Economic Advisory Group tours firm

Van Wert Economic Development news

OHIO CITY — This past Friday, the Van Wert County Economic Development Advisory Group held its monthly meeting at TEEM Wholesale located in Ohio City.  The meeting was well attended by the Advisory Group and concluded with a tour of the company. Tom Turnwald Jr., president of TEEM Wholesale; and Tony Heffner, company general manager, also delivered a brief overview of the company and its positive outlook for the future.

Van Wert Economic Development Director Cindy Leis delivered her report, noting several visits to existing businesses, including manufacturing and service-related companies throughout the county.  As of May, nine companies have expansion, new construction and relocation projects planned in the near future.  In addition, Program Coordinator Darlene Myers gave a report on the county and city Revolving Loan programs, stating that money is available for business-related loans and that efforts are underway to attract new applicants.

Marketing, recruiting and networking is also active in the areas of the Jobs Ready Site (megasite), Vision Industrial Park and other available properties.  A new signage project is under review and both county residents and visitors will soon be able to better identify industrial property for sale and locate our existing industrial parks.

On a monthly basis, the Van Wert County Economic Development Advisory Group, which includes nearly 60 members, such as countywide elected officials, school and workforce education partners, and private and public industry leaders, meet collaboratively to chart the course of economic development and share ideas for the growth and promotion of the county.

The next meeting will be held at 8 a.m. Friday, June 21, at the Van Wert County Regional Airport. The public is welcome to attend.

The Economic Development office is located in Room 104 of the Van Wert Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St. in Van Wert. The office can be contacted by phone at 419.238.2999 or through its website at www.whyvanwert.org or on Facebook.