PROGRAM SUMMARY

Jobs 2010 is a five-year, $1.5 million funding effort, which will strengthen and enhance our county’s ability to compete effectively for quality jobs and new capital investment.  

This countywide funding effort will allow the Economic Development Alliance to implement a focused, pro-active marketing and recruitment program to foster wealth creation in our area.  Our new program of work will be concentrated in the following four strategic areas:

I. RETENTION & EXPANSION JOB ASSISTANCE

Goal:  To ensure that a countywide business retention and expansion program is successfully implemented in Ross County. The Economic Development Alliance will work to promote a stronger business environment by facilitating expansion efforts of local employers, thus reducing the potential relocation while stimulating new local business expansion and job growth.

• Initiate an ongoing corporate calling program on Ross County businesses.

• Provide local firms with project packaging, technical assistance and coordinated delivery of expansion support services including:

• Financing programs (Tax Exempt Bonds, Loans, IRB)

• Small Business Development (SBDC)

• Workforce Development Programs

• Procurement Programs

• Incentive Programs

• Grant Writing

• State of Ohio - Planning, Block Grants, Infrastructure

• State & Local Incentive Programs

• USDA – Low Interest Loans

• ODOT – Road & Highway Improvements

II. NEW BUSINESS/JOB RECRUITMENT

Goal: Significantly increase the growth of quality jobs* and capital investment within our county through aggressive new business recruitment strategies.

Strategies:

• Strengthen our relationships with the Ohio Department of Development, site consultants and other major networks of influence and lead referrals.

• Leverage these relationships to recruit targeted business clusters including automotive manufacturing, plastics manufacturing and distribution and value-added suppliers.

• Strengthen the local CEO and business network to further target and identify attraction opportunities and new business leads.

• Increase new qualified business leads through direct mail campaigns, attendance at targeted industry trade shows, print advertising and site consultant presentations.

• The Economic Development Alliance will develop and maintain an industry-leading prospect response, handling and closure program allowing us to compete effectively with our direct competitors.

• Develop enhanced data systems and research capability that provide current and accurate information to support decision making of business leaders and site consultants.

III. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Goal:  Finish infrastructure work at Gateway Interchange Industrial Park; develop infrastructure at the Herron Business Park; and identify other sites for future development.

Strategies:                    

• Find funds to complete roads

• Work with land owners/developers for infrastructure development

*--Defined as a full-time position with compensation and benefits equal to at least $25,000

IV. TARGETED MARKETING AND IMAGE ENHANCEMENT

Goal:  Effectively promote Ross County to enhance our image as a preferred and strategic business location.

Strategies:

• The Economic Development Alliance will execute an aggressive marketing campaign to include advertising, direct mail and public relations;

• The Economic Development Alliance will develop an ongoing public relations strategy, which better positions the advantages of our region and supports new business attraction efforts.

• Develop top quality printed collateral material and enhanced web-site technology to deliver regional economic development information.