Awards presented and $350,000 in projects announced at Annual Meeting
TIFFIN, OHIO – April 28, 2015 – The Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) held its 2015 Annual Meeting Tuesday night at Camden Falls. The event was attended by more than 275 people and included a review of 2014, project announcements, a keynote speaker and award presentations.
SIEDC President and CEO David Zak presented a review of 2014. “You could and can positively feel the excitement and momentum in Tiffin continuing to build. More than $75 million invested in new and expanding businesses, and 2600 jobs created and retained, absolutely amazing statistics,” Zak said.
In 2014, investment in manufacturing exceeded $40 million and created or retained more than 1,000 jobs, health projects accounted for $16 million in investment and 650 jobs, and education saw $10 million in investment on top of the $50 million invested in the last decade. Retail had the highest number of projects in 2014 with more than 20 new projects, not including down Tiffin. The Façade Enhancement Grant program accounted for $200,000 of investment in 15 downtown projects.
Zak announced two new projects representing $350,000 in investment. The Laird Arcade will move forward with a $300,000 improvement project, half of which will come from the Community Development Block Grant. The project will repair and upgrade the roof, electrical and HVAC systems. Additionally, SIEDC will select and pursue a state-funded $50,000 beautification project in the industrial corridor on Wall Street.
Also announced were the speakers for the Downtown Summit on May 6, and a new email newsletter. Speakers for the summit will be downtown transportation experts Tedd Hardesty and Brad Strader, national downtown authority and author of Tiffin’s strategic plan Craig Gossman, town-gown guru Terry Foegler, and community development expert Lisa Patt-McDaniel. Additionally, the first issue of Incentive INSIGHT, a monthly newsletter updating businesses on government programs, sharing success stories, and profiling local resource contacts, will go out on May 1.
Keynote speaker Glenn Richardson, Managing Director for Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace for JobsOhio, provided insight into JobsOhio and manufacturing in Ohio and, specifically, northwest Ohio.
The following SIEDC Awards were presented:
- Partnership in Development Award – Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, accepted by Renee Smith, president, and Chris Iannatuono, board of trustees chair
- Entrepreneurial Spirit Award – Beehive Café, accepted by Ashlee Decker, owner
- Outstanding Business Award – Steyer Seeds, accepted by Tony and Bernie Steyer
- Economic Development Award – Webster Industries, accepted by Andy Felter, president and CEO
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Chuck Cooper, accepted by Ty Cooper
- President’s Award – Paul Marion
