County approves development website

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Van Wert County Board of Commissioners had a busy day on Tuesday, with presentations on two different website designs, a Wellness Champion meeting, and discussions on grant writing opportunities.

Commissioner Todd Wolfrum said the commissioners met with Kelly Goins on an idea for an economic development-related website. Tentatively being called “Van Wert Works,” the website will provide a central county clearinghouse that will allow area companies to post job openings.

“Mercer County does it, and we saw that, and it was a great thing,” Wolfrum said.

The commissioners approved a resolution on Tuesday to move the website project forward.

Also Tuesday, the commissioner met with website designer Chris Wilson, who gave a presentation on a new, updated county website. The commissioners have met with several companies, including Maverick Media and Twyla Hayes of Brand-It Communications to get proposals for an updated county website. Other companies may also yet submit proposals prior to a final decision being made.

The commissioners also are looking at developing a county wellness program entitled Wellness Champions. The ongoing program, which will kick off April 1, would provide a number of health benefits to participants, as well as a special credit on the county’s health insurance if enough employees participate.

The commissioners also met with semi-retired economic development consultant Ron Puthoff of Community Development Services to set up a development grant-writing program for the county.

Puthoff provided a primer on what is needed to seek out and win grant awards for economic development purposes.

The commissioners also Tuesday approved 12 area sites where county waste can be hauled. The designation for the Van Wert Solid Waste Management District is something done on an annual basis.