Economic development leaders announce 5-year vision

Submitted by SCEDC

FREMONT – Area business and community leaders recently gathered at the Ronald L. Neeley Conference Center at Terra State Community College in Fremont to celebrate the official launch of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation’s five-year funding campaign: Forward Thinking 2018-2022. The campaign details five strategies for continuing to build the Sandusky County economy.

Through the Forward Thinking funding campaign, the SCEDC is seeking funding commitments totaling $1.32 million from the public and private sectors to fully implement the plan. Thus far, pre-commitments have totaled nearly $1.15 million towards this goal.

Among the goals and strategies presented, SCEDC executive director Beth Hannam laid out plans for 18,000 retained jobs, 1,500 new primary jobs and 473 secondary jobs predicted by the year 2023.

Forward Thinking 2018-2022 marks the culmination of months of research and face-to-face conversations with area elected officials and business leaders,” said Hal Hawk, campaign chairman. “This is a critical moment for the future of our community.”

The goals of Forward Thinking 2018- 2022 include:

• 720 business retention and expansion visits (144 per year)

• 18,000 retained jobs

• A “satisfied” or “very satisfied” rating from at least 85 percent of existing industries

• $1.25 billion in new capital expenditure

• 1,500 new jobs created

• $55 million in new payroll

• Continue to rank in the top 100 List of the nation’s micropolitan communities

The five strategies Hannam presented to the group include:

1. Expand and retain existing industries

2. Resolve issues that are an impediment to regional growth

3. Recruit new businesses

4. Encourage small business growth and development

5. Communicate with stakeholders, area businesses and residents To participate in the Forward Thinking campaign or for information, contact Beth Hannam at director@ sanduskycountyedc.org or 419.332.2882.