CITY OF FAIRFIELD
Quarterly Development Newsletter
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North Route 4 Market Study Completed
The city commissioned Market Metrics LLC to conduct a market analysis of the North Route 4 corridor, focused north of Nilles Road to Hamilton. The firm analyzed demographic and economic data to understand development trends and the strength of the local market.
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Assessment of the residential market found that housing values and occupancy are very stable. In fact, the report forecasted demand for new housing units in the next five years.
When analyzing the commercial market, the report confirmed that the corridor primarily serves the needs of local residents in surrounding neighborhoods. Retail and service businesses that are seeking to draw customers from the larger region are more likely to locate closer to I-275.
The report recommended focusing on retaining and attracting businesses in the corridor that serve local neighborhood needs and demographics. For instance, the established neighborhoods west of Route 4 have many households headed by persons over the age of 55, suggesting a market for senior citizen-focused goods and services.
Additionally, the report also recommends that the city increase property maintenance and redevelopment efforts in the corridor. This includes code enforcement to preserve the condition of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This could also include acquisition and demolition of obsolete or blighted properties to create opportunities for new development.
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Southern Champion Tray Enters Fairfield
Southern Champion Tray, also known as SCT, joined the Fairfield business community in July with the acquisition of Honeymoon Paper. Similar to Honeymoon, SCT is a leading manufacturer of paperboard packaging products for foodservice, pharmaceutical, and other markets. The Fairfield facility, located near Route 4 and Muhlhauser Road, adds corrugated materials production to SCT’s capacities. SCT held a hiring event in August and currently has several active job postings. The company plans additional investments in the Fairfield plant, representing a long-term commitment to maintain and grow the operation.
Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, SCT was founded in 1927 as a subsidiary of an Ohio-based company to manufacture paperboard food trays. SCT’s product offerings and markets have grown throughout the decades, but the company continues to be family-owned. In addition to the Chattanooga and Fairfield facilities, SCT also has an operation in Mansfield, Texas. The company serves customers in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and parts of Central America and Europe.
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Calvary Industries Completes Expansion
Construction wrapped up this summer on a 9,000 SF addition to Calvary Industries’ facility on Seward Road. The new addition, which represents a total investment of more than $500,000, provides the company with additional space for blending and storing chemical products, as well as expanding research and development activities. The city assisted the company by providing a partial property tax abatement for the new addition. Calvary expects to add eight additional jobs with this growth.
Calvary Industries was founded in 1983 and has been headquartered in Fairfield since 1987. In addition to its Fairfield complex, the company also has facilities in Lima and Pineville, Louisiana. The company formulates and produces blended process chemicals such as industrial cleaners, conversion coatings, metalworking fluids, paper & pulp, and waste treatment chemistries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Calvary also began manufacturing hand sanitizer and other sanitizing products.
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Economic Inclusion Grant Program Launched
JobsOhio, the state’s non-profit economic development partner, has introduced a new Inclusion Grant program. The grant was established to provide financial support, typically in the range of $50,000, for eligible projects undertaken by businesses owned by underrepresented populations across the state. Eligible projects must be completed in a three year timeframe and should improve operational efficiency and ensure retention of existing employment. Retail businesses are generally ineligible.
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TechCred Program Highlighted
Ohio's TechCred program, which provides workforce funding to companies, was recently highlighted during the Fairfield Business Roundtable series. John Sherwood of the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation shared details of the program via Zoom.
TechCred provides funding for companies to build a stronger workforce by offering new skills training for employees. Many of these trainings can be completed online. All companies with W-2 employees in Ohio are eligible, and can receive up to $2,000 reimbursement per training or credential.
As of August, 695 companies had received funding through the program. Applications are accepted during several periods throughout the year. The next period is anticipated during October 2020. To learn more and apply, visit techcred.ohio.gov.
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Route 4 and Boymel Construction Underway
Construction began in September on improvements at Route 4 and Boymel Drive. Boymel will be widened north/east of Route 4 to add a left hand turn lane onto Route 4, improving the alignment and traffic flow at the intersection. The project is expected to improve access to the businesses located in Diplomat Village and the surrounding area.
During construction, Boymel Drive north/east of Route 4 will be reduced to a single lane, which will operate one-way coming off of Route 4. All businesses will still be accessible via Boymel Drive and existing entrances on Route 4. Vehicles returning to Route 4 will need to detour to Sosna Drive and use Seward Road.
Construction is expected to be completed by November 1st, dependent on weather. Fairfield-based Barry Brown Paving has been contracted to complete the project. The city secured a grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) which will account for 50% of the $300,000 project cost.
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Next Fairfield Business Roundtable Planned
Save the date for the next Fairfield Business Roundtable! On Thursday, October 29th at 8:30 a.m., TechSolve will present the fourth quarter roundtable on the subject of Cybersecurity Strategies for Manufacturing and Logistics Companies. This roundtable session will be hosted via Zoom. The event is free and open to everyone. Watch the city and chamber's social media accounts for further details or contact [email protected] to reserve your spot.
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Fairfield Business Spotlight Series Begins
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fairfield Mayor Steve Miller led a video tour to highlight area businesses during the months of April, May, and June. The tour spotlighted 36 businesses across the city, and received positive feedback and many views on social media.
Following the success of the Mayor’s Tour, the city has launched the Fairfield Business Spotlight Video series. The series will highlight new and expanding businesses, new development projects, and other economic development news in the city.
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The first video highlighted the Sandwich Café and Deli, which opened in August. To see past and future videos, follow the city on Facebook or YouTube, or visit the city website.
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Other Recent Openings & Projects Underway |
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PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT:
ProLogis Union Centre
Located directly on Union Centre Boulevard, the Prologis Union Centre building offers 400,200 square feet of industrial space. Constructed in 2002, the building has a clear height of 32 feet, 44 docks, 4 drive-in doors, a truck court, and 104 auto parking spaces. CBRE has the building listed for lease.
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How can we help?
The Development Services Department is here to support both new and existing businesses in the City of Fairfield. If we can be of assistance, please contact Nathaniel Kaelin, Economic Development Manager, at 513-867-5345 or [email protected].
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Follow #FairfieldOhioDevelopment
on the city's social media accounts:
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