Ohio ED conference includes lots of info

VW independent/submitted information

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, Economic Development Director Sarah Smith attended the Summer Quarterly Meeting of Ohio Conference of Community Development in Columbus.  This day and a half of networking, informational sessions, and chance to renew and revive OCCD’s commitment to Ohio communities is just another way that the Van Wert County Commissioners are trying to help Van Wert County grow and prosper.

Smith commented that, possibly the most educational and concerning presentation was given by Steven Kelly, a senior economist with Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) Office of Research.  Kelly discussed population trends and population projections for counties, 2015-2040.  Kelly noted that in Ohio, the median age has increased 10 years and most counties are seeing negative population growth.  By 2040, at the current conditions, Van Wert County’s population will be below 26,000.

“This is why websites and efforts like Van Wert Works are so important,” offered Smith, adding that Van Wert Works is scheduled to launch early next week. “The goal is to focus on local talent. We need our youth to stay home, return home, or new youth to come.

“Van Wert residents need to be aware of the messages we are sending with our activities and services,” Smith said. “We need to attract families always and give them reasons to want to live here. Events like RibFest next weekend, Wren Homecoming and their amazing Wiffleball Extravaganza the following weekend, as well as our county fair at the end of the month, are things we need to continue to support and encourage because those are things that bring people home.”

Kelly explained in his presentation that job growth is an ingredient to increasing population; unfortunately, its results take time and people won’t see an effect in population sometimes for 20 or 25 years.  He said, “For many, many years we could do a straight line and plan but you can’t do that anymore. Opportunities in aging population, versus school age, etc., affects the way we plan.  Transportation, the EPA, the way bonds operate, taxes and the number of households are all effected by these projections.”

“Absolutely, we are focused on jobs and job creation every day,” said Smith, “but it’s the things that the entire community can be doing in the meantime that can make the most difference and have the most impact.”

The new Van Wert County website, launched July 14, has already experienced increased activity and awareness at the County level.

“Look for Van Wert Works next week and start directing youth, relatives, and everyone you know towards Van Wert,” Smith urged county residents. “Population trends and projections may give a somewhat challenging prescription but the will of a community working together has the potential to surprise even the most seasoned economist.”