 | October Newsletter
2011- Vol 2, Issue 6 | |
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| P4P Investor Meetings |
If you are not yet a Partnering for Progress investor, but may be interested in participating in the P4P initiative, please feel free to attend one of our Investor Meetings to learn more about the program and how it promotes development in Darke County. Also, for more information you may contact Jim Poeppelman at 937-448-2191 or by email.
Meetings Scheduled for 2011:
Friday, January 28 Friday, April 29 Friday, July 29 Friday, October 28 Locations to be announced as meetings draw near! |
| Thank You! | |
Thank You to
T & T Farms,
and
Dick Lavy Trucking, Inc.
(New Investor - Welcome!)
for contributing to
Partnering for Progress
in August 2011!
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| Thank You! | |
Thank You to
Mote & Associates, Inc.,
CF Poeppelman, Inc./Pepcon,
Darke County J&FS,
and
Hittle Buick GMC, Inc.
(New Investor - Welcome!)
for contributing to
Partnering for Progress
in September 2011!
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Greetings! |
What do you think of our new look? Along with our new logo and new website came a revised template for the newsletter. We think it really shows some class! A big thank you goes out to CorpComm Group for their help with this design - Looks Great!
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Partnering for Progress- Highlights of Development Efforts from Across the County |
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ED Update: Manufacturing on the Rise! | |
Well, it's no surprise to any of us here in Darke County but there is now supporting evidence showing that manufacturing in the United States is on an upswing. I am happy to say that this has been apparent for awhile. While there may not be as many counties across the country with companies exploring expansion as here in Darke, there was little chance that what's been happening here is completely isolated. Obviously, this is great news because so many of our local projects are tied to what is happening elsewhere.
For the moment, jobs are associated with many of these expansions but the country does need to brace for the possibility that many future growth periods may not be accompanied by much growth on the jobs front. The new way to view such projects is that we need to be of whatever assistance we can to the businesses looking to invest back in us. What does this mean? It means that supporting large capital investments in our companies' facilities will help their continued existence in our region and serve to protect the existing job base. If jobs are created, so much the better. However, communities need to be more innovative in fostering start-up operations and attracting new businesses to help complement their job base. Bottom-line: every area of growth is important- retention, attraction, expansion, and initial innovation. And this of course applies to multiple industries.
Partnering for Progress continues to work on all fronts as the effort moves forward. Please attend the upcoming investor meeting for more information or call the Economic Development Office with questions, comments, or suggestions.
All feedback is welcome!
Manufacturing May Help Fight-off New Recession: Click Here to Read Entire Article
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ED Partners Take On Windy City | |
From Dayton Development Coalition's Member E-Link Newsletter:
ED Partners Take On Windy City
Darke County Economic Development Director Marc Saluk, along with development officials from across the region, recently completed a prospecting trip to Chicago with the Dayton Development Coalition (DDC). The trip's mission: meet with as many site consultants as could be squeezed in within a two-day period so as to help promote the Dayton region to new businesses.
Put together by the Coalition, the annual trip rotates through various cities with last year's efforts being focused on Atlanta. Marty Hohenberger, VP of Business Development with the DDC, said these annual trips "give partners an opportunity to get in front of site selection consultants and build relationships". He mentioned projects such as WilmerHale's move to the Dayton Region as coming through a consulting firm visited on one of these annual trips and he hopes to continue to bring jobs to the Region with this kind of collaborative initiative.
Personnel from several surrounding counties accompanied Darke including Miami, Auglaize, and Preble.
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Darke County Companies Do Well in Race for State Incentives | |
Kasich approves more than $240M packages to
retain jobs
Partnering for Progress has managed to leverage a disproportionate share of this funding to help projects for Darke County companies....over $6 million committed thus far in 2011. Considering that $166 M of this $240 M went to just 3 huge businesses, that means businesses in the 85 other Ohio counties have divided the other $74 M thus far...less than $1 M per county. Obviously, this puts Darke's $6 M in a very good light. The funds have been involved in creating/retaining over 300 jobs in our community.
Dayton Daily News: Kasich approves more than $240M packages to retain jobs - Click Here to Read Entire Article
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Saluk and Bowers Attend IEDC Conference | |
  
Greenville Mayor Mike Bowers and Economic Development Director Marc Saluk attended the annual IEDC Conference in Charlotte in September and also attended training geared towards attracting new business and marketing the county. The IEDC, which represents development organizations around the world, hosts the annual event for both networking and educational purposes. According to Saluk, the trip yielded a large number of valuable contacts that could yield results for Darke County over time. Regardless of whether they do, he added that "the new resources that we learned about at this year's event is already proving invaluable".
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FRAM Adds Positions in Greenville | |
GREENVILLE- FRAMGroup, the new name for the FRAM manufacturing site formerly owned by Honeywell until earlier this year, is expanding its operations just two months after new ownership announced that the Greenville location would remain in production.
The company has added approximately 70 positions to the site in recent months as it prepares to add a new line of production, formerly housed at another FRAMGroup location. It's the first significant reversal in years of the previously downward employment trend at the site over recent decades.
"It's great to see and we have the new owners and the facility's management team to thank for this," said Economic Development Director Marc Saluk. "The expansion is great and, more importantly, it's part of an overall trend as a lot of our larger manufacturers have added positions in 2011."
As announced in August, FRAMGroup recommitted to the Darke County community with the new ownership's decision to maintain operations in Greenville. The decision assured the continuation of a long tradition as FRAM oil filters have been manufactured at the site for over 60 years.
According to Saluk, the Greenville administration, local legislators, the State of Ohio, and many others all played a key role in assisting the new owners' project. The increase brings the total number of manufacturing positions created in Darke County this year by all employers to almost 300.
"That's just the ones that county development is aware of," added Saluk. "There may well be more. Our companies have clearly planned well throughout the recent challenging years."
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Integrity Ambulance Project Continues on Schedule | |
 
For those curious about Integrity Ambulance's project-- the development of its new corporate headquarters by the old Corning facility in Greenville-- need only drive by the Martin Street location to see that tremendous progress has been made in recent months. (see above photos). Integrity's decision to build at the site maintains over 30 jobs in the community and will also result in new shovel-ready land being available for use of attracting new business to the county or assisting existing business to expand. The job-site sits on 29 acres, all of which may eventually be utilized by businesses. Currently, phase one of the project consists of the construction of Integrity's new site, the addition of a road into the new Integrity Business Park, and the preparation of several lots towards the park's front for new occupants.
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Klockner Pentaplast Visit | |
Company visits by the Partnering for Progress initiative continue and October has been no exception thus far. Darke County Economic Development and the Darke County CIC visited Klockner Pentaplast on October 6th and were treated to a tour of the facility by Site Manager John Kraus (pictured above with EDD Marc Saluk). Klockner is one of the larger manufacturing employers in the City of Greenville and has been a valued corporate citizen for years. As part of its retention program, Darke County ED, along with the appropriate local entity, have regularly been performing business visits for several years now and aim for at least 30 annually. Such visits better prepare development personal to keep an eye out for opportunities for these businesses and to keep abreast of company projects and chances to help.
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Planning Abounds in the Region | |
Planning by development organizations around the Dayton region continues strong this year as groups try to adapt to the changing landscape presented by the JobsOhio initiative and the economy itself. A recent meeting of workforce personnel from four counties (pictured above), including Darke, focused on the changing needs by area manufacturers with regards to the skill set of applicants. Such planning has extended across the groups that Darke County Economic Development is involved with including the Dayton Development Coalition, the BusinessFirst program, and the West Central Ohio Development Council, all of whom are developing new on-line materials, new programs, and new policy to adapt to a year of change. Through Partnering for Progress, Darke County is well-represented on these boards and our voice is being heard.
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| State Approves Community Development and Housing Projects |
From the Ohio Department of Development:
State Approves More Than $1.2 Million
for Community Development and Housing Projects
Columbus - The Ohio Department of Development has approved more than $1.2 million through the Community Development Block Grant Discretionary Program and the HOME Investment Partnership Discretionary Grant Program, administered by the Office of Housing and Community Partnerships.
"These projects support improvements that will assist low-income Ohioans and foster new life and new purposes for community buildings," said Christiane Schmenk, Director of the Ohio Department of Development.
City of Greenville (Darke County) will receive a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall. The building is located at 215 West Fourth Street. The funds will be used for historic preservation and code improvements for the building, which is located in the city's historic district. The Hall includes an art gallery, meeting rooms, and an auditorium.
Click Here to Read Complete Article
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Greenville Waste Water Treatment Plant Groundbreaking | |
(ELISABETH WIRRIG/Advocate Photo)
Congratulations to Greenville for the initiation of another project!
See the full story at: http://dailyadvocate.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=141566&SectionID=108&SubSectionID=388&S=1
Pictured are: Safety/Service Director Rodd Hale, Greenville Council Member Leon Rogers, Wastewater Superintendent Vaughn Downey, Stephen Singer of Singer Environmental, Inc., Greenville Mayor Mike Bowers, Joy Rodenburgh, Mike Shaeffer of Wagner-Smith, Audra Dentinger of Kirk Brothers, Robert Shoaf of URS Corporation, and Brian Benedict of URS Corporation.
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Third Annual Boomtown Event! | |
Coming Soon - the third annual Boomtown event, presented by the Union City Community Economic Development Committee (UCCEDC), Greater Indiana Clean Coalition and Clean Fuels Ohio. Union City is ecstatic to bring you another great opportunity to showcase their community and their region as one of the leading renewable energy and alternative fuels regions in the country.
When: Friday, October 21, 2011
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Union City Community High School, Union City, IN
Click Here for Event Flyer
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New Website for Darke Couty Tourism Launched |
NEW WEBSITE FOR DARKE COUNTY TOURISM LAUNCHED
GREENVILLE (Aug. 19, 2011) - Travelers searching for ideas on day trips, extended stays or relaxing getaway weekends in western Ohio will find a wealth of information and entertainment thanks to a redesign of VisitDarkeCounty.org, Darke County's travel and tourism website.
"Years ago, tourists may have planned a trip around a friend's recommendations or by using a travel agent, but today they use the web," said Deanna York, Executive Director of the Darke County Visitors Bureau.
The website boasts a new "searchability" feature for visitors to browse the county's extensive database of calendar of events, dates, and other specific categories of interest; including a full host of shops, restaurants and accommodations. Visitors will find a comprehensive online photo and video library showcasing Darke County in fabulous mid-western hospitality and small town charm...
Click Here To Read More
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DCED Gets Facebook Page | |
Check out the new DCED Facebook page and keep up on Partnering for Progress activities 24/7!!!
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Don't Forget DCED Address Change! | |
The DCED Office is now located in The Palace
**Please remember to update our address in your records!**
Our new address is:
537 South Broadway Suite 201
Greenville, OH 45331
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Call if You Want Publicity! | |
Just a reminder...any Partnering for Progress contributors that would like coverage of their participation with the countywide collaborative development effort, need only contact the ED Office. We will arrange a photo op, write a press release, and handle placement in local publications, broadcast media, and on-line media outlets. Your participation makes our community stronger and fosters job creation and future growth. Why not get recognized for your contribution? Those interested can call Marc or Melanie at the ED Office at 548-3250 to make arrangements.
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INFORMATION AND UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Show | |
The Region's Premiere Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Show
October 19 & 20, 2011
Dayton Airport Expo Center
As an attendee, you'll join others in the tri-state region shaping the future of manufacturing.
- Discover hundreds of leading-edge tooling and manufacturing suppliers in one spacious, easily accessed location.
- Enjoy working demonstrations of new equipment, attend educational events to help your business succeed and rub elbows with the people who make things happen in the industry.
- View the latest and greatest in advanced manufacturing technology to help you develop contacts and relationships, scout resources, and secure solutions to manufacturing challenges.
- Enjoy two days of exhibits and network with industry colleagues, buyers, professionals, influencers and potential partners.
- Experience an expansive 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, free parking and easy entrance/exit to enhance the experience for all.
Click Here For More Information
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Center for Competitive Change | |
The University of Dayton's Center for Competitive Change, one of the top providers of Lean and Six Sigma training, is offering two new upcoming classes:
Managing an Efficient Supply Chain
October 12-13, 2011
Negotiation Success: Start with "No" and Strike a Deal
October 26-27, 2011
Click Here for More Information
Click Here for Information on Additional Classes
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| Darke County Makes Quality of Life Improvements |
From the Ohio Department of Development:
Darke County Makes Quality of Life Improvements with
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Award
Columbus - Darke County recently wrapped up energy efficiency improvements to the Anthony Wayne Early Childhood Center and the Wayne Industries Facility in help from a $160,248 grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development. The estimated cost of the project was $220,248. Both buildings had been identified as needing improvements to energy efficiency for the health and comfort of the occupants.
"By investing in energy efficiency, we are creating a safer environment for Ohioans to work and live, while playing a key role in a greener tomorrow," said Chad Smith, Interim Director of the Department's Ohio Energy Resources Division.
This project exemplifies the goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to reduce fossil fuel emissions, improve energy efficiency in the public sector, and create or preserve jobs.
"I am very happy with the results of this program," said Mike Rhoades, Darke County Commissioner. "I like the savings that we are seeing take place already. Thanks to these kinds of programs, we all can see and benefit from this energy saving program."
Click Here to Read Complete Article
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Ongoing Reminder... Doing Business with the Government |
Doing Business with the Government
A list of sites and contacts to create opportunity with the largest customer in the world
Between the federal, state, and local levels, the U.S. Government is, by far, the largest procurer of products on Earth. For those that are looking to gain opportunity from its diversity of purchasing power, the South West Central Ohio Procurement Technical Assistance Centers are available to help navigate the terrain. It's a long name, so call them PTAC. PTAC is a FREE service with counselors that will guide your business through the application process and help you understand the various sites and programs that could open up new revenue opportunities for your company. Call the Dayton-area Counselor, Kent Anderson, at 937-258-5407 or email him at kanderson@emtec.org, or call the programs' Director, Meredith Threatt at 937-259-1368. Meredith's email is mthreatt@emtec.org. You may also check out PTAC's website at: http://www.swcoptac.org/
· PTAC Daily Bid Match (Search for 'Daily Bid Match' on the PTAC site) · http://www.fbo.gov/(Forecasts from federal agencies on what buying patterns will be in 2-5 years) · http://www.fpds.gov/ (Show a history of buying patterns of various federal agencies) · www.dscc.dla.mil/News/events/tko/register.asp (Register for a FREE 2-day seminar on doing business with the Department of Defense!) Please call the Economic Development Office if you have any trouble getting connected with PTAC. |
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We welcome your feedback on the events listed above, so that we may be able to share more releveant information in future issues. |  |
Darke County Economic DevelopmentCommunity Improvement Corporation of Darke County, OH537 South Broadway Suite 201, Greenville, OH 45331 Phone: 937-548-3250 Fax: 937-547-8446 mnealeigh@darkecounty.com |
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