Owens CC to host economic event

FINDLAY — The West Central Ohio Network, comprised of leaders from Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, and Van Wert counties, was been selected as one of two in the state of Ohio to be a part of the Stronger Economies Together (SET) program. The group will present its vision and goals at a celebratory luncheon on Wednesday, July 20, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Owens Community College in Findlay.

The Stronger Economies Together (SET) Program is sponsored by USDA Rural Development (USDA RD), in partnership with the Regional Rural Development Centers and Ohio State University Extension for interested counties that desire to work together to develop and implement a regional economic development strategy or plan.

The pilot program was developed in 2010 and is designed to guide rural regions through a process of developing practical regional economic development strategies. Community leaders from two regions in Ohio have participated in the program, which entails twenty hours of training; economic analysis tailored for each of the regions, and; technical assistance. The program began last November and the formal training sessions concluded in May.

The cost for the event is $10, and reservations can be made through the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance at 419.422.3313, or via email at rsvp@FindlayHancockAlliance.com. The program will take place at the Community Education and Wellness Center in Room FCE 111 on the Owens Community College campus, 3200 Bright Road in Findlay. The public is welcome to attend.

For more information about the SET program, contact Greg Davis, OSU Extension, at 614.292.6232 or Tony Logan, USDA Rural Development-Ohio, at 614.255.2400.