Ohio's July Unemployment Rates
Ohio's unemployment rate was 9.0 percent in July, up slightly from 8.8 percent in June. The July rate for Ohio was down from 10.0 percent in July 2010. The U.S. rate for July was 9.1 percent.
In the Region:
Athens: 10.7%
Hocking: 10.0%
Meigs: 14.4%
Monroe: 11.5%
Morgan: 12.5%
Noble: 12.7%
Perry: 11.8%
Washington: 7.6% |
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2011 OEDA Annual Summit
Ohio in Change
October 26-28
The Hilton Columbus/Polaris
Learn More
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
Ohio Conference
on Freight: Sept. 20 & 21
in Toledo
Registration is now open for the fifth annual Ohio Conference on Freight September 20 & 21 at the Hilton Hotel Toledo and Dana Conference Center. This year the partners have adopted the theme: "An Economy in Motion, Opportunities Ahead."For details on the 2011 conference arrangements click here.
The Ohio Conference on Freight annually attracts more than 200 people from 14 U.S. states and at least 2 Canadian provinces. Attendees represent all modes of freight travel and also include planners, builders, engineers, economic development professionals, and academic researchers.
The Conference on Freight is presented by Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) with the Ohio Association of Regional Councils (OARC), and the Ohio Department of Transportation. |
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Buckeye Hills Executive Committee:
Meet the Members
In each issue we feature a few Executive Committee members so you can get to know them more.
MEIGS
COUNTY:
Tim Ihle: County Commissioner
Tim has been serving on the Buckeye Hills board since January 2011, after taking office as a Meigs County Commissioner.
"As with most people living in our region, I had little knowledge of the grant process and funding structure for our local government projects," said Tim, "So, becoming involved with Buckeye Hills has been enlightening and educational. The forum to meet officials from adjoining county- and state-level representatives while addressing the participation of the Board seems a good relationship with good results."
Tim adds that coming from a construction background, the satisfaction of a job well done and the ability to see the results of your daily work was rewarding.
"Government work seems to be a little more involved and a quick decision for a quick result can be frustrating. But, we have gained ground on several issues and when we can get a compliment instead of just comments, that's great and feels good too," Tim said.
When Tim is not at the Court House, he has a hobby farm with a few cattle and riding horses. He is an avid hunter and conservationist as he serves on the Ohio Committee for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He also holds a place in his garage for a Roadstar motorcycle. Ride to live!
He adds, "as for Appalachia, we can do it... just let us!"
Sue Baker
Private Business Owner
Susan Baker has served on the Board for just over a year, but she has known about Buckeye Hills for more than 15 years.
She was a recipient of a Revolving Loan Fund award for her business: Ohio River Bear Company. She started her enterprise nearly 25 years ago and now exports to six different countries.
"I've always thought of Buckeye Hills as a great organization doing good for the region," said Sue. "Now that I am on the Board, I realize how wide ranging the services are that it provides and I'm kind of amazed by it all." |
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Buckeye Hills Partners Host Education Series on Marcellus & Utica Shale Development
Buckeye Hills, in conjunction with AEP, the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA) and Rural Action, offered an educational series to nearly 300 community leaders and individuals in August.
The goal was to provide information critical to community leaders and to individual landowners about the opportunity for Marcellus and Utica Shale development across the region. The programs were presented by Dale Arnold, Director of Energy Policy for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
The program resources are available online at www.buckeyehills.org. |
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Buckeye Hills was a co-sponsor of the Positioning Appalachia event in August. Hosted at Ohio University, the sessions shard industry trends and opportunities in Appalachia as well as tips and tools for community economic development.
Speakers included: The Honorable Sherrod Brown, United States Senator, Jeff Finkle, President /CEO, International Economic Development Council, and Misty Casto of Buckeye Hills shared an update on the SE Ohio BizNet Business Resource Network.
 The event was a great opportunity for the area's newest member of the Ohio Senate, Troy Balderson, to meet leaders from the region. Balderson is shown with Misty Casto (right) and former Ohio Senator Joy Padgett.
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Buckeye HIlls Finalizes ARC Project Package
Buckeye Hills submitted the 2012 ARC project package with 29 requests for $6,141,682. Those projects have other matching funds committed of $26,166,687 for total project costs of $32,308,369. If funded, the projects stand to create 216 and retain 402 jobs. They range from water and sewer to health care, workforce development and tourism services. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) plays a key role in fostering economic development and improving quality of life for the 23 million people who live in the 13-state Appalachian region (including Ohio and West Virginia). Since the program's inception, the region's poverty rate has been cut in half (from 31 percent to 13 percent), the infant mortality rate has been reduced by two-thirds and the percentage of adults with a high school education has increased by more than 70 percent. ARC provides funding for business development, education and job training, telecommunications, infrastructure, community development, housing, and transportation projects. These efforts create thousands of new jobs; improve local water and sewer systems; increase school readiness; expand access to health care; assist local communities with strategic planning; and provide technical and managerial assistance to emerging businesses. |
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 OARC to Support
Ohio House Workforce Development Committee
The Ohio Association of Regional Councils (OARC), of which Buckeye Hills is a member organization, has been asked to support the new Committee appointed to study Workforce Development. Rep. Tim Derickson (R-Oxford) will serve as the chairman of the new group which also includes Representatives Nan Baker (R-Westlake), Richard Adams (R-Troy), Andy Thompson (R-Marietta), Sandra Williams (D-Cleveland), Nancy Garland (D-New Albany), Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) and Roland Winburn (D-Dayton). The committee will meet throughout the summer and early autumn at various locations around the state.
At the Sept. 29 meeting at 10 a.m. in southeast Ohio (Ohio Univ. Amanda J. Cunningham University Center), Buckeye Hills Executive Director Misty Casto will plan to testify with results obtained from the region's recent Biznet Business Resource Network. Others interested in attending or testifying, should please contact the committe at ohhouseworkforcedevelopment@gmail.com and also let Misty Casto know at 740-376-1034 or mcasto@buckeyehills.org. Upon completing the necessary research, the committee intends to put forth an executive summary and possible recommendations for the Legislature. |
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Around the District:
Athens County: Nelsonville Named SE Ohio's
Best Home Town
Ohio Magazine selected Nelsonville as its 2011-12 Southeast Ohio Best Hometown. Magazine readers submit details about their communities and tell why their community is one of Ohio's best. They are asked about community spirit, education, entertainment, health and safety, the business environment, and the community's culture and heritage. Editors review submissions and select one community from each of the state's five regions for best hometowns.
Nelsonville City Manager Joe Scherer highlighted what he considers to be the city's many virtues, including efforts to improve city streets, water and sewer and police and fire protection.
Innovation Center Receives $500K
The Edison Technology Incubator Program developed by the Ohio Dept. of Development to help start-up technology businesses, awarded a $500,000 grant to the Innovation Center operated by Ohio University. The grant will help the Center expand programming to help new high-tech businesses develop and grow.
Meigs County:
Rock Springs to Get Expanded Health Care
Sixth District U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson and a delegation of county officials, toured the Family Healthcare, Inc., construction site for its new facility at Rock Springs. Financing for the $2.4 million dollar construction of the new Family Healthcare facility has been provided through a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant of $1,019,265 and a USDA Rural Development community facility loan in the amount of $1,323,000.
 Washington County:
Rep. Andy Thompson Visits Buckeye Hills Office
Ohio Rep. Andy Thompson recently visited the Buckeye Hills and Area Agency on Aging 8 office to learn more about programs and services happening in his part of the region. Shown with Thompson is Exec. Director Misty Casto.
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Shown at the Witten's market in Woodsfield are Margaret Schumacher (front) and Hank and Thelma Zwick. The Zwick's enjoyed the option to shop at Witten's in Caldwell or Woodsfield. |
Seniors Find Fresh Produce at Farmers Markets
The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) 2011 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is now in full swing.The good news is that nearly 1,450 seniors across the AAA8 region, who met the eligibility guidelines, will receive some welcome relief from rising food budgets.
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides income-eligible senior citizens with special coupons worth $50 to buy produce. There were also an additional 1,115 seniors placed on waiting lists for the popular program.
The Senior Farmers Market Program is a USDA and Ohio Department of Aging program in which grants are awarded to provide coupons to low-income seniors. Program coupons may be exchanged for eligible foods from authorized farmers. Only fresh, locally grown fruits, herbs, vegetables and honey are eligible to be purchased with the coupons.
Each eligible senior receives $50 worth of coupons. Grant funding is limited and coupons are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each person will receive a total of ten $5 coupons: five $5 coupons valid from May 1- July 31 and five $5 coupons valid from Aug. 1- Oct. 31. Coupons may only be redeemed by authorized participating farmers who sell produce at farmers' markets or roadside stands. The program ends Oct. 31, 2011.
 Save The Date: Choices Expo: Nov.9!
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Comfort Inn, Marietta
Supported by The SE Ohio Aging & Disability Resource Network (ADRN), this year's event will be expanded to include resources for seniors, those under 60 with disabilities and caregivers.
We are excited that a few teams have already signed up for the Chair Volleyball Tournament at this year's event - sponsored by Scenic Hills Senior Center. Even if you don't have a chair volleyball team you still have time to organize one and practice! This is a favorite activity at the Expo.
Sponsorship & Exhibitor details are now available. Call Mindy Cayton at 1-800-331-2644 for a brochure. Details also available at www.areaagency8.org
Media Sponsor: The Marietta Times
Gold Sponsors: Ohio Valley Home Health & Marietta Memorial Hospital
 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.
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