The Ohio Southeast region rebounded in 2021 from the previous year’s COVID shock in impressive fashion. Not since the shale boom days seven years earlier, had Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) seen as much job growth. OhioSE assisted 46 company expansions and new locations in 2021. Those companies will create 1,340 jobs and invest $352 million in fixed assets.
All of these project successes require a team approach with local development professionals, JobsOhio, and often local governments, development districts, small business development centers, lenders, work force development agencies, training providers, business incubators, and the list goes on. We extend our sincere appreciation to all of our partners working to make our region economically stronger.
In 2021, JobsOhio celebrated its 10-year anniversary with near-record performance. The momentum built in the last 10 years by JobsOhio and OhioSE, as the JobsOhio Regional Network Partner for 25 counties in southern and eastern Ohio, is encouraging for the future. Never before has all of Ohio’s various regions been so united in their efforts. Likewise, never before have companies, communities and developers had access to so many programmatic resources. We continue to have grants, loans, and tax incentives to and win competitive corporate project opportunities in the top 10 sectors that drive Ohio’s economy. New to the toolbox are a variety of programs to build an even stronger future economy. JobsOhio’s strategic investments in innovation districts, fast-growth company funding through a growth capital fund, talent development programs, support for transformational downtown mixed-use property redevelopment, targeted assistance to small business in distressed areas or with disadvantaged ownership and investments to leverage speculative site and building development will pay big dividends for Ohio.
46
Projects
1340
New Jobs
5996
Retained Jobs
$352M
Businesses Investments
About OhioSE
Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is a nonprofit regional economic development organization covering 25 counties in southern and eastern Ohio. OhioSE is a part of a family of organizations working to improve the regional economy under the umbrella of the Appalachian Partnership Inc. (API), our parent organization.
Under the leadership of the new API CEO Dr. Glenda Bumgarner, API is building out a board of regional executives to be the business voice of the region. OhioSE’s role is to operate as the regional network partner of JobsOhio, serving as the field staff of for JobsOhio in the region. JobsOhio is a private nonprofit corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion efforts. OhioSE helps companies and development organizations access JobsOhio programs to spark new investment and job creation.
We are a team of 12 professionals directed and governed by a board of regional business leaders, development professionals, and relevant subject matter experts who are willing to devote their time and expertise to making our regional economy stronger.
We are grateful to receive the generous financial support of JobsOhio through our service contract and our sponsors: AEP Ohio, Columbia Gas, and Ohio’s Rural Electric Cooperatives. Thank you for your support!
Hometown and Current Residence: I grew up in Marietta but now live in Zanesville. I spent years in Columbus but also lived in Steubenville, Athens, and Jackson in the region.
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: My favorite thing to do is canoe, camp and fish on the Muskingum River in the summer. Amish Country is great anytime but especially the fall. Our family hits bike trails across the region when we can. Walks in the woods are great in any season.
Why OhioSE? I feel like our home outside of Zanesville gives our family access to the best of both worlds. My backyard butts up against 100 acres of woods. At night, I hear owls and coyotes and see the stars. Congestion, commutes, crime and the cost of living are not worries. Zanesville is a “community,” in the truest sense of the word. We work together toward common interests and look out for one another. When I want more excitement from the big city, I can be in downtown Columbus, the Arena District, or Easton Town Place shopping district in about an hour. We may not live in a metro area, but we have a great rec center. My kids receive a good education. We have great locally-owned restaurants, or I can drive about three miles from my house and reach Starbucks, Panera Bread, or Chipotle.
#IAmOhioSE
Name: Katy Farber
Profession: OhioSE VP
Hometown & Current Residence: I currently reside in South Salem, Ross County and lived in Athens while attending Ohio University.
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: I love shopping in locally owned garden centers and enjoy the ambiance of downtown Chillicothe shops and restaurants. I also like to visit the Portsmouth Floodwall and Boneyfiddle district when I get the chance.
Why OhioSE? I live here because I chose to come back to my roots, and have raised a family surrounded by those who care about us. I work here because I am passionate about improving the quality of life for the region and now have the privilege of working throughout the region to support economic prosperity. I love it here because my priorities in life–family, friends, being surrounded by nature and a simpler way of living–are all right here in the OhioSE region.
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Name: Bill Arnett
Profession: OhioSE Project Manager
Hometown & Current Residence: I reside in Zanesville. I have lived in Kingston (Ross County), Athens, Crooksville and Cambridge.
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: I love hiking and being outside in nature. Top spots include Salt Fork, Blue Rock, Burr Oak, Atwood Lake and Hocking Hills. And for a fun and educational time, it’s hard to beat Serpent Mound in Adams County! Being an Ohio Bobcat, Athens is another one of my top spots.
Why OhioSE? I love the “small town feel” of our region. People here are friendly, helpful and hard-working. Quality healthcare, education and employment can be found here. For many of us, the bright lights of the big city are only a short drive away.
#IAmOhioSE
Name: Sarah Arnold
Profession: OhioSE Director of Marketing & Communication
Hometown and Current Residence: I grew up in Northeast Ohio, but have spent the last 20 years along the Ohio River, in Marietta.
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: From shopping downtown during Marietta's First Fridays and enjoying a stout at the Old Bridge Brewing Company in McConnelsville to watching national and regional acts perform at the intimate Nelsonville Music Festival each spring and hiking in Hocking Hills State Park, there is much to enjoy in the vibrant communities of southeastern Ohio.
Why OhioSE? Although my husband and I have visited hundreds of communities during our cross-country travels, we are always happy to return home. We've found that our hometown of Marietta boasts all the amenities we love most about the communities we admire in other states: idyllic scenic views along the river, a thriving local arts community, a walkable shopping district, a historic theatre that brings in world-class shows, farm-to-table dining, access to outdoor recreation, and much more. Small town living offers endless opportunities to engage with civic life, accessible housing markets, strong social infrastructure, and a quality of life that rivals that of destination cities across the globe - all of which can be found nestled in the rolling hills of rural southeast Ohio.
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Name: Gloria Blauvelt
Profession: OhioSE Project Analyst
Hometown and Current Residence: I was born in Mexico and was raised along the bicultural border Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas. In 2020, my husband and I relocated from Central Texas to Ohio, and in 2021 we chose Kingston, Ohio, in Ross County as our home.
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: A favorite pastime is day-tripping around Southeast Ohio for the various seasonal offerings from community festivals, farm-to-table events, u-pick farms, and robust outdoor recreational activities, including hiking and fishing. In addition, visiting the Native Indigenous heritage sites, other historical sites, and beautiful downtowns is always inspiring!
Why OhioSE? Southeast Ohio is incredibly scenic and beautiful. My admiration for the region stems from an appreciation of the contrast the area provides to cookie-cutter cities and suburbs. From the honor stands along the road, the friendliness of local business owners, and the depth of knowledge for trades that are long forgotten in other areas––the region is unique, and folks know your name. The resilient spirit of the Southeast Ohio people resonates with me, and I am incredibly proud to call this community home.
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Name: Donna Hrezo
Profession: OhioSE Site Selection Manager
Hometown & Current Residence: Steubenville, Ohio
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: Black Sheep Vineyard, Leonardo’s Coffeehouse, Nutcracker Village
Why OhioSE? I love living in OhioSE because my family is here, the people are friendly, and there is a strong sense of community. I enjoy the ease of small-town living, yet all the amenities of a large city are accessible, as Pittsburgh is just 45 minutes away – the best of both worlds! I love the four seasons and the natural beauty of Southeastern Ohio too.
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Name: Destiny Bryson
Profession: OhioSE Manager of Engagement & Partnerships
Hometown & Current Residence: My hometown is South Salem; my family and I now live in Hillsboro.
Favorite Places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: We don’t have to go far to explore two state parks right in our back yard. Both Rocky Fork and Paint Creek are within a 15 minute drive from home. My family and I enjoy all things on the lake.
Why OhioSE? I went to college at The Ohio State University and spent 15 years living and working in Columbus. It wasn’t until I started having children that I truly realized that home was where my heart was. I love that multi-generations of families call Ohio Southeast home. I wanted to raise my children close to their grandparents, aunts and uncles and be best friends with their cousins. I wanted to drive through town and see familiar faces. I wanted to be able to know my neighbors and trust that my kids could hang out in the front yard. I choose to live in the region because the values of family, friends and a small community made me who I am today and that’s the kind of upbringing I want for my children. I choose to work in the region because what I do directly impacts the place we call home.
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Name: Ed Looman
Profession: OhioSE Manager of Engagement & Partnerships
Hometown & Current Residence: Hometown is Steubenville, also lived in Coshocton for a couple of years during my career as a newspaper executive.
Favorite places to visit/ things to do in the OhioSE region: Parks, lakes, any place in Holmes County, really enjoy just getting out and meeting with people in the region.
Why OhioSE? It is just a great place to live—outstanding people who work hard, play hard and earn everything they have. I work for OhioSE because I love the region and totally enjoy being able to play a role in building its future. Have tremendous amount of pride in the region, have lived in other parts of Ohio, but this region is home and the people are the best.
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Name: Tom Poorman
Profession: OhioSE Project Manager
Hometown & Current Residence: I have lived in Muskingum County for 29 years and am native of Centre County PA, in the central PA Appalachian mountains.
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: I love the outdoor recreation opportunities at Salt Fork State Park, Dillon State Park, the Hocking Hills region, and The Wilds.
Why OhioSE? It’s the most beautiful part of Ohio. There are terrific places to get outside and run, hike, camp and hunt, yet it is very close to bigger cities when we want a different experience. It’s mostly uncongested and very livable. And the people here are real.
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Name: Stacey Saunders
Profession: Project Assistant
Hometown and Current Residence: I primarily grew up in Dresden, OH. After moving away and living in Columbus and Chicago for several years, my husband and I moved back to the region and now reside in Marietta.
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: As an avid runner, I enjoy all of the different landscapes that I can explore on foot in the region. From the River Trail in Marietta to Strouds Run and Baileys Trail System in Athens, there’s always a new path to take and scenery to explore. My husband and I also enjoy mountain biking, camping, shopping at the farmers markets, and attending the various festivals in the region. Paw Paw Festival is one of our favorites and we now enjoy searching for Paw Paws when they ripen in the summer. After a day of adventure, we enjoy getting frozen custard from Whit’s and eating it by the Ohio River.
Why OhioSE? This region is home to me. We moved back to this area to be closer to our families and to become part of the community again. I love the ease and convenience of small-town living and the opportunities to experience the beautiful rural landscapes of the area. Whether you want to head to the city for the weekend or check out a new small town, the location of this area allows easy travel and wonderful amenities. There is always something new to discover in Southeast Ohio. Working in this region is very fulfilling as I am an active part in continuing to make the place I call home even better for generations to come.
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Name: Taylor Stepp
Profession: OhioSE Project Manager
Hometown & Current Residence: Jackson, Ohio
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: There are so many things I’ve enjoyed experiencing since moving back home to southern Ohio. I enjoy working remotely and sipping pour overs from Rost in Chillicothe. Some of my favorite local restaurants are Arch and Eddie’s in Jackson, Patties and Pints in Portsmouth and Tuscany in Gallipolis. On Saturdays I enjoy going on hikes at our national and state parks and visiting our historic downtowns.
Why OhioSE? Our region offers opportunities and quality of life benefits that big cities cannot provide. I enjoy living in a small town that’s close to my family and has abundant outdoor activities. I am very passionate about the area and have enjoyed being engaged in my community and the region. The cost savings have also been huge. I was able to buy my first house several years ago and my mortgage was less than ½ the cost of my rent in the big city that I lived in prior. OhioSE offers great quality of life with costs well-below those of my peers in major cities.
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Name: Kara Willis
Profession: OhioSE Regional Talent Manager
Hometown and Current Residence: Wheelersburg Ohio
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: I love all things outdoors. For me and my family of seven, southeastern Ohio is the perfect place for camping, golfing, fishing, kayaks, atv and horseback trails. Within 15 minutes of our home we can be on an atv or horse trail at either Wayne National Forest or Shawnee State park. Within 15-45 minutes we can relax and enjoy camping or fishing at one of six lakes (Lake Vesuvius, Roosevelt Lake, Lake Jackson, Lake Katherine, Hammertown Lake, or Lake White).
Why OhioSE? My core beliefs, my work ethic and the very essence of my character, originated and grew in southern Ohio. I choose to call this my home because I value the pace of life that it offers. I love that heritage, friendships, family and community thrive in southeast Ohio. I work here because I want to invest in a region where hard work is valued and character is important.
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Name: James Woodward
Profession: OhioSE Research Analyst
Hometown & Current Residence: Originally from Athens, OH, James currently resides in Columbus.
Favorite places to visit/things to do in the OhioSE region: Play golf, go hiking, visit Hocking Hills, driving the scenic back roads in the area.
Why OhioSE? After growing up in southeastern Ohio and spending several years outside the region, I am happy to return to my roots to work in, and for, the people in this area. Though I now live in Columbus, the idyllic setting and presence of family in Athens County make for a nice change of scenery each and every week. Though Columbus has much to offer, there is a lot to be said for the close-knit, peaceful, and relaxed atmosphere of the smaller communities here. My time outside the area has also led to a renewed appreciation for the many outdoor amenities and activities that are easily accessible in this beautiful part of Ohio.
“Despite the challenges of 2020, last year was a tremendous year of growth for so many businesses in our region. We’re proud to have partnered with JobsOhio to bring in more than $30.6 million of investment into Southeast Ohio in a year when it was needed most.”
The solid workforce and work ethic of Pike County employees has contributed greatly to our success and we feel will do so for this expansion, as well,”
– Blake Pierce, Director of Real Estate.
Rural King (Pike County)
Rural King chose southern Ohio as the new home for their North American Import Center in 2021. The expansion at the former Masco/Mill’s Pride facility in Waverly will bring 200 new employees and an investment of over $33 million into Pike County. The project will grow Rural King’s employee count in Waverly to 715 non-retail employees, nearly a $30 million annual payroll, and nearly 3 million square feet under roof. Aside from the Import Center, Rural King will expand its distribution center and manufacturing operations in southern Ohio. These investments will make Waverly the hub for Rural King goods and will support the firm’s growth for years to come. This latest expansion is the third project OhioSE and JobsOhio helped to incentivize with Rural King originating from its original attraction to the area in 2014.
Winesburg Chair, Ltd. in 2021 chose to expand its Holmes County, Ohio, campus rather than establishing a new manufacturing facility closer to its growing customer base in the South and West. The project included an 80,000 SF building addition and acquisition of new equipment to increase its production capacity. The total project investment was more than $4 million and will result in the creation of 50 new jobs. The company has been operating in Holmes County for 20 years and employs more than 160 workers. What started as a two-man logging operation has now grown into a vertically-integrated company manufacturing hardwood furniture. The furniture is available from retailers nationally and is marketed as Palettes by Winesburg.
We take great pride in the furniture we produce and now offer one of the most complete custom dining lines in the country. We are most appreciative to OhioSE, JobsOhio and Holmes County Economic Development Council for their continued support.”
– Bryan Coblentz, Owner, Winesburg Chair, Ltd
We are so excited to start this new journey. This project will give us the opportunity to expand our operational capabilities and create jobs right here in Glouster, Ohio. We believe when women thrive communities thrive. We are hoping to use this space to have a greater impact on women’s economic progress and facilitate our revitalization goals in Glouster.”
– Jane Cavarozzi, owner of Dirty Girl Coffee
Dirty Girl Coffee (Athens County)
Dirty Girl Coffee is a producer and wholesaler of craft roasted coffee, supplying restaurants, bars and coffee shops and selling retail coffee at dirtygirlcoffee.com. The company, located near the Village of Glouster in Athens County, is investing at least $149,958 to renovate a building where it will expand its coffee roasting operation. The new location is a historic two-story building on High Street in Glouster, where Dirty Girl will install roasting equipment, its packaging and shipping operation, product development, and company offices. The company plans to create five new jobs as a result of their growth. A $50,000 grant was provided through the JobsOhio Inclusion Grant program.
OhioSE maintains active channels on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and sends regular communications through our e-newsletter list.
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Opportunity Appalachia
In 2020-2021, Opportunity Appalachia began working with a group of 17 projects in rural Central Appalachia (six projects in Ohio) to provide technical assistance and structure financings with social and financial returns, bringing new investment and jobs to hard hit rural communities in federally designated Opportunity Zones. After a year-long effort to provide design and architectural support, complete market assessments, develop business plans and prospectus, and facilitate investor introductions, 7 projects have identified financing sources and are anticipated to close on +$100M in 2021-22, creating more than 745 jobs in coal-impacted communities. An additional 6 projects are likely to be financed later in 2022 at +$140M resulting in the creation of +270 quality jobs.
NS Haverhill/SOID Sewer Extension Lawrence & Scioto Counties
Best Community Development 2021
Noble County Infrastructure Expansions Noble County
LOOKING AHEAD IN 2022
2022 is already off to a bright and promising start. This year, our focus will include: continuing to seek every project opportunity in our region; seeking to win projects drawn by Intel and Nucor; workforce development through the Good Jobs Challenge grant; seeking new large site development to increase our sites inventory in southern and eastern Ohio; and transformational downtown development projects.
While we are certainly working hard and feeling good about the progress we have made over the past ten years, OhioSE is acutely aware that our region still lags the rest of the state in most any measure of economic health. We still have much work to do. But never before has the region had access to so many resources or been organized to act as a functioning region, as we are right now. We are on the right path and the trajectory is only going up. We look forward to continuing to partner with you to make an even better 2022!
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