BUTLER TECH ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION OF WEST CHESTER BIOSCIENCE CENTER

In a forward-thinking initiative, Butler Tech is expanding its Bioscience Center to meet the growing demand for healthcare education. This state-of-the-art facility will significantly increase opportunities for students in healthcare pathways, directly addressing the workforce needs of the region. 

Biomedical science is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in America, employing more than 14 million people in a wide range of careers. Biomedical science provides an opportunity for people to use their skills to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing humans. 

The West Chester Bioscience Center provides students with unparalleled opportunities to earn diplomas, certifications and degrees, gaining hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting. Butler Tech has unique partnerships with local hospitals and medical practices, offering students hands-on opportunities such as job shadowing, internships and clinical experiences.

The modern Butler Tech Bioscience Center facility is a red beacon of progress from its hill in midtown West Chester overlooking Interstate 75. The state-of-the-art labs at the Bioscience Center are filled with the same tools used by professionals in the field and classrooms are designed to simulate real-world medical facilities. Experienced instructors prepare students for careers in this booming industry using the nationally renowned Project Lead the Way curriculum.

The 25,000 square-foot expansion responds to a 15% increase in student applications, enabling more students to access vital healthcare training and reducing the number of applicants turned away. The enhanced facility will introduce new career pathways and foster partnerships with local hospitals and educational institutions, offering credentials for future healthcare professionals. 

Funded by a $7.2 million grant from the Ohio biennial budget through Career Technical Construction program, with an additional $4.9 million from Butler Tech, totaling $12.1 million.

“This grant will provide us the opportunity to continue to transform lives in our community,” said Jon Graft, superintendent of Butler Tech. “This expansion project directly addresses the growing community need, as a steady increase in student applications necessitates increased capacity to provide quality career education for aspiring healthcare workers. Plus, through partnerships with local hospitals and higher education institutions, the expansion project will provide a high-quality space for students to earn in-demand credentials to become healthcare professionals.”

This will be the second expansion of the Bioscience Center building since the original $16 million two-story building opened in 2016. In 2020, a $1.8 million expansion was opened to students providing additional classroom and lab spaces.

OATS OVERNIGHT TO TRIPLE IN SIZE AT WEST CHESTER FACILITY

Oats Overnight unveiled plans to expand its West Chester facility, tripling its size to accommodate the company’s rapid growth. The company is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and its success necessitated the search for a new facility in a different geographic region.

Oats Overnight was founded in 2016 to revolutionize the breakfast experience. The company set out to create a convenient and nutritious option that stands out for its crave-worthy, protein-rich offerings. What truly sets Oats Overnight apart is its innovative approach to product development: by actively engaging with its customers and leveraging its vibrant social communities, the company ensures that every new product is something people genuinely desire, simply by asking them directly.

West Chester Township was strategically selected for the new Oats Overnight facility due to its favorable location, community dynamics, and excellent transportation links. Since commencing operations in 2023, the West Chester facility has served as a crucial East Coast hub for the business, significantly improving shipping efficiency and reducing delivery times to customers. With plans to triple its size, the West Chester facility will not only enhance operational efficiency and expand geographical reach of the growing company, but will also contribute to local economic growth by generating jobs and supporting the community.

“As we expand our presence in West Chester, we're thrilled to bring Oats Overnight to a community that values both innovation and great tasting, healthy products. This growth is driven by our team’s commitment to making nutritious, convenient breakfasts accessible across the nation. West Chester, we're excited to be here! We look forward to developing our relationship with the Township and People over the coming years, and we look forward to having a strong strategic partner with us on our journey!” - Vincent Comerford, Chief Operating Officer.

The West Chester expansion will significantly amplify Oats Overnight’s operational capabilities, increasing its space to three times its current size in less than a year. The company is committed to investing $5 million in state-of-the-art equipment for the new facility. Currently employing around 120 people, the expansion will necessitate the addition of 100-150 more positions, with a preference for local West Chester residents. The expansion will feature six advanced production rooms and add 130,000 square feet of space across the street from the existing 68,000-square-foot facility. Oats Overnight is thrilled to enhance its presence in the West Chester community and is eager to contribute to the area's continued growth and prosperity.

To fuel its ambitious growth plans, Oats Overnight has successfully completed a Series B funding round. This latest round raised $35 million, with significant investments from prominent venture capital firms and strategic investors. This influx of capital will be instrumental in accelerating the company's expansion and enhancing its production capabilities. The Series B funding will support several key initiatives, including the major expansion of the West Chester facility. The investment underscores the confidence investors have in the Oats Overnight’s business model and growth trajectory, further solidifying its position as a leader in the crave-able and accessible protein rich foods market.

About Oats Overnight:

Oats Overnight was founded in 2016 by Brian Tate, a former professional poker player, with the vision of creating a convenient and nutritious breakfast option. The company quickly distinguished itself with innovative flavors such as Glazed Blueberry Donut, Birthday Cake, and S’mores, captivating a broad audience with its unique offerings. Today, Oats Overnight proudly produces over 50 delicious flavors at their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Arizona and Ohio. Oats Overnight products including protein oatmeal shakes, protein instant coffee, and apparel can be ordered directly from their website, oatsovernight.com, or found nationwide in retailers including Walmart, Target, The Fresh Market, Meijer, Whole Foods, and more.

The typical Oats Overnight customer is a health-conscious, busy individual who values convenience without sacrificing nutrition and flavor. Customers are drawn to Oats Overnight by more than the products; the company is committed to using high-quality and wholesome ingredients and their marketing strategy ensures an entertaining journey with the brand.

The company’s success is driven by its deep engagement with its customers and social media communities. By actively listening to feedback and involving their audience in product development, Oats Overnight consistently introduces new flavors and products that resonate with consumer preferences. This approach not only ensures that they deliver what people genuinely want but also fosters a strong connection with their loyal customer base, driving continuous growth and innovation.

MIAMI UNIVERSITY REGIONALS BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

For more than five decades, Miami University Regionals has supported workforce and economic development in the region by increasing access to higher education, and connecting academic programs with employer needs. 

In its annual college report just released, U.S. News & World Report ranked Miami University the No. 3 public school in the category of Undergraduate Teaching nationwide. In the Top Public Schools in Regional Colleges Midwest, Miami Regionals Hamilton and Middletown were ranked No. 5 and No. 6, respectively. 

Developing strategic partnerships is at the core of the Regionals efforts, and the work they are doing with Butler Tech in creating the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub is a prime example.

With the support of the City of Hamilton and a $15 million investment from the Butler County Board of Commissioners, the Hub will provide students at all levels a variety of distinctive pathways to meet all needs in the manufacturing sector — from associate degrees, industry-recognized credentials and Microcredentials, to degrees in Robotics, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, and more.

Scheduled to open in January 2026, the Hub will be at the center of an educational, workforce, and economic development ecosystem. In addition to Butler Tech and Miami University, the Hub will also have business partners with research and development facilities on site. This public-private collaboration will provide students with opportunities for real world experience and provide employers direct access to Butler Tech and Miami faculty, offering a rich resource for workforce development and retention.

Partnering with business, Miami Regionals Work+ Program continues to connect employers and students to help employers meet workforce demands, and to help students cover the cost of their college education. Employers benefit from reduced turnover costs, access to a pipeline of talented and motivated Miami students, and tax benefits. To date, more than 170 students have participated, and currently there are 20 employers working with more than 80 students, including the Lakota Family YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of West Chester Liberty, and West Chester Township.

Helping meet regional needs for training, upskilling, and retaining the workforce, Miami offers 59 Microcredentials in business, computing and technology, engineering, and more. For employers, there is tuition support through Ohio’s Talent Ready program, including funding of $900 toward the $1,000 cost of the ICP ICAgile certification course taking place in late October. Application for the Talent Ready funds is available online.

The Small Business Development Center at Miami University Regionals provides a full array of services to existing and start-up businesses through consulting and training. As part of the Ohio SBDC network, their goal is to assist any small business in the fields of manufacturing, technology, government contracting, and minority and women business ownership. 

One of its many successful programs is the Latina Entrepreneur Academy, designed for Latina entrepreneurs or those considering taking that next step. This year's class was filled in July, and applications for the 2025 intake are now open online.

Miami Regionals has created MORE (Miami Opportunities for Regional Employers) as a one-stop access point for all these programs. Visit the MORE webpage, or send an email to MORE@MiamiOH.edu.

KEEPING UP WITH KATY K

Hello, West Chester; as we prepare to "fall back" next month, I'm reminded that we are always pressing forward in the Community Development office. The permits continue to roll in, with more than 800 already this year. We always have new and developing projects.

West Chester's success has resulted from great planning through the years. Township leadership is diligently working on a Strategic Plan for our future and is also engaged in a Parks Master Plan. These plans are not just documents, they are our shared vision for the future. We also continue working on our Zoning Resolution and Land Use Plan updates. You can view drafts of each here and provide feedback:  https://www.westchesteroh.org/government/general-government/zoning-code-updates

Speaking of pressing forward, we are thrilled to announce that a new West Chester Economic Development Manager will be introduced by the end of the month! We can't wait for her to start and for the community to get to know her. She has excellent economic development and public relations knowledge and will be a real asset to our office.

This quarter's resource to know is the Butler County Engineer's Office.

Ever wonder about road closures? Click here to stay informed of road closures that may impact your business: https://www.bceo.org/news/

As we approach Halloween, there is nothing scary about West Chester Township's future. We have many exciting projects in the works that will keep you merry throughout the holiday season. I will be hugging my pumpkin spice latte while wearing my boots and pressing forward with a busy end of the year. Follow us on Facebook, put out the good candy, and have a great fall, West Chester!