Ohio's June Unemployment Rates
Ohio's unemployment rate was 8.8 percent in June, up from 8.6 percent in May. The U.S. unemployment rate for June was 9.2 percent, up from 9.1 percent in May.
In the Region:
Athens: 9.8%
Hocking: 9.6%
Meigs: 14.2%
Monroe: 11.6%
Morgan: 12.7%
Noble: 12.7%
Perry: 11.7%
Washington: 8.3%
Ohio to Get New Development Director
Christiane Schmenk, general counsel to the Ohio Department of Development and the former mayor of Marysville, will become the department's new director. She also previously worked as external affairs director for Marysville-based Scotts Miracle-Gro.
Former Director James Leftwich is returning to the private sector.
Schmenk takes over Aug. 1. Economic development functions now within the department are to be assumed by JobsOhio, the new private, nonprofit corporation whose board was appointed and met for the first time in July. Gov. John Kasich appointed eight of nine members of the board of directors for JobsOhio. Job czar Mark Kvamme, was appointed interim chief investment officer. Other appointees are James C. Boland, retired vice chairman of Ernst & Young and former president of the Cavaliers Operating Company, who is chairman of the new board; Ohio State University President Gordon Gee; Bob McDonald, Procter & Gamble's chairman, president and CEO; Steven Davis, chairman and CEO of Bob Evans Farms; Gary Heminger, president and CEO of Marathon Petroleum; Pamela Springer, president and CEO of Manta Media; and C. Martin Harris, the Cleveland Clinic's chief information officer and information technology division chairman. Clean Ohio Assistance Fund Updates An additional $10M for the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund (COAF) program was available effective July 1, 2011. The majority of funding, 75 percent, will be utilized for projects requesting $300,000 or less. This includes both assessment and cleanup projects. The remaining 25 percent of funding will be set aside for cleanup projects requesting more than $300,000. Additionally, all cleanup applications are required to provide 10 percent matching funds. Application documents have been revised and are available online. Please contact the Urban Development Division at 614.995.2292 or visit their website . Clean Ohio Online Bid Notification Form and Report All projects are required to submit a Bid Notification Form online when either an RFP or RFQ process is underway. A revised form is now available online along with a new reporting site which provides a list of projects submitted within the last two months. |
| Learn How Energy Audits Can Identify Cost-Cutting Opportunities for Communities
Structured for rural communities and water/wastewater facilities, this workshop provides 'Real Solutions' for municipalities! Learn about:
- Ohio RCAP Energy Audits
- Electric Utility Incentive Programs
- The Benefits of Energy Conservation
September 8 at: Ohio Department of Agriculture
8995 East Main St., Reynoldsburg
Registration Fee is $95. Register online: www.glrcap.org/ohio
Sponsored by RCAP - Rural Community Assistance Program |
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Buckeye Hills Executive Committee:
Meet the Members
Beginning this month, in each issue we will feature a few Executive Committee members so you can get to know them more.
HOCKING
COUNTY:
Clark Sheets
Commissioner
Clark Sheets is serving his first term as a Hocking County Commissioner. He said that working with The Buckeye Hills Board is definitely a learning experience. In his new role, he says that every day you experience something new.
While not in the office, he enjoys hunting, fishing and time with family. He loves the beautiful Appalachian area where he lives and serves.
Gary Starner
Gary Starner has served on the Buckeye Hills board under three directors in his 16 years of service to the development district.
"These people have all have been outstanding leaders: Tom Closser, Boyer Simcox and Misty Casto," said Starner. "They all became very dear friends."
Gary served 15 years as a Hocking County Commissioner. He is now serving his 16th year as an appointment to the Buckeye Hills board by the Hocking County Commissioners in an "at large" position representing Hocking County.
He has also served on the Buckeye Hills Corporation Board for the past 18 years. He has served as Vice President of this board for several years.
"I have gained many things from my years with Buckeye Hills. Among them is the experiences I've had working with the board to obtain funding for projects for our Appalachian counties, he added."
"I have also learned to work successfully with our state and federal legislators. Buckeye Hills has definitely helped to better the lives of many people in our area."
Gary also enjoys farming and hunting. He is building a new wood shop so he can pursue projects. |
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 Buckeye Hills Partners to Host Education Series on Marcellus & Utica Shale Development
Buckeye Hills, in conjunction with AEP, the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA) and Rural Action, will offer an educational series to community leaders and individuals.
"We wanted to provide information critical to community leaders and to individual landowners about the opportunity for Marcellus and Utica Shale development across the region," said Buckeye Hills Executive Director Misty Casto. "Information will help individuals and communities make the best possible decisions for the future."
The programs will be hosted Aug. 2 & 3 and presented by Dale Arnold, Director of Energy Policy for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
The August 2 sessions will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 312 Franklin St in Marietta. From 3-5 p.m.Community Leaders will learn about Shale Development and its impact to local communities; from 7-9 p.m., the session will share impacts to landowners. The same sessions will be hosted Aug. 3 at Lee's Banquet Haus, 580 Radio Lane in Logan.
Seating is limited. RSVPs are appreciated to Jenny Myers at 1-800-331-2644 or by email to jmyers@buckeyehills.org. |
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Learn about industry trends and opportunities in Appalachia
Tips & Tools for community economic development strategies
Speakers Include: The Honorable Sherrod Brown, United States Senator
Jeff Finkle, President /CEO, International Economic Development Council
NETWORKING RECEPTION: August 9 - 5:30-6:30 pm
Ohio University Innovation Center - 340 West State Street - Athens, Ohio
Tour and hors d'oeuvres
CONFERENCE: Ohio University Inn - 331 Richland Avenue, Athens, Ohio
Registration 8:30 a.m., Event 9-5 p.m.
No cost, lunch provided
REGISTER NOW: CALL 740.593.1786 EMAIL craycraf@ohio.edu
Deadline to Register: August 5, 2011
Discounted rooms available at Ohio University Inn, call 866.593.6661.
SPONSORED BY:
- Regional Economic Advancement Program
- Economic Development Administration
- Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission
- Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District
- Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association
- Mayors' Partnership for Progress
- TechGROWTH Ohio |
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 Troy Balderson Appointed to Ohio District 20 Senate Seat
Troy Balderson (R) was appointed to replace Ohio District 20 Senator Jimmy Stewart. State Senator Troy Balderson is serving his first term in the Ohio Senate. The 20th Senate District includes Coshocton, Muskingum, Guernsey, Morgan, Noble, Monroe, Washington, Athens, and Meigs Counties. He served as a member of The Ohio House of Representatives from 2009-2011. His office contact information is: (614) 466-8076 Senate Building - 1 Capitol Square, 1st Floor-Columbus, OH 43215. Email: sd20@senate.state.oh.us
 National Association of Counties Elects Athens County Commissioner as President
Athens County Commissioner Lenny Eliason was elected president of the National Association of Counties in July by the membership during the association's annual conference.
Eliason said the association will continue to serve as a strong voice of America's counties in Washington, D.C., raise public awareness about county government and continue its Veterans Task Force to help counties support those who serve in the military and their families.
"I believe that through the strong voice of the National Association of Counties, the challenges local governments are facing in Athens County, throughout my home state of Ohio, and all 3,068 counties across the country will be heard loud and clear over the next 12 months," said Eliason. "That's my promise and my commitment to this office."
Eliason was first elected an association officer in 2009 and has served on the Executive Committee since that time. He has been a member of the group's board since 2005. He was first elected an Athens County commissioner in 1998. |
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Around the District:
Athens County: Nelsonville Hosts Meeting of White House Business Council
Buckeye Hills particpated in a July meeting of the White House Business Council in SE Ohio. The Council was formed to connect the Administration to the business community furthering the commitment to grow jobs and increase American economic competitiveness.
Monroe County: Brandy Woods Assisted Living Hosts Grand Opening
A ribbon-cutting celebration was hosted for Monroe County's new assisted living facility in July. Brandy Woods, an addition to the Monroe County Care Center.
The nearly $2.5 million proejct was seeded with a $250,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Appalachia. The facility has 15 apartments, a central living area, a country kitchen, private dining area, beauty shop and laundry facilities. Total capacity of the addition will be up to 19 people. In August, the center will apply for Ohio's Medicaid Waiver program as well.
 Morgan County: ARC Unveils Civil War Map in McConnelsville
A new map called "Appalachia: Civil War, The Home Front," published by the Appalachian Regional Commission and American Heritage magazine in conjunction with 150th anniversary of the Civil War was unveiled at a ceremony at the historic Twin City Opera House in McConnelsville. The map will help those interested in the Civil War pinpoint important sites in the 13-state Appalachian region.
"Tourism is a $38 billion industry in the state of Ohio each year," said Amir Eylon, director of the Ohio Department of Development's Division of Tourism. "In the 32 Appalachian counties of Ohio, a $4 billion boost to the economy is produced by the tourism industry."
Heritage tourism, of which the 150th anniversary of the Civil War is a part, is a key part of tourism.
"Jobs from travel and tourism provide jobs for Appalachian residents. Heritage tourism is very important," John Cartwright, director of the ARC's Office of Regional Planning & Research.
The map features the Civil War homefront in Appalachia (areas on both Union and Confederate sides) and some areas of Appalachia where the sentiments were divided. View the map at www.visitappalachia.com.
New Health Center Open
The new, $3.3 million Muskingum Valley Health Centers building in Malta opened in July. The project was made possible in part by a $250,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission on a site donated by the Village of Malta.
 Washington County: Washington State Community College Names New President
Bradley Ebersole, a Louisiana community college leader with more than 30 years education experience will serve as the next president of Washington State Community College. Ebersole is currently vice chancellor for academic affairs at Baton Rouge Community College. He will begin his two-year contract on Sept. 1. | |
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Buckeye Hills Community Featured for Its Infrastructure Improvements
With its rich history behind, Racine continues to look ahead to its future. With a population of just under 750 residents, no one would imagine a village as seemingly far advanced as Racine. Located in Meigs County along the Ohio River, Racine touts itself as the closest incorporated village to Buffington Island, the site of Ohio's only battle in the American Civil War.
One engineering contractor who works with the city had this to say. "I do not know if there are awards for small communities that are taking the right steps to improve their infrastructure and grow," said Bob Allen of Triad Engineering. "If there is recognition for these efforts, Racine surely deserves consideration. Mayor Hill and David Spencer work hard for the village and have accomplished much over the last ten years. I enjoy working with Racine, because they are working hard to improve their community. Racine is a "Can Do" community!"
Allen adds that not many small communities have a new water system, a new business area and great park renovations.
Buckeye Hills has worked with Racine over the past few years to secure a variety of program grants and loans to help them accomplish infrastructure development.
A $250,000 grant from The Appalachian Region Commission (ARC) in 2009 helped replace existing failing water lines on six village streets with new water line. Another ARC grant for $166,518 helped provide the public infrastructure necessary to facilitate over $800,000 in private investment and bring 20 new jobs.
"The ARC program was a perfect match for Racine," said Misty Casto, Executive Director of Buckeye Hills. "We were pleased that the funds helped the village build and enhance its public infrastructure for area residents."
Through $160,264 in grants from the Ohio Public Works Commission, the village was also able to complete it street resurfacing project.
A risk to many communities in addition to aging infrastructure is the aging municipal workforce. Many key employees who helped build and maintain these systems are retiring. With them, is a serious loss of depth of knowledge related to the information and data that exists only "in their heads."
Looking forward to even more infrastructure growth and private investment, Racine Mayor Scott Hill also took full advantage of Buckeye Hills' new small community GIS Pilot program providing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services to document the village's resources.
The GIS program helped Racine leaders locate and map its critical water infrastructure (water meters, valves and hydrants). Housed at www.bhgis.org where city officials can access all of their GIS data online, from anywhere, this new technology provides maps, and access to water meter data and more.
"This high accuracy local data is becoming increasingly critical to a community's ability to secure grant funding from most state and federal programs," said Buckeye Hills GIS Manager Bret Allphin. "Potential business and industry site selectors also want this type of data as well."
Last year Racine also received a highly competitive $300,000 Community Development Block Grant. The grant will help complete public improvements in the village: installing 2,337 linear feet of sidewalks, 2,024 linear feet of street paving material, six catch basins, 840 linear feet of culvert, 315 linear feet of fencing; purchasing 39 pieces of firefighting equipment and 100 water meters; demolishing six vacant, abandoned houses; constructing a batting cage at Star Mall Park; and replacing the community building's roof, windows, and doors. The project leveraged approximately $191,300 of additional funds.
Just like Racine, Buckeye Hills can assist communities across the 8-county region with plans for infrastructure development. Call the Development team today at 740-374-9436. |
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Aging & Disability Resource Network (ADRN)
Continues to Grow
Collaborating to Better Serve Communities
The Buckeye Hills and its Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) are helping form the SE Ohio Aging & Disability Network (ADRN). To date, Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) from many organizations have been signed and returned in a show of support from partners across an eight-county region to the formation of the SE Ohio network.
SE Ohio ADRN Vision: A centralized, client-focused collaboration of service providers that advocates for the client through a streamlined referral process ensuring that all options are made available to the client.
SE Ohio ADRN Mission: To facilitate access to services regardless of age or disability.
The ADRN has introduced a breakthrough solution - The Network of Care website (www.networkofcare.org) that empowers seniors and people with disabilities, caregivers and service providers with comprehensive long-term care services, information and education available in the eight-county region. Click here for The Southeast Ohio version.
To learn more about the SE Ohio ADRN, visit the web site at http://www.areaagency8.org/services/ADRN.
 Support the AAA8 Team Walking for Alzheimer's
Check out our Team Web site to Donate
Participate in the Making Memories Photo Contest!
WHY WE WALK... Walk to End Alzheimer's is the Alzheimer's Association's largest fundraising and awareness event. Walks are held to support the vital programs and services the Alzheimer's Association provides for families and caregivers facing the disease, as well as research to find a cure.
WHY SEND US YOUR MEMORIES... To help raise funds for The Alzheimer's Association Annual Walk in our region, The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8 Employee Team is hosting a Photo Contest.
The theme is Making Memories.
Winning photographs, selected by a panel of judges will be announced by October 22. The winning photographs will be displayed at the AAA8 Choices Expo in Marietta November 9, 2011. Entries may also be included on the AAA8 and Buckeye Hills web sites. Amateurs and professionals alike can enter. Learn more at www.areaagency8.org. Deadline to enter: Sept. 30, 2011. | |
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