Welcome to the Q2 update from the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC). This quarter, our strategic plan has moved from the drawing board to the field. From massive infrastructure overhauls to regional workforce summits, we are building the capacity necessary to ensure Tuscarawas County remains a premier destination for industry and innovation.
We look forward to discussing these milestones in detail at our upcoming Quarterly Full Board Meeting on Thursday, April 9. Your presence and input are vital as we finalize our objectives for the remainder of the year.
Business Development: Strengthening Our Infrastructure
Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth, and this quarter we are focusing on high-impact projects that enhance both connectivity and industrial capacity. We are excited to kick off our Community Capacity Building Project; through a local match from the Economic Development Finance Alliance and the Mayors Association, we have secured funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Grants to Grow initiative that will provide our municipalities with the plans they need to cultivate new investment.
Simultaneously, we are entering the final stages of the ARC Broadband Power Grant, a critical initiative for closing the digital divide and providing local businesses and residents with the high-speed connectivity required in a modern economy.
Our commitment to updating local infrastructure remains a priority as we work alongside ODOT and regional stakeholders to explore enhancements to the I-77 / U.S. Route 250 / State Route 39 Interchange. We have also applied for funding through the Transportation Improvement District (TID) for a project pending at the intersection of Trenton Avenue and Jaycee Drive in Uhrichsville. Finally, please keep an eye out for our upcoming RFP for Warehouse Space as we actively seek companies in need of the square footage required to support their growth.
Workforce Development: Media Matters
The Training and Education Alliance for Manufacturing – Tuscarawas or "TEAM Tuscarawas" brand, is gaining significant momentum as we bridge the gap between talent and career opportunities. A primary focus this quarter is the launch of the Manufacturing Tuscarawas Video Campaign, which showcases career paths in our industrial sector. We are thrilled to offer an exclusive “sneak peek” of this campaign to our board members this Thursday.
The Power of Collective Investment
To help our local companies "punch above their weight class," we’ve illustrated the value of a collaborative funding model with this campaign. By using grant resources for a collaborative initiative, TEAM Tuscarawas has invested over $64,000 for the production and distribution of the Manufacturing Tuscarawas Video Campaign.
The Individual Value: Each of the 10 videos created will be distributed to the companies that participated in the production to use for their own marketing and advertising, generating value for them at no cost.
The Multiplier: This collaborative rollout of the video campaign allows TEAM Tuscarawas to reach more viewers and make more impressions than any one company could alone.
Understanding the Reach Multiplier
Working together through TEAM Tuscarawas creates a "reach multiplier" effect for regional visibility. By centralizing the production of high-quality video content and distributing it through a unified network of partners, the campaign transcends the limited reach of any single organization’s following. While an individual company is often confined to its own siloed audience, this collaborative model allows each partner to act as a megaphone for the others. As videos are shared across diverse platforms—from local government pages to private industry feeds—the content enters new digital ecosystems, generating exponential impressions beyond its point of origin.
Amplifying Our Story through Earned Media
Beyond these video placements, our current efforts provide local companies with prestige through high-profile storytelling. This includes our CivicLab project, which features a story from Rachel Bujalski, a Pulitzer Prize winning photo journalist. By partnering with a talent of this caliber, we are securing a level of production and storytelling quality that far exceeds the renown and capabilities of local outlets.
The Local "Network Effect"
Once these high-production projects are published, we will pursue a surge in additional earned media from local media. Quality content is "news-ready" content; because we are releasing professional assets that tell a compelling human story, we aim to trigger a secondary wave of organic coverage from local newspapers and regional radio, further multiplying our reach at zero additional cost. We are asking for your help to make this happen.
Business Resources: Impact Through Retention
We believe the best way to grow an economy is to take care of the businesses already here. Our Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program continues to yield results, with 15 site visits completed so far in Q1. This year, our new six-month follow-up protocol has successfully increased our referrals for essential business resources.
We are proud to highlight the six Tuscarawas County Project Wins featured in Team NEO’s 2025 Annual Report: Dynamic Hydraulic Services, Battle Motors, Myers Machining, Color Wrap, Cooper Standard, and Kurz-Kasch. If you need assistance growing your business, please reach out to John Kelly at jkelly@tuscedc.com.
Leadership & Development: Taking Education on Tour
Economic development is a collaborative effort. We continue to meet regularly with the Mayors Association, and now we are "taking our show on the road." The TCEDC plans to take our presentations on tour across the county, meeting directly with Township Trustees to ensure our strategic plan aligns with the unique needs and voices of our rural areas.
New Leadership Opportunities
While TEAM Tuscarawas (Workforce Committee) remains one of the four pillars of our strategic plan, we are excited to announce the establishment of two new committees in addition to the Executive Committee. We are seeking engaged members to help lead these efforts:
Legislative Committee: Dedicated to monitoring policy and advocating for the economic interests of our county at the state and federal levels.
Strategic Planning Committee: Focused on the long-term roadmap and sustainability of the TCEDC’s mission.
If you are interested in joining either of these new committees, please connect with us at the Full Board Meeting on April 9th.
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Dates & Events
TCEDC Quarterly Full Board Meeting (Board-Members Only)
Location: Dover Financial Education Center, First Federal Community Bank, 141 W.Ohio Avenue, Dover, OH 44622/Teams invites are available via invite
Date: Thursday, April 9th
Time: 7:30 am - 9:00 am
Driving Growth with the Rockefeller Habits
Free workshop for manufacturers
Location: First Federal Community Bank – 141 W. Ohio Ave, Dover, OH
Date: Friday, April 24th
Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/magnet-cleveland-headquarters-visit-tickets-1985286187429?aff=oddtdtcreator
Economic Development Finance Alliance (EDFA) April Meeting
Location: TCEDC Office - 339 Oxford Street, Dover, OH 44622
Date: Wednesday, April 29th
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
EDFA meetings are open to the public.
Annual Workforce Summit
Location: Kent State University at Tuscarawas
Date: Friday, May 8th
Time: 8:00 am – 10:30 am
Join us for our first-ever summit, bringing together industry leaders and educators.
Always Check Out Our Marketing/Board Calendar For the Latest Updates on Events and Meetings
About the TCEDC
The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and sustainable economy right here in our community. We serve as the central hub for business growth, providing the resources and strategic leadership necessary to attract new investment and support our local industries.