2020 Annual Review Video and Meeting Recap
Sandusky County continues to thrive throughout 2020. Our annual review highlights some of our projects throughout the municipalities this past year.

The SCEDC held their 2021 Annual Meeting of Investors via Zoom on Thursday, February 25th. The SCEDC would also like to announce their new officers and members of the Board of Directors.

2021 Slate of Officers for the SCEDC include President - Hans Rosebrock, First Energy; 1st V-President – Kendall Rieman, Croghan Colonial Bank; 2nd V-President – Jim Weiss, ProMedica; Treasurer – Jeff Geary, First National Bank; Secretary – Bruce Schrader, Clyde Tool & Die, Inc.; Past President - Wade Weaver, Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties

Re-Elected to a 3-Year Term as SCEDC Board of Directors: Brian Geffe, Mosser Construction; Keith Kruse, Village of Woodville; Bob Kusmer, Ballville Township Trustee; Scott Miller, Sandusky County Commissioner; Angie Morelock, Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Centers; Tim Myers, Century Die; and James Weiss, ProMedica Memorial Hospital.

Elected to a new 3-Year Term as SCEDC Board of Directors: Tim Buit, The Bellevue Hospital

Elected to a new 1-Year Term as SCEDC Board of Directors: Jason Ebert, Whirlpool Corporation – Clyde Division

The SCEDC also recognized Mr.Mike Winthrop for serving on the board. Mike began on the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors in February of 2000. Over the past 20 years, Mike had served two terms as President of the SCEDC Board from 2004-2007 and again from 2012-2014. Mike was a part of the Marketing Committee from 2000-2017 which he chaired from 2010-2017. Mike has always been a Sandusky County Health and Wellness Champion leading TBH in health services, technology, and facilities. The Bellevue Hospital has been an economic anchor within Sandusky County. The SCEDC appreciates the capital investment that The Bellevue Hospital has made within the county under Mike’s leadership.  

The SCEDC launched the 2020 year in review video and focused the remainder of the meeting on their Forward Thinking 2018-2022 Capital Campaign deliverables. In 2020, the SCEDC had 100 BR&E Visits plus an additional 150 PPE toolkits delivered to small businesses, 49 projects, 5,326 retained jobs, $186 in Capital Investments, 912 new jobs, over 12 million in new payroll, and received a Top 20 Micropolitan award. The SCEDC is on track or has already exceeded their 5- Year goals of 720 BR&E Visits, 18,000 Retained Jobs, $1.25 billion in Capital Investment, and 1500 New Jobs through 2018-2022.


If you were unable to attend the virtual Annual Meeting of Investors you may view the powerpoint presentation here.
The SCEDC Announces Top 10 Micropolitan Award

The SCEDC Announces Top 10 Micropolitan Award

Fremont- Sandusky County, Ohio - Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is a non-profit organization that focuses on business retention and expansion, business recruitment, and workforce development for Sandusky County. The SCEDC would like to announce that Sandusky County was ranked among the best nationally based on number of business development projects.

A national economic development publication, Site Selection magazine, recently announced their Annual Governors Cup Rankings and that of the 5,000+ micropolitans in the nation, Fremont-Sandusky County has been recognized as one of the top 10 micropolitan regions in the country for business investment and expansion. Fremont-Sandusky County was the 7th ranking, up 7 spots from last year when Fremont-Sandusky County was the 14th ranking for this prestigious award. In 2020, Sandusky County had a total of 47 projects and $186M in Capital Investment, resulting in 5326 retained and 912 new jobs. Out of those projects, 16 of them qualified for the Governor’s Cup.

The U.S. Census Bureau defines a micropolitan community as a "rural county whose largest city does not exceed a population of 50,000." Site Selection magazine's standard for a qualified project is a project that meets one of the following criteria: dollar investment greater than $1 million for building and equipment, square footage of at least 20,000 in new/expanding construction or the addition of 20 new jobs. To be eligible, the project must have occurred in the same year and be in one of the following sectors: Manufacturing, Distribution, Office, Data Center or R&D facility. Fremont-Sandusky County places in the top 10 percent of micropolitan communities nationwide.

“The SCEDC continues to focus on Retention and Expansion efforts in Sandusky County. Most of our qualifying projects come from companies that continue to expand their facilities, invest in new machinery and equipment, and hire additional employees. 2020 had a number of expansion projects that qualified for the Governor’s Cup as well including projects from Quality Steel, Whirlpool, Crown Battery and Precision Automotive., just to name a few” stated Beth Hannam, Executive Director of the SCEDC. “In 2020, Sandusky County was also happy to welcome International Cushioning Company into Fremont, which included 75 new jobs and $3.6M in Capital Investment”.

Hannam added “the Governor’s Cup Awards are bar none, the most prestigious awards in economic development and it is such an honor to be ranked so highly. Sandusky County has a lot of momentum right now and the EDC is excited to be a part of it”.
The SCEDC along with the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP) held a joint press conference at Terra State Community College on March 1st to announce their rankings for the micropolitan awards, where Seneca County ranked 4th nationwide. Due to social distancing, attendance was invitation only, but the press was invited to cover the event.

Speakers included Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, State Sen. Bill Reineke; State Rep. Gary Click; the Mayors of Bellevue, Clyde, Fostoria, Fremont and Tiffin; Dean Monske, President & CEO of Regional Growth Partnership; Ron Schumacher, President of Terra State Community College and Beth Hannam, Executive Director of SCEDC and David Zak, President and CEO of TSEP.
New Construction Supply and Rental Company coming to Sandusky County
Construction Equipment and Supply, LTD has announced plans to construct a 16,000 square foot showroom and warehouse in Sandusky Township, Fremont. Construction Equipment and Supply (CES) is a Sandusky, Ohio based company that focuses on the rental of construction equipment and the sales of supplies often used on construction job projects. With over 600 pieces of rental equipment and a 4,000 square foot showroom full of named brand tools and supplies, Construction Equipment and Supply has you covered whether you’re a homeowner, a contractor or a factory. “We are excited to open our second branch in Fremont later this year, which will allow us to continue to expand our business while also helping us better serve our existing customers” stated Jordan Wagner, CES Vice President. “With it being our 25th year in business, we felt there was no better time to expand into another growing market. Our second location will position us to be a part of the growth.”

CES recently purchased land located on State Street between Pontiac and Walter Ave and has hired Janotta & Herner to be the contractor for this project. The project also included demolishing three blighted houses on West State St. “Sandusky Township is proud to have Construction Equipment and Supply coming to Sandusky Township to open their second branch” stated Sandusky County Township Trustee Paul Lotycz. "We wish the company a long, productive relationship with our community.”

CES Vice President, Jordan Wagner, along with Beth Hannam, Executive Director of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation met with the Sandusky County Commissioners on February 23rd for approval of Construction Equipment and Supply, LTD’s Enterprise Zone agreement.

“It has been wonderful working with Jordan on this project. We are fortunate to have a company like Construction Equipment and Supply choose Sandusky County for their second location. Their investment and job creation is further indication of Sandusky County being a business friendly community,” added Beth Hannam, Executive Director of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation.

The projects calls for an initial investment of between $3 and $5.5 million dollars, which includes the acquisition costs of land, estimated building costs, appropriate site work and the purchase of the necessary inventory, machinery and newly purchased construction equipment. The Sandusky County Commissioners approved Construction Equipment and Supply, LTD a fifty (50%) percent tax exemption for a period of five (5) years on the assessed value of the new real property investment first used in its business in Sandusky Township, Sandusky County. Sandusky County Commissioner Russ Zimmerman added “We are glad to have another business open in the county. We want to welcome them to the county and look forward to their continued growth”.

Construction is slated to begin in March with hopes to have their State Street location open in fall to celebrate their 25th anniversary of business. They anticipate a future need for further buildings including a mechanic shop and cold storage, but there is no timetable set for that addition.
Terra State to Offer New Construction Technology Program and Certificate
Terra State Community College has expanded to provide a new program and certificate. The construction technology program will begin by offering a utility construction installer certificate.

“Terra State is excited to launch the new utility construction installer certificate. This program was made possible by support from our partners at Kenneth G. Myers Construction, the Power and Communication Contractors Association, and the Wireless Infrastructure Association,” said Dr. Andrew Shella, dean of the technology and skilled trades division.
 
The program will prepare students to apply basic engineering principles, technical skills and standard construction practices in support of engineers, construction contractors and other professionals in construction. Students will learn about basic construction principles and techniques, building site inspection, safety, site supervision, construction personnel supervision, plan and specification interpretation, supply logistics and procurement, applicable building codes and permits and report preparation.
 
Students will participate in classes such as truck driving, utility location and print reading, customer service and a cooperative work experience. At the completion of the certificate, students will have completed their CDL-A licensure and receive OSHA 10 training.
 
The utility construction installer certificate includes 30.5 credits, which equals to 11 courses. Courses can be completed in one year, if 15 credits are taken each semester. Students looking to take less than 15 credits a semester will finish over a longer period. Classes are offered in the fall and spring.
 
Jacob Selvey, coordinator of the program, spent 40 years working for Kenneth G. Myers Construction. After retiring from the trade, he decided to help Myers Construction and Terra State with the startup of the program.

“We have learned from COVID that we have a big need for broadband. There is a need to build the fifth-generation infrastructure and we have all come together to start this program to teach students how to build this fifth-generation network,” said Selvey, “We know that working from home will never go away. This program will train people for the industry and I think it’s always going to be a part of our lives.”
 
In the future, Terra State hopes to expand the program to offer other associate degrees and certificates in construction related fields.
 
“I see the future of this program divesting into all utilities including water and power. It’s a big task to start a program but we are fortunate enough to have great partners behind us for support, whether that’s their labor, equipment, or knowledge,” said Selvey.

Classes for the certificate start during the second eight-week session, which starts on March 15. Students looking to join the program may first apply to Terra State at terra.edu/apply.
Governor, Lt. Governor Unveil Investing in Ohio Initiative
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted this week unveiled their Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2022 to 2023, including an aggressive plan to spur Ohio’s continued recovery by investing in communities, people, and businesses. Through the Investing in Ohio Initiative, the Executive Budget launches a strategic effort to invest more than $1 billion toward accelerating economic growth and ensuring economic vitality.
 
“We have a unique opportunity to make significant investments that will spur growth and economic renewal across the state,” Governor DeWine said. “The Investing in Ohio Initiative supports both our people and our economy as we continue to prepare for the future and showcase Ohio as the premier place to live and work.”
 
The Investing in Ohio Initiative within the proposed Executive Budget includes:
·   $250 million for broadband expansion.
·   $200 million for “Ohio Community” infrastructure projects, such as drinking water infrastructure improvements, preparing job ready sites, and blighted property removal.
·   $460 million in targeted grants for small businesses, the hospitality sector, entertainment sector, and new businesses.
·   $50 million for workforce development to expand Ohio’s TechCred program to 40,000 credentials.
·   Another $25 million to help schools offer in-demand credentials.
·   $50 million investment in public health equity initiatives.
 
“It is a responsible, balanced budget that invests in our health, educational and economic recovery from the pandemic,” Lt. Governor Husted said. “We are championing career training and in-demand industry credentials that will help tens of thousands more Ohioans a year earn the skills that will prepare them for quality, good-paying jobs without the high cost of a college education.”
 
The Investing in Ohio Initiative also includes a $50 million investment toward elevating Ohio’s standing on a national scale through a marketing campaign to promote the state as a world-class place to live, work, and learn.
 
Governor DeWine's full budget recommendations, and budget highlights, can be found at budget.ohio.gov.
 
Terra State Outplaces Harvard in Codebreaker Challenge
Last fall, 33 cybersecurity students from Terra State Community College competed in the National Security Agency (NSA) Codebreaker Challenge.

The national competition included 452 schools, and Terra State placed 14th overall. In doing so, the college outplaced Harvard, Purdue the University of Michigan, the Ohio State University and more.

Purdue University, notably, is ranked sixth in the nation for undergraduate cybersecurity programs, according to US News and World Report.

The two phases of the challenge started last October. Students applied computer skills like cracking passwords, social engineering, complex mathematics, and reverse engineering software to solve problems in a fictional story.

“The challenge presented many great opportunities for students to develop their creative cybersecurity skills they have gained throughout their time at Terra State,” said Mike Daigneault, assistant professor in Terra State’s computer information systems program. “All of the students showed their creativity in creating solutions for each task and went above and beyond.”

Terra State and the University of Cincinnati were the only Ohio schools to place in the top 50. Additionally, Terra State was one of only two community colleges in the top 50.

Austin Douglas, a student studying computer information systems and networking support, said the NSA challenge will be one of his strongest memories from his time at Terra State.

“The NSA challenge was truly something wild,” said Douglas. “There were questions based on basic IT, math and complex puzzles. … I will never forget the adrenaline rush we all got when sitting in a room together. Everybody is trying to work out the problem until somebody figures out the answer and the class just erupts into excitement.”
Terra State and Trainco Inc. Truck Driving Schools expands partnership
Terra State Community College has expanded their partnership with Trainco Inc. Truck Driving Schools to provide truck driving training on Terra State’s campus, as well as to provide forklift operation training.

Terra State used to have its own truck driving program, but partnered with Trainco in 2013 to expand the program. Classes then moved to Trainco’s headquarters in Perrysburg. Eight years later, classes will be coming back to being on campus at Terra State. The existing training pad behind Terra State’s maintenance building is still in working condition to be used for training.

This opportunity makes the training more accessible to students east of Fremont, as they originally had to pass Terra State to travel to the Perrysburg Trainco headquarters for classes.
Trainco currently offers CDL-A classes that can be completed in as little as three weeks. The partnership will offer day, evening, and weekend classes on the campus of Terra State and will assist in immediate job placement.

Terra State also provides truck driving training students access to college credits while they earn their CDL. Each participant receives 6.5 college credits that can be used toward a degree at Terra State. The credits for these classes are earned upon completion of the Trainco CDL training.

“Terra State Community College is pleased to host Trainco on our campus. This is a great opportunity to provide CDL training to our community and our service district more conveniently located for students and employers,” said Dr. Andrew Shella, dean of the technology and skilled trades division.

Truck driving training classes start on March 8. To register for truck driving, please contact Trainco at 419.837.5730.

The expanded partnership also brings a new opportunity to offer a forklift operation certificate, which is awarded after completing one four-hour class. Students who complete the class will be OSHA forklift certified and will receive an authorized forklift driver card.

“Now, the new hybrid truck driver is called a combination worker,” said Ken Howell, president at Trainco, “These combination workers have to load and unload their trucks so it is especially important to have both a CDL-A and the forklift certificate as truck driving evolves.”

The cost for the forklift operation certificate is $259 and classes are currently running for one day each month. To register, please contact the Kern Center at 419.559.2464.
Fremont Looking to Create a New Industrial Park
The city has a tentative timeline to acquire land and break ground on a new industrial park in 2022. Bob Gross, the city's economic development director, gave an economic development update to Fremont City Council members Thursday. In his presentation, Gross said the city has maintained a goal of building a new industrial park, a concept the city put forward in its Think Fremont 10-year economic development plan, which was unveiled in 2018.

"We're just out of industrial space. We have manufacturers in about 100-year-old buildings," Gross said. Gross said the lack of a new industrial park acreage and newer manufacturing buildings has put constraints on Fremont's ability to pursue leads for possible new employers.
He said the Bark Creek Center was the last industrial park built in Fremont.

To read the entire article click here.
Spring Break in a Box
Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers have been hosting Winter Camp for local students for many years. Both the Fremont and Tiffin campuses have provided campers a fun opportunity to experience and explore the many career paths the district offers. However, due to COVID-19 we are unable to host Winter Camp in 2021. Instead, we are offering Spring Break In A Box as an alternative method to engage students in 5th – 8th grade in activities that open their eyes to the world of Career Tech Education and the many opportunities it has to offer.
 
Spring Break In A Box kits have been designed by our instructors, offering fun and educational projects that represent our academic and program offerings. There are twelve different kits to choose from and cost $10 each and will include all necessary instructions and components to complete the project. Registrants will also receive a T-shirt. Registration is required and is available online only at www.vsctc.org by March 12, 2021. Curbside pickup of your Spring Break In A Box will take place on Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 9:00a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at your preferred campus location of either The Vanguard Tech Center in Fremont or Sentinel Career & Technology Center in Tiffin. Students will be able to complete the kit on their own time over spring break. 
 
“Our communities have really embraced Winter Camp and we see many campers return year after year” explains Superintendent Greg Edinger. “We are hopeful that people will give this safe alternative a try as our team members have worked hard to make sure the content is meaningful and exciting.” 
 
Spring Break In A Box kits are available in the following career clusters and full descriptions can be found on the website. Supplies are limited, so register early.
* Academics                                                    * Health Sciences
* Agricultural & Environmental Systems    * Hospitality & Tourism
* Building Construction Trades                    * Information & Technology
* Cosmetology                                                * Law & Public Safety
* Education & Training                                   * Transportation Systems
* Electrical Trades
* Manufacturing Technologies & Engineering & Science Technologies
 
Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers have been providing quality career technical education since 1968. The district provides students with specific, marketable skills to begin a career, pursue further training or attend college. For more information, visit www.vsctc.org.
SCEDC joins Coalition to Stop The Spread
SCEDC has joined the Coalition to Stop The Spread and we encourage our investors to do the same. In order to keep businesses open we advocate for wearing a mask, social distancing and proper hand washing. Learn more at StopTheSpreadCoalition.com.