Big Projects Are Underway!
The third quarter is among us, which means football season is in full swing—and so is economic development in Tuscarawas County! From two major topping off ceremonies within a week from each other and workforce development updates to small business support and upcoming community events, we have plenty of exciting news to share with you this quarter.
Business Development
Schaeffler Topping Off Ceremony
Schaeffler recently celebrated a topping off ceremony for its historic project in Dover. With a commitment of $230 million in capital investment, the new LEED Certified manufacturing facility will create approximately 450 jobs in Dover by 2032 and a total of 650 new jobs across the region. This milestone reflects Schaeffler’s long-term dedication to innovation, sustainability, and the Tuscarawas County workforce.
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Headquarters
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) also held a topping off ceremony for its new headquarters at New Philadelphia’s Tech Park. This consolidated campus will enhance collaboration by bringing staff together in one location. Key features include:
A 125-person public meeting space
Service garage, water lab, sign shop, and equipment storage
Walking trails connecting to nearby schools
Sustainability features: solar panels, EV charging stations, and stormwater retention for irrigation
The project is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.
Workforce Development
TCEDC Welcomes Talent Development Director
We are pleased to announce the hiring of Chase Buckler as the new Talent Development Director for the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) and the Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership (TVISP). Chase will lead initiatives to expand workforce development programs, aligning local talent with the needs of our businesses and industries.
JobsOhio Relocation Incentive
Ohio businesses can now benefit from the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive, offering $15,000 per qualifying out-of-state STEM or technical hire (up to $225,000 per company). These funds can be used flexibly for recruitment, signing bonuses, or relocation assistance, helping employers attract high-demand talent to Ohio.
You can learn more about this incentive on the JobsOhio website.
Grow Diverse Industry Base
BR&E Program – Supporting Small Business Growth
Our Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Program, led by John Kelly, continues to connect local companies with valuable resources. Recently, Dynamic Hydraulics (Dover) and Myers Machining (Bolivar) both received small business grants from JobsOhio to upgrade equipment. In partnership with Team NEO, the BR&E program is designed to help companies address challenges and seize new growth opportunities.
Our BR&E visits, led by John Kelly, are designed to:
Learn more about your company’s goals and challenges
Connect you with valuable resources, grants, and programs
Identify opportunities for growth and support workforce needs
Strengthen collaboration between local businesses and regional partners
These visits are confidential, free of charge, and tailored to help your company succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.
📅 Now Scheduling Visits
If your company would like to take advantage of a BR&E visit, please click to sign up here.
Enhance Leadership & Engagement
Business Succession Planning Workshop
Also on Friday, October 3rd at 8:00 AM at First Federal’s Financial Education & Operations Center, the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce will host Chris Cooper from the Ohio Employee Ownership Center. He will provide guidance for business owners preparing succession plans.
Community Events & Reminders
Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership – MFG Day
Join us on Friday, October 3rd at 11:30 AM at First Federal’s Financial Education & Operations Center. Attendees will enjoy lunch, meet our new Talent Development Director, Chase Buckler, and hear guest speakers Dr. Ken Poland from the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Michaela Thomas from Newsymom and more. Stay tuned for more details.
Governor’s Cup Submissions
JobsOhio serves as the official portal for submitting Ohio’s economic development projects to Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup Competition. Submitting projects helps Tuscarawas County earn higher rankings—bringing more visibility, investment, and growth opportunities to the region.
Each year, TCEDC staff compiles and submits qualifying projects to JobsOhio for consideration. Local companies are encouraged to use the form on our website if their project meets one of the following metrics:
20 or more new jobs created
20,000+ sq. ft. of new or expanded facility space
$1 million+ capital investment (construction, land, or building)
Board Meeting Reminder
The next Economic Development Finance Alliance Full Meeting will take place:
📅 Wednesday, September 24, 2025
🕚 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Tuscarawas EDC Office, 339 Oxford Street, Dover, OH 44622
As we move through the fall season, we’re reminded of the teamwork and dedication it takes—on the field and in our community—to achieve lasting success. The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation remains committed to supporting local businesses, strengthening our workforce, and fostering partnerships that drive growth. Thank you for being part of this journey with us, and we look forward to sharing more progress in the months ahead.
👉 Don’t miss future updates—subscribe to our newsletter through the form on our website to stay connected with the latest in economic development across Tuscarawas County.