A Year of Progress in the Tuscarawas Valley

With the holiday season behind us and a new year in front of us, we at the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) find ourselves reflecting on a year defined by mission-driven growth. Our goal remains clear: “to expand our core business clusters and nurture an ecology that supports prosperity for every citizen.” This year, we have delivered lasting value through a dedicated team and the tireless efforts of volunteers across manufacturing, education, agriculture, and retail.

Looking toward 2026, we do so with a focus on sustainability. Below is a look at how we’ve advanced our mission this year through the four pillars of our Strategic Plan.

🏛️ Business Development

Our commitment to real estate planning and strategic infrastructure has yielded historic results this year.

  • Economic Impact: Collecting data for the Governors Cup, we recently submitted 11 projects representing over $123 million in capital investment and 738,661 square feet of new space.

  • Job Creation: These projects have brought 240 new jobs to our community.

  • Connecting Our Community: The ARC Broadband Grant/ConnecTusc Campaign is now 90% complete, providing improved high-speed access to 820 households and 25 local businesses.

  • Major Projects: We celebrated "Topping Off" ceremonies for the Schaeffler Plant and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District HQ.

🛠️ Development of Talent Pipeline

We believe a thriving economy starts with a skilled workforce.

  • TEAM Tuscarawas: This upcoming year, we’re working to rebrand the Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership as TEAM Tuscarawas (Training & Education Alliance for Manufacturing) to align local education with industry needs.

  • Engagement: We on-boarded a new Director of Talent Development and conducted outreach with 10 schools and 20 manufacturers, including recently partnering with MAGNET and BB2C to develop new workforce initiatives.

  • Manufacturing Tusc.: We filmed a new video campaign to build interest in manufacturing careers among students and the local labor force, due to be published when we launch our Team Tuscarawas rebrand in Q1 2026.

📈 Business Resources

Supporting our existing businesses is the heartbeat of our daily work.

  • Retention & Expansion: Our team conducted 52 business retention visits. While many companies are in a "wait and see" mode regarding the global economy, most remain stable.

  • Investing in Skills: We helped 26 organizations secure over $349,000 in TechCred funding this year to upskill local workers.

  • Entrepreneurship: We participated in the 3rd Annual Shark Tub pitch competition to spark new innovation in the region.

🤝 Enhancing Leadership and Engagement

Strong leadership ensures our organization remains aligned with the community's needs.

  • Public Partnership: We’ve increased our engagement with public officials through the Mayors Association and are now providing Township Trustee Training around Joint Economic Development Districts, and Tax Incremental Financing.

  • Professional Presence: Through training and board seats, TCEDC staff are now active with 20 professional partners, including local, regional, and statewide organizations, ensuring Tuscarawas County has a seat at the important tables.

  • Annual Survey Implementation: As a way to bring more value to the stakeholders in our community, we are developing an annual survey that will help us identify areas we need to focus on.

🗓️ Upcoming January Events

Please remember that if at any time you’re unsure about an event or a board meeting, you can always find this information on our Marketing/Board Calendar with downloadable calendar invites preset for the time and location of the meeting.

We invite you to join us as we kick off a new year of economic excellence.

  • TCEDC Full Board Meeting

    • When: January 8, 2026 | 7:30 AM

    • Where: First Federal Education Center, Dover

  • Economic Development Finance Alliance (EDFA) Meeting

    • When: January 28, 2026 | 11:30 AM

    • Where: TCEDC Office, 339 Oxford St., Dover

  • Groundhog Day Economic Forecast

    • When: January 30, 2026 | 7:30 AM

    • Where: Kent State at Tuscarawas

We wish to thank our outgoing Chairman, Michael Lauber, for his exceptional leadership.

Michael Lauber

Outgoing Chairman, President/CEO, Tusco MFG

And we look forward to a bright future under our incoming Chairman, Marc Nolen.

Marc Nolen

Incoming Chairman, President/CEO, Dover Chemical Corporation

Warmest wishes for a New Year!

Media Contact:

James C. Shively

Business Development Director

jcshively@tuscedc.com

330-401-3623