🍂 Giving Thanks for Growth and Prosperity in Tuscarawas County 🍁
Dear Tuscarawas County Community,
As the holiday season approaches, we reflect on the incredible growth and prosperity that Tuscarawas County has experienced over the past year. It's a time to express gratitude for the accomplishments, collaborations, and opportunities that have shaped our community. We at the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corp. are thrilled to share the highlights and express our heartfelt thanks.
🌟 Celebrating Success Stories - Housing:
This year has seen remarkable achievements in our economy. One of the major concerns for economic development organizations, local governments, companies, and residents is housing availability for the workforce. The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) has held multiple meetings this year to create a Community Action Team. These meetings have involved local investors, developers, non-profits, and local leaders.
Looking at programs to promote housing development, we found USDA Rural Development Loan programs excluded residents and non-profits from the municipalities of Dover and New Philadelphia due to assumptions made regarding their census tracts. Due to our meetings throughout the year and the feedback USDA gathered, they reevaluated this practice. They recently announced Dover and New Philadelphia would be included in these loan programs as we advance. On November 2nd, 2023, a Community Action Team meeting was held at the Senior Citizen Center in Dover. Organized by Director of Business Development and Administration John Kelly, over 50 people attended to hear this announcement from USDA Area Director John Miller and USDA Loan Technician Alexander Heap. TCEDC Business Development Director James C. Shively also gave a brief presentation on how the community might take full advantage of the news from the USDA.
If you want to learn more about the housing programs offered by USDA Rural Development, click here.
🤝 Community Collaborations - Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership:
One of the hallmarks of Tuscarawas County is the spirit of collaboration. We are immensely grateful for the partnerships between businesses, local government, educational institutions, and community organizations. The Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership (TVISP) was stood up this year with the following mission statement:
““Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership will develop connected systems to promote local manufacturing and equip the upcoming workforce. We will effectively align education and workforce needs to recruit, train, and retain talent to drive growth. “
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Local manufacturers have attended these meetings eager to aid education in the development of curriculum focused on the local economy. The TVISP and Buckeye Career Center are developing a Maintenance Program to train more maintenance technicians to serve local industry. This will be another opportunity for residents to gain credentials and meaningful employment in Tuscarawas County.
Another goal of the TVISP is to work with education to identify existing programs that cultivate engineers and engineer technicians for manufacturing and strategize ways to improve exposure and gain enrollment in those programs. These collaborations are crucial in fostering economic development, driving innovation, and enhancing our county's overall quality of life.
🦃 Thanksgiving Spotlight - Mayors Breakfast:
Newcomerstown Mayor Pat Cadle recently held a Mayor’s Breakfast at April’s Country Kitch’n. After a hard-fought battle and glorious win on the football field the night prior, local stakeholders and residents gathered on a Saturday morning to have a bite to eat and drink some coffee. After listening to an update and presentation from TCEDC Director James C. Shively, the group had a lively discussion about the possibilities of using economic development financing tools combined with local incentives for prosperity and job growth.
🌐 Looking Ahead at upcoming events:
As we look to the future, the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corp. remains committed to fostering sustainable growth and creating an environment where businesses and residents can thrive. We are excited about the upcoming projects and initiatives that will continue to shape the economic landscape of our community.
December 14th, 2023 - Annual Report & TCEDC Full Board Meeting
January 26th, 2024 - 17th Annual Ground Hog Day - Economic Forecast
🙏 Thank You:
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has played a role in the success of Tuscarawas County. Your dedication, passion, and support are the driving forces behind our community's growth. Together, we are building a future we can all be proud of. As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, let's take a moment to express gratitude for the unique assets that make Tuscarawas County special. From the breathtaking landscapes to the strong sense of community, our county is a place we are proud to call home. Let's also appreciate the local farmers, artisans, and businesses contributing to the richness of our Thanksgiving celebrations.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and community spirit.
With gratitude,
Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corp.