Growth That Strengthens Pickaway County | | |
This issue of The Progress offers a good picture of what thoughtful growth can mean for Pickaway County.
We’re celebrating the first Fury aircraft produced at Arsenal-1, while also moving toward recommendations from our Future of Agriculture Study and Land Use Plan.
We’re seeing existing employers like American Wood Fibers continue to invest here, and we’re welcoming new P3 investors whose work supports our infrastructure and economy.
These things are connected. Communities need new investment, housing, infrastructure and jobs to remain strong and create opportunities for the next generation. But growth should be planned carefully, with attention to our schools, farmland, public services and quality of life.
Our goal at P3 is growth that strengthens the entire community while protecting what makes Pickaway County special.
Sincerely,
Brian Hill
Executive Director
Pickaway Progress Partnership
| | | | First Ohio-Built Fury Rolls off Anduril's Arsenal-1 Production Line | | | |
Pickaway County marked a major milestone on July 27 as the first Fury autonomous combat aircraft rolled off the production line at Anduril Industries’ Arsenal-1 facility.
“We are a farm county, proud of it. What today proves is that in Pickaway County, corn, soybeans and aircraft can grow side by side. Our heritage and our future are neighbors,” said Pickaway County Commissioner Jay Wippel.
| | | Pictured: P3 Administrative Assistant Madison Griffith, P3 Executive Director Brian Hill, Commissioner Gary Scherer, Commissioner Jay Wippel, Port Authority Board Member Mark Leatherwood, Port Authority and P3 Board Member Craig Stevenson, P3 Assistant Director Tiffany Anderson, and Port Authority Board Member Scott Blue. | | | | |
The milestone reflects years of planning and investment that positioned Pickaway County for opportunities such as Arsenal-1.
“For nearly 20 years, this county prepared. We invested in roads, water, sewer and other infrastructure. We planned. We built partnerships,” Wippel said.
For P3 and the Pickaway County Port Authority, seeing the first Fury come off the production line was a proud moment and a reminder of what collaboration, long-term planning and strategic economic development can achieve.
Anduril’s arrival marks a new chapter for Pickaway County, where agriculture, advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technology are growing side by side.
| | | | Shaping the Future of Agriculture in Pickaway County | | |
Pickaway County’s Future of Agriculture Study is moving closer to completion, with draft recommendations expected to be released for public review this fall.
The study examines the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture in Pickaway County, including farmland preservation, generational transitions, economic viability and long-term sustainability. More than 350 residents and stakeholders have participated in the process, representing 14 of the county’s 15 townships.
The findings will also help inform Pickaway County’s first-ever Land Use Plan, creating a countywide framework for managing future growth while protecting farmland, rural character and quality of life.
Watch for more information from P3 as the draft recommendations are released and the process moves toward a final Agriculture Study and Land Use Plan.
| | | | Local Businesses Grow and Thrive | | |
Staying connected to our local employers is a core part of P3’s work. Through our business retention and expansion efforts, we continue to meet directly with companies to better understand their needs and priorities.
As part of this ongoing outreach, Executive Director Brian Hill recently visited several companies across Pickaway County, gaining firsthand insight into the industries and employers driving the local economy.
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American Wood Fibers continues to demonstrate its commitment to Pickaway County through quality manufacturing, local employment and ongoing investment in its operations.
The company produces a range of wood fiber products while supporting local jobs and contributing to the regional economy.
Its presence in Pickaway County also reflects the important role manufacturers play in creating opportunities, supporting supply chains and strengthening the county’s overall business base.
American Wood Fibers has built its business around responsible resource use, sustainable manufacturing practices and a commitment to its employees and customers. Continued investment in its facilities and workforce helps position the company for future growth while reinforcing its long-term connection to the community.
P3 is proud to count American Wood Fibers among the companies helping drive economic growth and manufacturing strength in Pickaway County.
| | | | Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Community Events | | During the summer months, there are plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate and enjoy everything Pickaway County has to offer. For all events happening in Pickaway County, please visit the Pickaway County Visitors Bureau's events calendar. | | |
Summer Blooms & Bubbly
Rhoads Garden Center will host Summer Blooms & Bubbly on Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. at Rhoadhouse 56.
Guests will create their own summer floral arrangement with guidance from Debbie Schooley and Pistils Petals, while enjoying a charcuterie cup and beverages from the Rhoadhouse 56 bar. No floral design experience is needed, and all materials are provided.
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Retro Car Show at Deer Creek Lodge
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a Retro Car Show at Deer Creek Lodge on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event will feature classic and vintage vehicles, live music, food trucks and prizes for the top three cars, all set against the backdrop of Deer Creek State Park.
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Summer of Sins Camp-Out & Music Festival
The Summer of Sins Camp-Out & Music Festival returns for its second year Sept. 25-26 at the Pickaway Agriculture and Event Center in Circleville.
The two-day event will feature live music, tattoos, camping and more, with additional artist announcements and ticket information coming soon.
Founder DJ Hylyte and co-founder Christina Coughlin of Coughlin Cars are hosting the festival.
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Kidspalooza
Kidspalooza returns to downtown Circleville on Saturday, Oct. 3, with a day of family-friendly activities and entertainment.
The community event will feature a car show, live music, a Big Wheel race and activities for all ages. Kidspalooza will take place at 103 W. Main St. in Circleville.
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Circleville Pumpkin Show 2026
The Circleville Pumpkin Show returns Oct. 21-24, bringing one of Pickaway County’s most celebrated traditions back to downtown Circleville.
Known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” the event attracts more than 400,000 visitors and features parades, contests, amusement rides, entertainment and more than 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash and gourds on display.
The 119th Pumpkin Show will once again showcase the community, agriculture and traditions that make Pickaway County special.
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The Circleville Pumpkin Show began in October 1903, when Mayor George R. Haswell organized a modest display of corn and carved pumpkins along West Main Street.
What started as a small community celebration quickly grew, adding amusement rides by 1905 and expanding throughout downtown Circleville in the years that followed.
Today, the Pumpkin Show is one of the nation’s largest festivals, drawing more than 400,000 visitors each year. Known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” it has become a signature Pickaway County tradition and a celebration of the community’s agricultural roots.
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Please join us in welcoming Melvin Stone Company and Cox Paving as two of P3's newest investors.
Both Melvin Stone Company and Cox Paving are part of The Jurgensen Companies, a trusted organization known for quality work, strong local partnerships and a commitment to the communities it serves.
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With operations in Pickaway County, both companies play an important role in supporting the region’s infrastructure and economic growth.
We’re pleased to welcome Melvin Stone Company and Cox Paving to our investor network and look forward to working together to strengthen Pickaway County’s business community.
Welcome to P3!
| | | | Thank You To Our Investors | | |
We are thankful for the continued support of our investors and the important role they play in our community's success.
Their partnership helps us support local businesses, attract new opportunities and strengthen communities across the region.
With their support, we can continue working on projects that encourage economic growth and help position the region for a strong future. We are grateful for their trust, generosity and shared commitment to Pickaway County.
- American Structurepoint
- Circleville City School District
- Circleville / Pickaway Corp
- City of Circleville
- City of Circleville / Pickaway Township JEDD
- Earnhart Hill Water
- EPC Inc.
- EXXCEL Project Management
- Harral and Stevenson
- Health Care Logistics
- Hummel & Plum Life Insurance
- Kingston National Bank
- Kleingers Group
- Leist Mercantile Inc.
- Logan Elm LSD
- Madison Township JEDD
- Melvin Stone and Cox Paving
- Northern Pickaway County JEDD
- OhioHealth Berger Hospital
- Patriot Engineering
- Pickaway County Commissioners
- Pickaway County ESC
- Qnity
- The Savings Bank
- Teays Valley LSD
- Vantrust
- Village of South Bloomfield
- Vinton County Bank
| | | | Build Your Fall Workforce Now with Pickaway WORKS! | | Looking at part-time staffing needs or building a reliable full-time employment pipeline for this fall or early 2027? We can help! | | |
Pickaway WORKS is partnering with local businesses now to establish workforce pipelines before the school year begins.
Work-based learning connects Pickaway County employers with high school students who are ready to gain real-world experience. The State of Ohio defines work-based learning as sustained interactions with industry professionals in real workplace settings.
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Why take advantage now?
- Fill part-time or seasonal staffing gaps
- Develop a reliable local talent pipeline
- Train students before graduation
- Evaluate potential future employees
Students can begin earning hands-on experience aligned with their career interests while supporting your operations during or outside school hours, following state guidelines.
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Pickaway WORKS makes the process simple by connecting you with students, outlining expectations, and guiding you through employer responsibilities.
For more information, please contact Chuck Reisinger at creisinger@pickawaycountyohio.gov.
Start building your workforce today!
*This message was provided on behalf of Pickaway WORKS.
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Pickaway County’s momentum is no accident. It is the result of strong businesses, committed partners and a community that continues to invest in its future.
At P3, we are focused on building on that momentum, strengthening relationships, and making sure our region remains a place where businesses and communities can thrive.
For more information, visit Pickaway Progress Partnership.
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“Strong communities are built through partnership. We’re grateful for the support of these investors and their shared commitment to Pickaway County’s future.”
— Brian Hill
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