The Insider

September 2024

Share This Email

ABOUT | NEWS | CONTACT US

2024 Investor Networking Event

In August, we had the pleasure of celebrating our investors and the SCEDC's 40th anniversary at our Investor Networking Event. We want to express our gratitude to the investors, board members, and community partners for their steadfast support and commitment to the SCEDC. Your contributions have been instrumental in propelling our community forward and nurturing economic growth over the past 40 years.

A special thank you goes out to Janotta & Herner for generously sponsoring the first round of drinks at our event. We truly appreciate your support!

Volunteers Needed for THINK Manufacturing Showcase

Join us for the THINK Manufacturing Career Showcase on October 3rd at the Fremont Rec Center! We're searching for passionate volunteers to help guide 9th graders through the world of manufacturing. This year marks our TEN YEAR anniversary of hosting this event! Enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch while making a difference in young minds.

Register as a volunteer by clicking the link below! If you have questions, please contact Kyleigh Lash at communications@sanduskycountyedc.org.

Become a Volunteer

5-County Creative Financing Roundtable

The Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with the Greater Sandusky Partnership, Huron County Growth Partnership, Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, and Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, will host a five-county Creative Financing Roundtable. The event, scheduled for October 18^th, aims to provide local businesses with valuable information on creative financing for expansion and relocation projects.

The roundtable will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Neeley Center, located at 2830 Napoleon Road, Fremont, Ohio. The event is free to attend, and interested individuals can register by emailing Kyleigh Lash at communications@sanduskycountyedc.org.

The event's agenda will kick off with a warm welcome from Beth Hannam of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation, followed by an introduction to Eric Wobser from the Greater Sandusky Partnership. The featured speaker, Rob McCarthy from Bricker Graydon, will lead the discussion on the advantages and opportunities associated with leveraging Port Authorities in Ohio.

In addition, local businesses will have the opportunity to gain insights from a panel discussion on cross-county collaboration. Voices from Ottawa and Erie Counties will share their experiences and insights on the process for a collaborative project utilizing the Capital Lease Program from Erie County Port Authority.

"We are excited to partner with our neighboring economic development organizations to provide local businesses with valuable resources and insights on creative financing opportunities. This collaborative effort reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of businesses across our region," said Beth Hannam, Executive Director of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation. This event presents an excellent opportunity for local businesses looking to expand or relocate to gain crucial knowledge and network with industry experts and peers.

SCEDC Fun Fact

Did you know that the SCEDC was initially established the Greater Fremont Industrial Park? They were able to develop Bark Creek Industrial Park located off of Castalia Street in Fremont. Here's a picture of the first business to move into the industrial park: Seawin Inc., which is now known as Alkon Corporation!

SCEDC Hosts JobsOhio for SiteOhio Program

On August 7th and 8th, the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), in collaboration with the City of Clyde and the City of Fremont, welcomed members from JobsOhio and InSite Consultants to participate in the esteemed SiteOhio site authentication program. This program, recognized as one of the premier site selection initiatives in the nation, was established by JobsOhio to identify sites that are operationally ready from day one.

We are proud to announce that two sites in Sandusky County successfully advanced through the final evaluation stages, leading to a mock site visit designed to simulate the experience of a potential company exploring these locations. This event was instrumental in equipping our project team with essential insights and best practices to effectively attract and secure new business investments. Through this collaborative effort among SCEDC, the City of Clyde, and the City of Fremont, we are committed to fostering a unified approach to economic development and sustainability in our region.

Local, County, and State News

Registration Open for Ignite419 Event

Registration is now officially open for Ignite419, a premier event in Northwest Ohio designed specifically to reengage and invigorate entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers. This full-day event promises a dynamic schedule filled with engaging workshops, a thought-provoking keynote address, and insightful panel discussions featuring local experts who will address a variety of essential business topics. Scheduled for Monday, October 21, at Stacy’s Place in Fostoria, Ignite419 is presented by the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation in collaboration with the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce, reflecting a strong commitment to community-driven economic growth. The agenda includes an impactful morning Wildfire Leadership Training session aimed at helping attendees unlock their mission, discover their unique strengths, and elevate their influence within their businesses. The keynote speaker, Meg Adams, will share invaluable insights on leveraging storytelling as a powerful tool for community building and business growth. Additionally, panel discussions will encompass critical areas such as finance, accounting, human resources, management, marketing, and social media, providing attendees with the knowledge and connections necessary to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

City of Fremont Awarded More Funding for State Street

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur has secured a $24.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Program (SS4A) for Lucas, Ottawa, Wood, and Sandusky counties. Fremont and the Port Clinton areas will receive $9.5 million of the award. These funds, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aim to improve road safety and eliminate traffic fatalities. Specifically, Fremont plans to use $5 million for intersection improvements, pedestrian access enhancements, and safety improvements on West State Street. Additionally, $4.5 million will be used to reconstruct the interchange at State Routes 2 and 53 in Port Clinton, including dual roundabouts to reduce accidents and ease traffic flow into the city.

Ohio Ranks #1 in Nation for Infrastructure & Economic Development Investment

Ohio has been ranked Number One in the Global Groundwork Index by Site Selection magazine for the second year in a row. The state's top ranking is attributed to public infrastructure investments and private-sector business expansion. Ohio's commitment to improving infrastructure, including roads, bridges, broadband, and water and sewer systems, has contributed to its success. The state has generated over 94,310 new job commitments and $65.2 billion in capital investments from 2020 through 2024. Major metropolitan areas such as Columbus and Cincinnati have also performed well in the rankings. Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, JobsOhio, plays a key role in enhancing company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across various industry sectors.

Read Full Article

Small Business. Big Impact.

This month's Small Business Highlight is Our Lady of the Pines, located at 1250 Tiffin Street in Fremont.

Discover a new way to engage with life at Our Lady of the Pines retreat center. Unlike resorts, which are designed for escaping, a retreat center is a place to rest and reconnect with God, nature, and oneself. Whether preferring group or individual retreats, silent or interactive experiences, they offer a variety of options to meet your needs. Come find the space you need to deepen your connection with yourself and the world around you.

Learn More on Their Website

Small Biz Blitz

One of the SCEDC's goals is to empower small businesses by providing them with the necessary resources to succeed and thrive in today's competitive market. As part of our commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, we conduct visits for our "Small Biz Blitz" program. This program is designed to offer an abbreviated version of our Business Retention and Expansion visits to small businesses in our community.

During the "Small Biz Blitz" stops, our team will spend approximately 15 minutes with you and your team to discuss your business, answer any questions you may have, and take a group picture. We will then share this information on our social media pages, allowing our followers to learn more about your business and the amazing work that you do.

Participation in the "Small Biz Blitz" program is completely free of charge, and we would be honored to visit your business in 2024.

Visit My Business Next!

Helping Our Community's Small Businesses & Startups Learn and Grow

The Business Resource Center is a one-stop call center to guide area businesses and new business start-ups to a range of resources and continuous learning programs available to help members of our community to advance business knowledge and skills.

Check out the Website!

SBDC - Small Business Basics Seminar

The Small Business Development Center's Small Business Basics seminar is free for anyone who wants to start, buy, or expand a small business.

2024 Seminar Schedule

Upcoming SBA Trainings

Sandusky County is a growing business hub that is well-positioned for investment, growth, and development. Strategically located in Northwest Ohio, Sandusky County is a prime location for businesses that are looking to locate/relocate or to expand, offering companies access to a large pool of talented workforce; affordable, flexible, and attractive real estate options; strategic access via an intermodal transportation network; and excellent education options.

Learn More

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY MAPPING

Access to data that drives the growth of your business. Search SizeUp and gain instant access to local & sector-specific data, allowing you to make informed business decisions. Explore suppliers and competition, ways to optimize your marketing, key demographics, and customers. With SizeUp you can escalate your Sandusky County business or find numerous reasons to establish one here.

Learn More

LOCAL INCENTIVES

Communities in Sandusky County have a wide range of incentives available to assist new and expanding businesses.

Enterprise Zone Program
Community Reinvestment Area (CRA)
Job Retention & Creation Incentive Income Tax Credit
Opportunity Zone Program

Learn More

STATE INCENTIVES

Grant funding and tax credits are among the most sought after incentives of new and expanding businesses. JobsOhio and the local municipalities within Sandusky County have programs in place offering these benefits to encourage business growth. These programs of varying focus are typically tied to job creation and new capital investment in fixed assets.

Learn More