Ten For Ten Case Study
“Ten for Ten.”
That’s how the Wayne Economic Development Council is summarizing the successes of the past decade as Wooster and Wayne County is yet again among the Top 10 micropolitans in the nation in term of qualifying economic development projects.
The area finished third in the nation with 14 projects, behind No. 1 Findlay with 26 projects and Cullman, Ala., with 18.
“We’re pleased we made another strong showing,” said Rod Crider, president of Wayne Economic Development Council. “We had great representation from all over the county and all industries. The automotive industry had a good year and food processing.”
The J.M. Smucker Co.’s acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands and its decision to bring 400 jobs to Wayne County with an estimated …show more content…
The capital investment for all is $145 million, and the projects are expected to create 804 new jobs and involve 2.3 million square feet of space.
“The businesses here in Wayne County continue to perform at a high level,” Shawn Starlin said. “Our companies are making long-term investments in their future growth as well as that of the community.”
Crider said he was happy with Findlay’s effort and the state of Ohio, which had 19 micropolitans in the list. He joked about how he should travel there to see what they are doing. But, others see a recipe here that works.
Steve Matthew, president of Wooster Hydrostatics, said he thinks the can-do attitude of elected officials in the cities and county, along with their staffs, play a part. Another factor is accessibility to the leadership of area companies.
A recent example of this is how elected officials, business leaders and community leaders came together to meet with representatives of Daisy Brand to sell the city, community, culture and county, Wooster Mayor Bob Breneman said. So many people helped land the company, even Steve Schmid of Smith …show more content…
“We are ahead of most of the U.S. and Ohio. We have a great diversity of manufacturing and farming. When manufacturing is hit hard, farming is doing well.
“It’s a great place to be.”
Jon Ansel, president of D+S Distribution, is amazed the area continues to do so well year after year.
“This trend was speculated to be short-lived with certain businesses driving it,” said Ansel, who also serves on Wooster City Council. “But, it has been sustained consecutively (over the years). This is unique and unprecedented.”
But, every year, somehow, some way, the micropolitan finishes among the leaders.
“Our consistent top 10 ranking over the past decade is a testament to the various businesses, that believe that Wooster/Wayne County is a community worth investing in,” said Justin Starlin, president of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce. “I think that various nonprofit organizations, governmental entities and fellow businesses have made the Wooster area a dynamic community that not only businesses, but individuals, aspire to be a part of. This confirms that our efforts to build a stronger overall community is paying
That’s how the Wayne Economic Development Council is summarizing the successes of the past decade as Wooster and Wayne County is yet again among the Top 10 micropolitans in the nation in term of qualifying economic development projects.
The area finished third in the nation with 14 projects, behind No. 1 Findlay with 26 projects and Cullman, Ala., with 18.
“We’re pleased we made another strong showing,” said Rod Crider, president of Wayne Economic Development Council. “We had great representation from all over the county and all industries. The automotive industry had a good year and food processing.”
The J.M. Smucker Co.’s acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands and its decision to bring 400 jobs to Wayne County with an estimated …show more content…
The capital investment for all is $145 million, and the projects are expected to create 804 new jobs and involve 2.3 million square feet of space.
“The businesses here in Wayne County continue to perform at a high level,” Shawn Starlin said. “Our companies are making long-term investments in their future growth as well as that of the community.”
Crider said he was happy with Findlay’s effort and the state of Ohio, which had 19 micropolitans in the list. He joked about how he should travel there to see what they are doing. But, others see a recipe here that works.
Steve Matthew, president of Wooster Hydrostatics, said he thinks the can-do attitude of elected officials in the cities and county, along with their staffs, play a part. Another factor is accessibility to the leadership of area companies.
A recent example of this is how elected officials, business leaders and community leaders came together to meet with representatives of Daisy Brand to sell the city, community, culture and county, Wooster Mayor Bob Breneman said. So many people helped land the company, even Steve Schmid of Smith …show more content…
“We are ahead of most of the U.S. and Ohio. We have a great diversity of manufacturing and farming. When manufacturing is hit hard, farming is doing well.
“It’s a great place to be.”
Jon Ansel, president of D+S Distribution, is amazed the area continues to do so well year after year.
“This trend was speculated to be short-lived with certain businesses driving it,” said Ansel, who also serves on Wooster City Council. “But, it has been sustained consecutively (over the years). This is unique and unprecedented.”
But, every year, somehow, some way, the micropolitan finishes among the leaders.
“Our consistent top 10 ranking over the past decade is a testament to the various businesses, that believe that Wooster/Wayne County is a community worth investing in,” said Justin Starlin, president of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce. “I think that various nonprofit organizations, governmental entities and fellow businesses have made the Wooster area a dynamic community that not only businesses, but individuals, aspire to be a part of. This confirms that our efforts to build a stronger overall community is paying