columbus.
The event will bring together members of various organizations to hear candidates on issues related to Job Creation, Economic Development, Transportation and Infrastructure.
Registration information to follow via email. Full details will be posted at www.ohioeda.com soon. Questions? Contact: Shari at 614.233.4125 or ssaunders@morpc.org |
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Small Government Funding Noted
Each of the five projects that were submitted for Small Government funding in the Buckeye Hills region were approved. The projects were in the top 16 of 63 total projects funded in the state program. Those projects were: (total SG amount is loan/grant combo).
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Stockport Wager Storage Replacement - $180,000
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Middleport Sewer Improvement Project - $349,999
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Malta Sanitary Sewer Separation - Phase 1 - $779,028
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Caldwell Water Transmission Line Replacement Project - $400,000
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New Lexington Wastewater Treatment Plant Sludge Dewatering - $400,000
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Support Requested for Enterprise Appalachia Initiative
The Enterprise Appalachia initiative is picking up momentum. The second whitepaper in the series of four has been published by Inc. magazine. You can find a copy under the Resources section of the Enterprise Appalachia website. This paper talks about the importance of having access to knowledge and labor as well as how locating a start-up in Enterprise Appalachia gives you the easy access needed for commercial success.
Our latest electronic release titled "Ohio Enterprise Appalachia Helps Ohio Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners Bring Products and Services to Market" is getting great pick-up and creating awareness of the Region as an ideal location choice.
To help further accelerate momentum, we need to get more of the right people in our Appalachia Region to band together and support the Enterprise Appalachia initiative.
You can play an important role by helping build awareness of Enterprise Appalachia with your colleagues and community leaders. Please forward this email to a friend. If you have a Facebook account consider becoming a fan of Enterprise Appalachia and use the "Suggest to Friends" feature to encourage your friends to become fans as well. If you have a Twitter account, begin following EntAppalachia. and actively retweet the tweets that are posted.
The more each of us reaches out to our networks to make them aware of Enterprise Appalachia, the more right people we will have banded together for success. Your actions will make an important and positive difference. |
NADO Releases Report on Impacts of Natural Gas Drilling
The National Assoc. of Development Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation's Center for Transportation and Regional Development has released an issue brief examining the natural gas drilling boom in the U.S., entitled Natural Gas Drilling in the Marcellus Shale: Regional Economic Opportunities and Infrastructure Challenges. From Colorado to Texas to Pennsylvania, energy companies are investing in innovative technology to tap into a vast energy reserve which lies below the surface of many communities around the country.
This heightened drilling activity holds tremendous economic development potential for many rural regions. However, the growth of the industry also poses numerous challenges, including strains on local transportation networks and other types of infrastructure as well as environmental impact concerns.
This issue brief, developed with support from the Federal Highway Administration, investigates how regional development organizations in Pennsylvania and New York are addressing these challenges, and what sort of measures can be taken to ensure that natural gas extraction brings the best possible benefits to communities and regions, while minimizing potential negative effects.
A hard copy of Natural Gas Drilling in the Marcellus Shale: Regional Economic Opportunities and Infrastructure Challenges will be delivered to NADO members within the next week. To view it online, visit www.RuralTransportation.org/uploads/naturalgas.pdf. For more information, contact NADO Program Manager Kathy Nothstine at 202.624.5256 or knothstine@nado.org. |
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Washington County: Marietta Business Honored
Ohio Chamber Presents Washington County Business Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award
The presentation of the second Excellence in Entrepreneurship award sponsored by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce was presented to Cool Containers, LLC, of Marietta.
This award is designed to identify, honor and financially assist a company in Ohio that is demonstrating the historical innovative spirit of our state. The award recipient best demonstrates this entrepreneurial spirit through a recently introduced or pending introduction of a unique product or service that will have the ability to sustain long-term growth for the company, increase local employment and assist in the creation of economic prosperity within the state. The award comes with statewide recognition and a check for $25,000.
Local chambers of commerce submitted nominations early this spring. From those nominees, 17 were selected to compete for the award. An award committee, made up of members from the Ohio Chamber's board of directors, will review the detailed applications and select the winner who will be announced on May 11. The chamber that nominated this year's winner will receive $1,000.
This year's keynote speaker and presenter of the Excellence in Entrepreneurship award was Tom Brokaw, Special Correspondent to NBC News.
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Department of Aging Inducts 2010 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
Older Ohioans Honored for Service and Achievements
Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging, and members of the Ohio General Assembly honored the achievements of 13 exceptional seniors inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Capitol Theatre on May 24.
"Through their dedication, wisdom and compassion, the 2010 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame members work to improve the lives of all Ohioans. Their legacies are something we can all admire," said Riley. "This year's class of honorees includes teachers, scientists, activists and volunteers who have worked to improve their communities and the lives of their neighbors. We salute their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others."
Since 1977, more than 350 individuals have been inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Native-born Ohioans or state residents for at least 10 years are nominated based on service to others and achievements after age 60 and for lifetime achievements that represent positive aging.
 The 2010 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Inductee for the AAA8 area is Allen Brokaw of Marietta.
Allen Brokaw brings a fresh perspective to social services from his business background. He has been a volunteer member of the Washington County Family and Children First Council since 2003. He began his tenure as a representative of Easter Seals, but the Council asked him to continue on the board due to his engagement and positive influence. He has served as a community member, as president and as chair of the prevention committee, overseeing prevention planning and activities in the county.
Mr. Brokaw was instrumental in the success of the Teen Career Awareness Initiative. He served as volunteer career coordinator and worked closely with the business community, students and educators. He helped schools with career activities and classes, job site field trips, job shadowing, student career projects and identifying financial partners. He met with business leaders, civic groups, school superintendents and principals, and philanthropic organizations and participated in displays at community events.
He remains positive, even in the most difficult situations and is attentive to all details. His age and experiences lend a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to his efforts. Others look to him as a role model not only for senior citizens, but for also anyone who wants to contribute to their community.
He has been recognized by the Marietta Memorial Hospital Volunteer Program and received the Civitan Citizen of the Year Award. He currently serves on the Sisters of St. Joseph's Charitable Fund Grant Review Committee, the Washington County Autism Board, the Washington County Partners Group, The Ohio State University Extension Advisory Board, and the Marietta Memorial Health Systems Harmar Place Board. Previously, he served on the O'Neill Senior Center Board, the Washington County American Red Cross Board, the American Cancer Society Board, and the Goodwill Industries Board.
His nominator calls him "my hero," saying there are very few people that are as genuine and humble as Mr. Brokaw, and who have had such a positive influence on the projects and people he has touched. |
Because Abuse Ignores Age...
Wear Purple June 15 for Elder Abuse Awareness Day
 June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. As our elderly population continues to increase, elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly will likely also be growing problems.
A U.S. Administration on Aging study found that 1.5 million people over the age of 60 are abused or neglected each year. Those are the reported cases.
Abuse and neglect of older persons is largely under-recognized and is often an issue that people are not comfortable talking about. Unfortunately, no community is immune from this issue. Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging remain concerned that for every one case that does get reported, five others go unreported.
Communities and municipalities are encouraged to raise awareness of elder abuse issues and concerns. Events will be happening around the region on June 15 - or maybe you can coordinate an event in your agency or community. For a sample proclamation, news release or event flier, contact the AAA8 Communications Dept. at 1-800-331-2644. |
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Buckeye Hills Now Accepting Pre-applications for 2011 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grants
 Project profiles are due in our office no later than 4 p.m. Friday June 11.
Buckeye Hills will be accepting pre-applications for 2011 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grants. The pre-application consists of a completed Project Profile Form, along with required attachments.
As always, your projects must serve residents in one or more of our eight-county region (Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington). ARC goals for 2011 address the following issues:
- To create/retain private sector jobs
- To extend or upgrade water or sewer services
- To provide quality health care
- To provide job skills training
- To develop/improve infrastructure for residents
You may also find the project profile on our website. Simply log onto www.buckeyehills.org and click Applications, then Grant Applications on the left side of the page. Or you can type in the following web address to go directly to this page: www.buckeyehills.org/forms/grant.
The project profile is a form that can be filled in electronically, so you can save it to your own computer and work on it over time.
Project profiles are due to Buckeye HIlls no later than 4p.m. Friday June 11.
Please submit your completed project profile and attachments to:
Electronically:Email to cwesel@buckeyehills.org
By Mail: Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District
ATTN: Charmel Wesel PO Box 520 Reno, OH 45750
Hand delivery: Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District
1400 Pike Street Marietta, OH 45750
The Buckeye Hills Development Department staff is ready to work through this with you, so please call them at 740-374-9436 should you have any questions or concerns.
Development Department Staff:
- Melissa Zoller, Development Director
- Bret Allphin, GIS Manager
- Michelle Hyer, Development Specialist II
- Tina Meunier, Business Development Coordinator
- Charmel Wesel, Development Specialist |
 USDA Announces REAP Grant Opportunity
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is intended to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy development for rural small for-profit businesses and agricultural producers. REAP Grants of up to 25% of the total eligible project costs are available while REAP loan guarantees can help to finance an additional 50% of eligible project costs. The maximum grant available is $500,000 for renewable energy projects and $250,000 for energy efficiency improvement projects. Projects requesting less than $20,000 will receive priority consideration.
There are two "fact sheets" explaining in detail the purpose of the
program, eligibility requirements, and request limits. The deadline for
fiscal year 2010 is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30th, 2010.
However, applications received prior to that date may be processed and funded on a competitive basis.
To see the full announcement as published in the Federal Register, go to
the following website: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-9580.htm
If you have any questions or would like an application package please
contact USDA at (614) 255-2424. Details are also availablt at www.buckeyehills.org. |
 ARC Announces Grant Competition for Planning and Implementation of Community Energy Projects
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced the fourth round of a grant competition to 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 $545,000 in awards, to successful applicants.
"Local communities can play an important role in building demand for renewable-energy and energy-efficiency enterprises," said ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl. "The goal of this grant competition is to develop a community infrastructure that grows markets for those enterprises, generating new energy jobs in Appalachia in the process."
ARC will fund two complementary activities as part of this grant competition: the development of community energy plans; and the implementation of a demonstration energy-efficiency or renewable-energy project in target communities.
Outcomes of funded projects could include:
- Preparation and adoption of a community energy plan by a local government jurisdiction.
- Implementation of a renewable-energy or energy-efficiency project such as:
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Production and/or use of renewable energy, including biofuels, biomass, solar, or wind energy, to include local siting of production facilities. -
Distribution of renewable energy, to include customer purchasing commitments. -
Expansion or start-up of "clean energy" businesses, including support for business incubation programs or targeted business financing programs. -
New construction or renovations that follow "green building" and LEED certification guidelines. -
Installation of energy-efficiency equipment in public or nonprofit facilities.
Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and public education institutions located within the Appalachian Region are eligible to apply. Private, for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.
An independent review panel will evaluate applications. This panel will include leading energy-efficiency and renewable-energy organizations and federal, state, and local partners. The review panel will forward recommendations to ARC for approval.
Applications will be evaluated on several criteria, including:
- Feasibility of the proposal and the likelihood of achieving proposed outcomes.
- Capability of applicant, including expertise in relevant program areas, grant management, and community development.
- Level of community support, including public and private-sector funding matches.
- Articulation of clear, measurable outcomes.
- Sustainability of effort, including ability to continue the activity at the conclusion of the grant period.
- Additional consideration will be provided for projects focusing on ARC-designated distressed counties and areas and at-risk counties, and for projects involving two or more local jurisdictions.
The deadline for application submissions is August 31, 2010. Selections will be announced in fall 2010. A webinar will be held on June 23 at 10:00 a.m. to answer questions from prospective applicants.
Please visit www.arc.gov/energy for more information on this grant opportunity and ARC's energy activities. |
ARC to Host Ohio Input Webinar
In mid-June The Appalachian Regional Commission will hold a series of interactive webinars to obtain citizen input for a six-year (2011-2016) strategic plan that will guide future ARC economic and community development efforts in the Appalachian Region. These webinars are an important opportunity for residents of Appalachia to contribute to a plan that will address issues, opportunities, and challenges the Region will face over the next six years. The Appalachian Regional Commission and the Governor's Office of Appalachia would like toinvite you to take part in the webinars and to share this information with others in your community. Participants will be able to provide input via electronic polling and online comments on key issues facing the Region, such as jobs and business development; infrastructure and capital; community and leadership development; education, training, and health; the environment; and energy. - Northern Appalachia webinar (for residents of the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland): Thursday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
The webinar will last approximately one hour. There is no cost to participate, and no pre-registration is required. To learn more, please visit the ARC webinars information page. Please join in these online events to help ARC address Appalachia's economic challenges and opportunities and improve quality of life for your community's residents. The Appalachian Regional Commission
www.arc.gov |
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