There are some very exciting initiatives underway at the Medina County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). These projects are designed to put Medina County in a position to successfully compete. To set us apart. As the business environment in this global economy goes through constant change, so must we if Medina County is to flourish. The job is a big one. It could be said that the task before us is never-ending. At MCEDC, we are ready to take on the challenge and, in fact, we have already started to do so in an aggressive fashion.
If there is one glaring hole in the fabric of Medina County's quality of life, it is the absence of comprehensive options and convenient access to post secondary education. Given the demands of today's business world, a college diploma is often not enough. Many of us remember when a high school diploma, “K through 12th grade”, was enough. More recently, the mantra has been “get a college education”; in other words, “K through 16” became the norm. Now, and into the foreseeable future, “K through life” will be the rule of thumb. Lifelong education and training is what it will take for America to contend. That is also what it will take for Medina County residents and companies to prosper.
This will change for the better when the Medina County University Center is built. The goal is to build a 100,000 square foot facility, beginning with 35,000 square foot in Phase 1. Set to open late in 2006, this campus will be located in Lafayette Township.
It is intended to serve the educational needs of Medina County residents and businesses alike. Need a couple of classes to complete that degree? The Medina County University Center is the answer. Ready to start work on that Bachelor or Master's degree? Care to take some classes “just because”? With the University Center in place, you will be able to do so without leaving the county. Looking for training certification programs that are specific to your company's needs and are readily accessible? Look no further.
A great deal of work has already gone into the University Center project and there is much left to do. Formed in 2001, the Medina County University Center Taskforce is focused on the challenge of bringing a university presence to our county. Formally partnered with the University of Akron, the Taskforce has actively engaged Congress and the Ohio Legislature for support. Moreover, the response has been very positive. Congressman Ralph Regula has provided critical support from the federal government. To date, $2.25 million has been earmarked by Congress for the University Center.
On the state level, Representative Chuck Calvert, along with the solid support and backing of Senator Ron Amstutz and Representative Bob Gibbs, has provided great leadership and encouragement in Columbus. Evan with tight budget conditions in Columbus over the past two years, our local elected officials have still stepped up and allocated nearly $1 million to the project. The continued support and guidance of these elected officials is vital to the successful completion of the project. The private sector has expressed solid support of the project as well. To date, nearly $1.2 million has been pledged by businesses and individuals alike. This fund raising drive was kicked off by a cornerstone pledge of $500,000 from the Westfield Group.
The backing of the Medina County Commissioners has also been crucial. In fact, the land parcel that will be “home” to the University Center is a 50 acre tract that is owned by the county. This land will be deeded over to the University of Akron as a gift. In addition, the county is taking a proactive and aggressive position by developing a Business Technology Park on adjacent property. The goal is to attract high tech companies which can benefit from the nearby presence of the University.
A major step forward came with the announcement of two infrastructure grants from the State of Ohio. In September, it was announced that Medina County would be receiving a $1 million grant from the Ohio Department of Development through the 2004 Research Park Roadwork Infrastructure Assistance Fund. Part of Governor Bob Taft's Third Frontier Project, this grant will be used to help offset the cost of the roadways in the Business Technology Park. In addition, the county was also awarded a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant for water and sewer installation. Groundbreaking for the roadways is expected to take place in the spring of 2004.
These are important projects for Medina County and our region. Bringing a comprehensive higher education campus to our county and building a high tech business park right next door to it will be of great benefit for generations to come. Please support our elected officials, MCEDC and the University Center Taskforce as we work together to make exciting things happen in Medina County. Our future depends upon it.