Newsletter: Medina County Economic Development Corporation

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MCEDC E-Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 2

Notes from Jim Doutt, Executive Director
K Fair in Düsseldorf Germany
In October,

I had the opportunity to attend the K Fair in Düsseldorf Germany. The K Fair is held once every three years and it is the largest trade show in the world for the plastic and polymer industry . I was one of the 24 Team Ohio representatives.  It was a great event and I was proud to represent Medina County! Over the course of eight days, Team Ohio representatives met with nearly 300 companies. Each of these companies are classified as a short- term lead or long term lead or as a contact for future relocation activities. As part of our activities, Team Ohio held a reception at which Mr. Mark Barbash, the Chief Economic Development Officer for the Ohio Department of Development spoke about the advantages of locating or expanding in Ohio.

Team Ohio representatives also met with nearly 50 Ohio companies and European companies with Ohio operations. While there, I met with Ovation Polymers and Plastipak, both Medina companies that were present at the Show. An important aspect of this effort was to ascertain foreign companies with Ohio operations that were not previously identified, as well as companies that have located or expanded since our last contact at the K Fair in 2004 and the National Plastics Expo in 2006.

Medina County Business Expansion & Retention Survey
Realizing that a key element of economic development is the retention and expansion of the existing buisness base, MCEDC partnered with the economic development directors from the cities of Brunswick, Medina, and Wadsworth to conduct a business retention and expansion (BRE) survey of Medina County's industrial sector.  Approximately 80 companies throughout Medina County have been interviewed utilizing Synchronist, a survey tool that uses software to assemble, organize and analyze information. This information will be shared with community decision-makers giving them important insights into business activity and the current dynamics of the local industrial business sector. No information on individual companies will be publicly released. Over 40 individuals from throughout the county volunteered and were trained on the survey tool and the proper methodology to use during the interviews. The surveys were conducted from September 17th through October 19th. Issues identified by the companies are already being addressed and the BR&E reports will be released in ealry 2008.

This effort was supported by the Medina County Commissioners and the elected leaders of our cities and villages. Mr. Don Simmons, CEO of Simmons Brothers Construction served as the Chairman of the BRE.  Thank you to all who made this survey successful.

Medina County Company in the forefront of Alternative Energy Market
Forward thinking Medina County companies like the EBO Group and their partner and neighbor, Sattler Machine, both in Sharon Township are on the forefront of the alternative energy market. On Monday, December 10, the EBO Group presented its vision to many local and regional business and government leaders at their facility. EBO's newly formed Triton Hybrids is leading 10 Ohio-based organizations, known as the "Innovative Ohio Network". ION is working to develop drive trains for hybrid shuttle buses. They plan to have them on the road by 2010. The Innovative Ohio Network presently includes Bowling Green State University's Electric Vehicle Instuitue as well as businesses from Medina County, the Toledo area and Cincinnati. According to Dave Heidenreich, Chairman of EBO, visionary collaboration and cooperation between such innovative companies will put Ohio on the map as the "hybrid capital of the wolrd".

Ohio Economic Development Association
I am concluding my service as the 2007 President of Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA).  It was a great opportunity and a very productive year. Much has been accomplished since OEDA was created just three years ago. OEDA is now positioned to be the "go to" economic development organization in the state. The strength, diversity and vitality of OEDA's membership have played an important role getting us to this point. Those very same attributes will be needed as the organization moves forward...More>>>

Commissioner Steve Hambley Receives Vision Award
On October 31, 2007 at the Regional Leadership Conference in Canton, Commissioner Steve Hambley was the recepient of the Northeast Ohio Regional Vision Award for exhibiting leadership, excellence, regional vision, innovation, persistence, initiative and involvement. The Regional Conference, consisting of 15 Northeast Ohio community leadership programs, was held to gain understanding of Ohio's most populous and influential region to assist in regional development in various fields including economic development, education, parks, arts, healthcare, government, media and technology.
Congratulations Commissioner Hambley!

Commissioner Sharon Ray honored at the Local Elected Officials Recognition Luncheon.
Each year the Greater Akron Chamber recongizes local elected officials in Medina, Summit, and Portage Counties for their commitment to economic development and community improvement. Commissioner Sharon Ray was honored on Friday, November 9 at the Fairlawn County Club for her contributions to the advancement of the local area by striving to remove barriers to economic growth; streamlining government requirements for economic development; and pursuing creative and alternaive funding for infrastructure enhancement.
Congratulations Commissioner Ray!

Commissioners Charity Ball - January 19, 2008
The Board of Medina County Commissioners will host the 9th Annual Charity Ball on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Weymouth County Club. Chaired by Commissioner Pat Geissman, the Charity Ball's primary mission is to enable local agencies to better serve the needs of Medina County. Your participation as an attendee and/or sponsor will provide financial support to the effort to make a difference in the lives of Medina County residents...More>>>

MCEDC News:

Medina County Companies Receive the Weatherhead 100 Award
The Weatherhead 100 was forged as a venue to encourage the truest spirit of entrepreneurism by rewarding those companies that serve as a beacon to all businesses in Northeast Ohio. The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University uses a ranking system that acknowledges and brings together the region's fastest growing companies. Today, the Weatherhead 100 incorporates a method for further differentiating and distinguishing qualifying businesses that are both larger (Centurion) and smaller (Upstarts) companies.

Each year, a spirited black-tie event is held to honor the victors - to champion their achievements and recognize their pursuits. The gala event is always a rewarding and memorable evening that center-stages Northeast Ohio's best, and allows them to stand proud of their efforts

MCEDC proudly congratulates the following winners from Medina County:

(Upstart) Chad Allan Consulting, LLC - specializes in self-managed websites, search engine optimization programs and hosting solutions.

(Centurion) Griffith Holdings - a communications firm providing internet, marketing, telecom, and software solutions to thousands of companies worldwide.

(Centurion) BPR/RICO Equipment, Inc. - a leading manufacturer of application designed lift trucks and material handling equipment.

(Centurion) Leitner Fabrication LTD - a manufacturer of large radial fans, axial fans, and static components for the power generation industry.

(Centurion) Fire-Dex, LLC - manufacturers of clothing for firefighters and EMS personnel.

(Centurion) I.D. Images - manufactures pressure sensitive labels; a leading provider of thermal transfer, direct thermal, and laser labels.

Medina County Port Authority - Medina County Fiber Network
The Medina County Port Authority (MCPA) has re-issued a request for proposals for the development and operation of the Medina County Fiber Network (MCFN). The RFP was released on November 5, 2007 and the evaulation process will begin on December 18, 2007.

Since the creation of MCPA, the County and MCPA have worked cooperatively, utilizing the services of MCEDC, to develop a plan to implement a regional Medina County Fiber Network (MCFN). In 2006, the Commissioners announced their intent to make fiber broadband access more widely available throughout the County in support of governmental use (including to serve the County’s needs as well as those of other governmental users, including municipalities, school districts, libraries and others), access for governmental and non-governmental providers of public services in the County (including educational, healthcare, research, cultural and other community institutions) and economic development (including retention and expansion of existing businesses, attraction of new businesses, facilitating job training and education). The MCFN is intended to provide a platform to promote all of those purposes at a cost that is acceptable to the County and the MCPA, effectively creating an e-Corridor linking the participants not only to one another, but also to carrier facilities and carriers throughout the region and serving as a gateway to alternative networks and services.

An Evaluation Team has been formed and MCPA is hopeful that a proposal will be selected by February, 2008.

2007 Medina County Business Awards
The Medina County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce the winners of the 2007 Medina County Business Awards. The Medina County Business Awards (MCBA), sponsored by Westfield Bank, are awarded to recognize businesses and individuals in Medina County that have achieved significant and positive results in terms of innovation, capital investment, small business enterprise or community involvement. The MCBA was held in conjunction with the Medina County Economic Development Corporation’s Autumn Speaker Series at the Blair Center in Westfield Center on Thursday, November 15, 2007 with more than 200 in attendance. Brad Whitehead, President of the Fund for Our Economic Future, was the keynote speaker.

There were 42 deserving nominees and the field was narrowed to three in each category of the five categories. A panel of three judges chose the winners. The MCBA judges were Ralph Berry and Charles Hawley, both former Medina County Commissioners, and Brian Tucker, Publisher of Crain’s Cleveland Business.

2007 finalists and winners are…

	Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists: Fire-Dex, LLC; Healthcare Innovative Solutions; Vexor Technology Winner: Healthcare Innovative Solutions: accepting the award is Ms. Daniela Mahoney, CEO
	Capital Investment Finalists: Keystone Pediatric Dentistry; Lodi Community Hospital; Mercury Distributing/Shamrock Industries Winner: Mercury Distributing/Shamrock Industries dba Foundations Children’s Products: accepting the award is Mr. Joe Lawlor, President.
	Small Business Enterprise Finalists: Chad Allan Consulting, LLC; Healthcare Innovative Solutions; Romeo’s Pizza Winner: Romeo’s Pizza: accepting the award is Mr. Sean Brauser, Owner
	Corporate Citizen of the Year - Company: Finalists: Mack Industries, Inc; Structure Personnel; The Ruhlin Company Winner: The Ruhlin Company: accepting the award is Russ Gregory, Vice President/Treasurer
	Corporate Citizen of the Year - Individual: Finalists: Amy Demlow, Critchfield, Critchfield, & Johnson; Laurie Price, HHL Group; Ron Paydo, FirstMerit Bank Winner: Ron Paydo

Save the Date - Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Medina County Economic Development Corporation will hold its Annual Meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at the Blair Center in Westfield Center. Jim Doutt, Executive Director, will recap the 2007 MCEDC activities and accomplishments. Stay tuned for more about this great event!

Medina County University Center (MCUC) - Sneak Peek

The University of Akron physically took possession of the MCUC building located in Lafayette Township. Classes are scheduled to begin in January 2008. Visit uakron.edu for more information

Inside MCUC

Collegiate Basketball Invitational in Wadsworth 2008-2010
The Collegiate Basketball Invitational will be back in Wadsworth, Ohio, from 2008 through 2010. Wadsworth City Council and McCarthy Sports, Inc. have agreed to terms on a three-year proposal that will once again put the city of Wadsworth in the center of the basketball world for several days each April. "In addition to the direct benefits of hosting the event in our community, we see a real value in being able to market the City of Wadsworth nationally on ESPNU." stated Rob Peters, Assistant Director of Public Service. All games will be played at Wadsworth High School...More>>>

Teamwork Bringing Industrial Park to Spencer
Medina County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution allowing the Expedited Type 2 Annexation of 56.5097 acres of land located on Spencer Road from Spencer Township to the Village of Spencer on Monday, November 26. Both the village and the township agreed to the Light Industrial zoning and that the district will be developed into an industrial park with Lorain-Medina Rural Development Company as its developer. Farmland shared by Spencer Township and the Village of Spencer....Click here to learn more>> about the 50-year Cooperative Economic Development Agreement (CEDA), entered into by the village and township on October 16, 2007. The CEDA addresses the development's annexation, zoning and taxation.

Defense Metals Technology Briefing
On November 7, 2007, more than 30 Medina community business leaders attended the special briefing on the new Defense Metals Technology Center (DMTC) that has recently been established in North Canton. The DMTC is the result of the vision and creative effort of Congressman Ralph Regula (R-Ohio 16th District) and is funded by the 2006 National Defense Appropriation Bill and the State of Ohio Department of Development. The DMTC is a Department of Defense Center of Excellence which deals with specific military technology needs that are deemed critical to the nation's defense and security....More>>>

Chad Allan Consulting now Merchant Service Center
Chad Allan Consulting has been acquired by Merchant Service Center, 1234 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Copley. The acquisiton will allow Chad Allan clients to benefit from more available services while maintaining the high level of customer service they are accustomed to.

Regional News:

Team NEO 2008 Northeast Ohio Starting Wage and Benefits Survey
MCEDC is once again partnering with Team NEO and several other economic development groups in the region to conduct the 2008 Northeast Ohio Starting Wage and Benefits survey. The purpose of this survey is to develop data not available such as the mean/median wage at the county level, not just the starting wages. The survey results will allow comparisons among similar companies throughout the region for establishing a competitive wage/benefits setting. The confidential responses, reported only in aggregate, will allow for accurate wage estimates for companies already operating in or interested in moving to Northeast Ohio.

Team NEO Ohio Economic Report
Northeast Ohio continues to experience moderate growth. 2007 is expected to be the sixth consecutive year of growth in regional output. Review the September installment of the Team NEO Quarterly Regional Economic Report. Key quarterly indicators - employment, wages and GRP - have been updated.

It all adds up...read more about the Cleveland+ efforts here.

Goodyear announces new HQ in Akron
Release Date: 12/05/2007
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the key component to one of the city's most ambitious development plans ever, ended months of speculation with its announcement Wednesday that it will remain in Akron.

As part of a seven-year development project, the world's third-largest tire maker, behind Japanese-owned Bridgestone Corp. and French-based Michelin, will sell its East Akron headquarters complex to a California developer, who in turn will build Goodyear a new headquarters on Martha Avenue.
It is a move designed to keep Goodyear, its international presence and its 2,900 workers in Akron for decades....More>>

Medina County Economic Development Corporation - 330.722.9215 - info@medinacounty.org