Economic Development Seminar

A Seminar brought to you by:
Mote & Associates, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Darke County CIC

Mote & Associates, Inc. in conjunction with the Darke County Community Improvement Corporation held an Economic Development Seminar on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at the Darke County Shawnee Prairie Preserve Nature Center located at 4267 State Route 502 at the west edge of Greenville . Mike Henderson of Mote & Associates, Inc. acted as moderator.

This was the 3rd annual Mote & Associates, Inc. Seminar held by the firm. One of the objectives of Mote & Associates, Inc. is to set high standards to support community involvement, promote education, and improve the environment.

Ms. Sherry Mueller, Workforce Employment Counselor, spoke on how the Alliance for Business and Industry (ABI) can assist in meeting retention expansion and recruiting needs for local companies in the Darke, Miami, Preble, and Shelby county areas. Mr. Jon Heffner , Consultant to the Workforce Policy Board, also emphasized training and skill development, re-employment services, and securing funding sources for training and education. Jon Heffner can be reached at 937-526-5315 or toll free at 1-866-726-5315. Sherry Mueller can be reached at muells@odjfs.state.oh.us.

Mr. Steve Lake , the Governor's Regional Representative of the Ohio Department of Development, gave a PowerPoint presentation outlining the many economic opportunities available through the Ohio department of Development (ODOD). Mr. Lake provided a very informative session with contacts for various ODOD agencies and office to help industry and businesses within West Central Ohio. Steve Lake can be contacted at 937-285-6185.

Also speaking in the morning session was Mr. Chuck Cochran of the Troy Development Council. Mr. Cochran spoke on working together regionally in order to enhance the entire region's chances at improving economic development. Mr. Cochran's PowerPoint presentation was a testimony to how important networking communities together is to foster good economic development.

After a complimentary lunch was served, the afternoon session featured economic development success stories. Mr. Ray Kremer, retired Village of Coldwater Village Administrator, spoke on ow during his time as Village Administrator, the Village kept in touch with area businesses and industry on a regular basis to make sure their needs were being met. Mr. Kremer also explained how providing an industrial complex with good infrastructure and roadway was essential to attract new business and industry.

Mr. Brad Vath, Assistant City Administrator, gave a PowerPoint presentation on how the City of Tipp City partnered with a private developer and the local school board in an innovative manner to create a large economic development project for the community. The project consisted of new roadway, infrastructure, and a bike path for the City as well as a new high school and a commercial development for a private developer.

Mr. Wayne York, Assistant Village Administrator for the Village of New Bremen, provided a slide how program on how Crown Corporation along with the Village's 3,000 population with a strong German heritage have made their number one priority “Quality of Life” issues in order to maintain a strong community. This philosophy along with the community's rich history and strong work ethic has cultivated a strong economic base for their village.

Mote & Associates, Inc. along with the Darke County CIC would like to thank all the speakers that contributed to make the Economic Development Seminar a great success. We appreciate those that traveled from Darke County as well as neighboring Auglaize, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Shelby, and Van Wert counties to participate and share in how sound economic development goals and principles as well as regional teamwork are viable to economic development to this part of Ohio.

A special thank you to the Darke County Park District for allowing us to use their fine Shawnee Prairie Preserve Nature Center facility and the Darke County CIC for assisting in co-sponsoring the seminar. For more information regarding the Darke County CIC, please contact Mr. John Greendyke, Darke County CIC, 622 North Broadway, Greenville, Ohio 45331, 937-548-3250, or at jgreendyke@darkecounty.com.