VW CIC receives LEAP grant from AEP

CIC information

The Van Wert Community Improvement Corporation announced Friday that it received a Local Economic Assistance Program (LEAP) grant awarded by AEP Ohio. The grant award of $5,000 will help the CIC market the 1,600 acre Jobs Ready Site on the north edge of Van Wert.

“We very much appreciate the support of AEP Ohio for this project,” said Jon Rhoades, CIC president.  “This project will support economic development efforts in Van Wert County.”

AEP Ohio’s LEAP grants support projects that promote the retention and attraction of manufacturing jobs and investment.  Examples of acceptable programs and projects are retention and expansion surveys, site feasibility studies, retaining existing industries, attracting new industries, conducting special studies, performing research and other creative uses.

Grant projects must leverage additional funds from other sources, demonstrate joint participation from more than one group and provide benefits to an area or region, according to AEP Ohio program guidelines. The company awards grants of up to $10,000 for eligible projects.

“We are pleased to be able to provide financial support to help facilitate economic development projects that help to bring jobs and prosperity to local communities,” said Pablo Vegas, AEP Ohio president and CEO.

AEP Ohio has offered grants to local economic development organizations since 2005. To date, 165 grants totaling $403,875 have been awarded to support projects in communities and counties throughout the AEP Ohio service territory.

AEP Ohio serves nearly 1.5 million customers in Ohio and the northern panhandle of West Virginia.  In Ohio, the company provides electricity to more than 920 communities located in 61 of the state’s 88 counties. In West Virginia, the company serves Ohio and Marshall counties, providing service to approximately 41,000 customers. The company’s headquarters is in Gahanna, with regulatory and external affairs offices in downtown Columbus. A subsidiary of American Electric Power and the largest of its regional utility divisions, AEP Ohio comprises Ohio Power Company and Wheeling Power.