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A Message From Brian Hill
P3 Executive Director
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At Pickaway Progress Partnership, our work starts with listening.
Over the past two months, I have spent time inside several businesses across Pickaway County, meeting with the people who keep our local economy moving. Those conversations are always time well spent. They give us a clearer sense of what is working, where challenges are emerging and how we can better support continued growth.
What stands out most is the confidence these companies have in Pickaway County. They are investing here. They are growing here. And they are planning for the future here. Our job is to ensure we are doing everything we can to support that momentum.
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Featured Story: Planning for Growth While Preserving What Matters
PICKAWAY COUNTY — Pickaway County is taking a step toward shaping its future with the help of a $50,000 Land Use Planning Grant from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The grant, awarded to the Pickaway County Board of Commissioners in partnership with Pickaway Progress Partnership, will fund the development of the county’s first comprehensive land use plan. The plan will build on an ongoing agricultural study and serve as a guide for future growth, development and conservation.
“Pickaway County stands at a pivotal moment,” said Commissioner Jay H. Wippel, president of the Board of Commissioners and a P3 board member. “This grant gives us the opportunity to come together as a community to determine our own future.”
County leaders said the effort will help balance economic development with the preservation of farmland and rural character.
“This is more than just planning on paper — it’s about empowering our communities,” said Commissioner Gary Scherer. “We will create a clear vision that directs development where it makes the most sense while safeguarding the open spaces that define who we are.”
The plan will include public engagement, stakeholder input and coordination with local partners. While not legally binding, it is expected to guide future decisions on land use, infrastructure and growth.
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Local Businesses Grow and Thrive | |
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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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Bane-Welker Equipment
Bane-Welker has long supported the region’s agricultural community. Conversations centered on how farming continues to evolve, what that means for equipment demand, and why strong infrastructure remains critical to supporting one of Pickaway County’s core industries.
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Engineered Plastics Components Inc. (EPC)
EPC is an important part of the county’s advanced manufacturing base, producing custom injection-molded components used across a wide range of industries. During the visit, discussions focused on workforce needs, production demands, and how ongoing innovation is positioning the company for continued growth.
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McKesson
McKesson’s distribution operations play a vital role in the health care supply chain. Discussions focused on logistics, workforce development and the advantages that make Pickaway County a strong location for large-scale distribution. These visits help ensure P3 remains aligned with the needs of local employers and focused on the priorities that support continued economic growth.
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WillowWood
A global leader in prosthetics and orthotics, WillowWood is changing lives. The visit highlighted the need for a skilled workforce, continued investment in R&D, and the ways in which the company’s innovation is strengthening Pickaway County’s presence in advanced manufacturing.
| | | Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Community Events | |
As we head into the summer months, there are plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate and enjoy everything Pickaway County has to offer. | |
Pickaway County Fair
June 20-27, 2026
The Pickaway County Fair remains one of the county’s most anticipated traditions, bringing together agriculture, youth programs and family-friendly entertainment.
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Summer Movie Nights at Ted Lewis Park
June-September | Second Friday of each month
Join friends and neighbors at Ted Lewis Park for outdoor movies and relaxed summer evenings.
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Circleville Farmers Market
April-September | Fourth Thursday, 5-8 p.m.
The Circleville Farmers Market is a great way to support local growers, small businesses and artisans while enjoying fresh, locally produced goods.
| | | Pickaway County’s momentum continues to build with the support of new investors who are committed to strengthening the local economy and supporting future growth. Please join us in welcoming two of our newest investors, the Circleville-Pickaway County JEDD and Leist Mercantile Inc. | |
Circleville-Pickaway County JEDD
The Circleville-Pickaway County JEDD reflects a practical, collaborative approach to growth. By bringing partners together, it supports infrastructure improvements, extends services and creates new opportunities for business investment, all while keeping long-term planning in focus.
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Leist Mercantile Inc.
Leist Mercantile is an example of the strength and staying power of locally owned businesses. With deep roots in the community and a reputation built on service, its investment in P3 highlights the important role small businesses play in keeping our local economy strong.
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Safe Water Investment: Pickaway, Ross, Fairfield, and Fayette Counties Secure Vital EPA Grants
Scioto Post, March 26, 2026
Pickaway County and three neighboring central Ohio counties received more than $255,000 in EPA grants as part of a $2.8 million statewide investment in public water systems. Funding will support emergency generators, condition assessments, and infrastructure upgrades at local systems, including Twin Pines MHP and Williamsport, strengthening water reliability and protecting public health without raising costs for residents.
Read the full story
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Proposed Amendment to Ban Huge Data Centers in Ohio Can Move to Next Step
The Statehouse News Bureau, March 26, 2026
A proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the construction of data centers consuming more than 25 megawatts per month has been certified and is moving to the Ohio Ballot Board. Supported by rural residents—including voices from Pickaway County—the measure highlights ongoing local concerns about infrastructure strain while the data-center industry warns of potential economic impacts.
Read the full story
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Anduril Begins Production of Fury Military Drone at Ohio’s Arsenal-1
The Columbus Dispatch, March 24, 2026
Anduril has launched production of its AI-powered Fury (YFQ-44A) collaborative combat aircraft at its Arsenal-1 facility near Rickenbacker International Airport in Ashville. The project is expected to create up to 4,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs (average salary $125,000) by 2035, positioning Pickaway County and central Ohio as a growing hub for advanced defense and aerospace technology. Read the full story
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Ohio House Passes Bill to Create Data Center Study Commission
Spectrum News 1, March 19, 2026
House Bill 646 passed the Ohio House unanimously and now heads to the Senate. The legislation creates the nation’s first Data Center Study Commission to examine impacts on the electrical grid, water supply, local economies, farmland, and more, providing data-driven guidance for communities navigating rapid data-center growth.
Read the full story
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History Corner
May 1834: Methodist Episcopal Conference held in Circleville
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In May 1834, one of the earliest major recorded gatherings in Pickaway County took place when a Methodist Episcopal conference was held in Circleville. These conferences, typically held in the spring, drew clergy and church leaders from across Ohio.
In the early 1800s, such religious conferences were significant regional events, serving as both spiritual revivals and centers of community discussion. They played an important role in shaping the social and moral culture of frontier Ohio.
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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 Pickaway County 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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