Ohio's Nov.
Unemployment Rates
Ohio's November unemployment rate was 9.8 percent, down slightly from 9.9 percent in October. For the first time since December 2002, Ohio's unemployment rate is not higher than the nation's which was 9.8 percent, up from 9.6 percent in October.
Hocking: 10.1%
Meigs: 13.3%
Monroe: 12.7%
Morgan: 12.8%
Noble: 13.3%
Perry: 11.7%
Wash.: 7.7%
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Buckeye Hills-HVRDD Receives Early Warning Network Grant
 Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District has been awarded $250,000 from The Ohio Department of Development to help identify and assist companies at risk of closure or layoffs. The Early Warning Network among state and local workforce and economic development partners, identifies possible resources, and implements strategic solutions for companies at risk.
"This grant will enable us to be proactive across the region with companies that have needs or opportunities for growth," said Buckeye Hills Executive Director Misty Casto. "We will work to further strengthen our relationship with economic and community development leaders and assist them as they partner with our region's employers."
The Ohio Dept. of Development indicates that the Early Warning Network allows work with companies that are in need of assistance before they get to the point of layoff notices.
Locally, Ohio's Early Warning Network funded Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District with a grant of $250,000 to operate a Business Retention Network Program in Southeastern Ohio. The program will focus on assisting local economic development professionals as they seek to help companies retain employees and expand their businesses. It will also work to create a regional software tracking system and brand presence for ongoing use.
Buckeye Hills serves Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington Counties; the grant program will also include Belmont, Jefferson and Muskingum Counties. |
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Buckeye Hills Meets with New & Existing Legislators
Leaders from Ohio's four Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Local Development Districts (LDDs) met with existing and newly elected legislators from the region in December to share the following details on Ohio's 32-county Appalachian area.
- Ohio's Appalachian counties cover an area larger than Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined; they make up 17% of Ohio's population and cover 36% of Ohio's geography.
- As published in the FY2009 Impact Report, Ohio's four LDDs participated in 291 economic development projects involving over $250 million in funding and resulting in over 16,000 jobs being created or retained.
- Ohio's LDDs are efficient and effective securing more than $88 in direct project dollars for every one dollar spent on project administration.
 Shown from left are: Ohio Rep. Dave Hall; Ohio Representative Craig Newbold (1st District); U.S. Rep-Elect Bill Johnson (6th District); U.S. Rep.-Elect Bob Gibbs (18th District); Ohio Senator Jimmy Stewart; Ohio Rep. Troy Balderson (94th District); Jeanne Wilson representing U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown;
Ohio Representative Al Landis (96th District); Ohio Rep.-Elect Andy Thompson (93rd District) and Ohio Rep.-Elect Lou Gentile (95th District).
Shown from left are representatives from Ohio's four ARC Local Development Districts: Kathy Zook, Eastgate Regional Council; Greg DiDinato, OMEGA; Misty Casto, Buckeye Hills-HVRDD; and John Hemmings, OVRDC. |
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Around the District:
Athens & Perry County: Nonprofits to Receive Business Grants
Ohio announced that two regional nonprofit organizations will receive Microenterprise Business Development Program grants.
The Ohio Department of Development grants are administered by the department's Office of Housing and Community Partnerships and are funded through the Ohio Housing Trust Fund.
The Microenterprise Business Development Program provides grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to assist in the development of local microenterprise businesses, and to create and retain long-term jobs in the private sector. Entities working with low- and moderate-income populations are eligible to apply for Microenterprise Business Development Program funds.
Recipients of the grants include:
· Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet) in Athens County. The organization will receive a $60,000 grant to provide training and technical assistance to 200 low- and moderate-income individuals. In addition, seven businesses will receive loans.
· Southern Perry Incubation Center for Entrepreneurs (SPICE) in Perry County. SPICE will receive a $60,000 grant to provide training and technical assistance to 75 low- and moderate-income individuals. Also, five businesses will receive loans.
Perry County: Perry County to Receive Clean Ohio Funds
The State Controlling Board approved Perry County for a Clean Ohio Assistance Fund grant. The Clean Ohio Assistance Fund, which is made possible through the Ohio Bipartisan Job Stimulus Plan, supports brownfield redevelopment in Ohio's urban areas.
The Clean Ohio Assistance Fund is part of the Clean Ohio Fund, which restores, protects, and connects Ohio's important natural and urban places by preserving green space and farmland, improving outdoor recreation, and cleaning up brownfields to encourage redevelopment and revitalize communities. The Clean Ohio Fund is part of the Ohio Bipartisan Job Stimulus Plan, which aims to create new jobs while laying the foundation for future economic prosperity. As part of the Plan, voters approved $400 million for the Clean Ohio Fund.
Perry Countywill receive a $300,086 grant to conduct demolition and remediation activities on the Crooksville Early Learning Center Redevelopment property. The property, located at 3839 State Route 93 NE, is comprised of 10 parcels totaling 1.42 acres south of the Village of Crooksville in Hamilton Township. The development partner, Crooksville Exempted Village School District, has contributed $42,400 in matching dollars for acquisition and assessment activities, and plans to redevelop the site into an Early Learning Center, serving approximately 250 children. The project is expected to create 10 jobs. | |
 Sam Cook Retires
The staff and Executive Committee members paid special tribute and gave thanks to long-time Buckeye Hills-HVRDD Executive Board Member and Treasurer Sam Cook of Washington County in December as he retires from 12 years of service to Buckeye Hills and its Area Agency on Aging. Shown with Sam (center) is from left, Misty Casto, Executive Director and Board President Ron Moore. |
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 In 2011, Make a New Year's Resolution to Make a Long-Term Care Plan for You and Your Loved Ones!
Because It's a Fact: 70 percent of us will need some type of long-term care in our lifetime.
Do you know the answers to these questions?
- Will Medicare or private insurance pay for in-home care for my mother if she becomes ill or disabled?
- What is an advance directive?
- Do I need long-term care insurance?
- Should I get a reverse mortgage?
- What programs are available in my community to help me stay active and healthy?
These are important questions that should be answered as part of the long-term care planning process. Whether you're exploring options for yourself or an aging loved one, a free Long-term Care Consultation from The Area Agency on Aging 8 will help you get answers to these questions and more.
Planning ahead for long-term health care needs can reduce stress and ensure that personal choices are observed and that financial resources are put to best use. Planning ahead is never easy, but skilled staff at the Area Agency on Aging 8 can help you explore your options and develop a care plan.A professional long-term care assessment consultant will meet with you and your family for a free in-home evaluation of your current situation and future options. He or she will explain services available, discuss eligibility requirements and financial resources required, and help determine your needs and wishes.Contact AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644 and ask for a free Long-Term Care Planning Kit and personal assessment today! |
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U.S. Senator Voinovich Says
Farewell
U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich delivered his farewell address on the floor of the United States Senate Dec. 16, 2010, following 12 years of service there.
Video of his address will be available on Sen. Voinovich's YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/senvoinovich
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