Wayne Economic Development Council

05/28/2026

The former home to the Caraustar Paperboard Plant represents a strong opportunity for industrial investment in Wayne County after its rehabilitation.

Property features include:

• On-site rail access
• Convenient access to Interstate 76 and Interstate 71
• Dedicated water wells suitable for industrial use
• Multiple electric service delivery options

This is a prime example of how strategic redevelopment can position sites for future growth and continued economic impact.

Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/3awpvyum

05/27/2026

Join us for a timely conversation on property taxes at our Q2 B4B on Tuesday, June 23.

This moderated fireside chat will provide a high-level overview of Ohio’s property tax structure, recent reform efforts, transparency initiatives, and the important role property taxes play in supporting local communities, schools, infrastructure, and public services.

We’re grateful to welcome an outstanding panel of state and local leaders to help guide this important discussion:

• State Representative Bill Roemer, House Ways & Means Chairman
• Cheryl Subler, Executive Director, County Commissioners Association
• Kyle Brooks, Executive Director, Ohio Township Association
• Paul Imhoff, Director of Governmental Relations, Buckeye Association of School Administrators

The discussion will be moderated by Wayne County Auditor Russell Robertson.

Light breakfast will be provided.

Thank you to our B4B sponsors for their continued support: Akron Brass Company, Freeman Building Systems, MCTV, OhioMeansJobs Wayne County, Sayre Hospitality Group, Team NEO, JobsOhio, and Wooster Community Hospital.

Reserve your spot at https://tinyurl.com/ysjmrxhs

05/26/2026

The Lyric Theater was recognized with the Community Investment Award at this year’s WEDC Annual Meeting, an honor that reflects the transformative impact of its revitalization in downtown Wooster.

Originally opened in 1912, The Lyric has long been a part of Wayne County’s story. Today, its restoration represents more than the preservation of a historic space – it reflects a shared commitment to reinvesting in the heart of the community.

Guided by a vision to create a vibrant, accessible gathering place, The Lyric brings people together through arts, entertainment, and shared experiences. Its presence supports surrounding businesses, contributes to downtown activity, and enhances the overall quality of life in Wayne County.

This project is a strong example of how thoughtful investment, collaboration, and long-term vision can strengthen both a place and the people it serves.

We appreciate the leadership, partnership, and dedication that made this project possible, and the lasting impact it will continue to have on our community.

05/22/2026

Centerra Co-op was recognized as a recipient of the Quality Growth Award at this year’s WEDC Annual Meeting, an honor that reflects their continued investment in strengthening Wayne County’s agricultural economy.

This recognition is driven in part by their $6.1 million investment in their Smithville operations, located within the Smithville Community Reinvestment Area. The project includes a new, state-of-the-art facility that will offer three times the current storage capacity, along with automated equipment to enhance efficiency and modernize operations.

These improvements will streamline loading and delivery while increasing capacity, allowing Centerra to better serve farms throughout Wayne County and the surrounding region.

The investment also supports the retention of 16 jobs, reinforcing Centerra’s ongoing commitment to their employees and to an industry that remains foundational to our community.

05/19/2026

As part of WEDC’s Biz Connect series highlighting businesses across Wayne County, Phil recently visited Miller Poultry in Kidron alongside some of our partners from Team NEO and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Miller Poultry continues to invest in the future of agriculture and food production in our region. Early last year, the company acquired Ge**er Chicken in Kidron, expanding its production capacity by more than 50% while strengthening its presence in eastern Wayne County.

The acquisition builds on a long-standing relationship between the two companies and reflects continued investment in local operations, workforce development, and the agricultural economy that remains vital to Wayne County.

Thank you to the Miller Poultry team for welcoming us and for your continued commitment to our community.

05/18/2026

Our Director of Business Retention, Expansion & Attraction, Phil Schlabach, recently visited J. Horst Manufacturing in Dalton as part of our Biz Connect series highlighting businesses across Wayne County.

Founded in 1963, J. Horst Manufacturing has built a strong reputation for quality machining, welding, and fabrication services while continuing to grow as a family-owned manufacturer rooted in Wayne County. Today, the company operates more than 80,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space, serving customers with a wide range of advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Businesses like J. Horst Manufacturing play an important role in strengthening Wayne County’s manufacturing sector and supporting continued economic growth throughout our region.

Thank you to the team at J. Horst Manufacturing for welcoming us and for your continued investment in Wayne County.

05/13/2026

Our Board and Advisory Council recently had the opportunity to meet in the newly renovated National Consulting & Training Center for Mental Health (NCTC) at The Village Network.

Earlier this year, The Village Network was recognized as one of WEDC’s Quality Growth Award recipients, and we were pleased to gather in a space that reflects their continued investment in both community impact and organizational growth. It was a privilege to share this updated facility with our partners during the meeting.

The renovated space features:
• Large Conference Room for up to 75 people
• Breakout Room for up to 20 people
• Small Conference Room for up to 10 people
• Café Room for up to 68 people

Each room is available to reserve for private meetings and events. Learn more here:
https://thevillagenetwork.org/training/reserve-a-room/

05/12/2026

Quality Plastics is investing in continued growth in Wayne County.

With decades of experience in plastic injection molding, product development, and manufacturing, Quality Plastics has built a strong reputation for quality, precision, and reliable service across the North American market.

Located in Fredericksburg, the company is now expanding its facility by 31,500 square feet – doubling its footprint to 63,000 square feet through a $3.08 million investment. This project will increase capacity and support rising demand, driven in part by a shift toward domestic sourcing.

This expansion reflects both the strength of Quality Plastics and the continued momentum of manufacturing in Wayne County.

05/11/2026

**Congratulations to The Village Network for being one of this year's Quality Growth Award winners**

Since 1946, The Village Network has been dedicated to helping children and families navigate complex challenges and build brighter futures.

By combining innovative, research-based approaches with compassionate care, their team develops individualized treatment plans that support each child’s behavioral, physical, and emotional well-being. Through services that range from residential treatment to community-based support, they are creating stability and long-term opportunity for youth across the region.

Their continued growth reflects both the need for these services and the strength of their mission – working in partnership to empower youth and families while improving quality of life.

Organizations like The Village Network play an important role in strengthening communities and supporting the next generation.

05/08/2026

Richard Seaman, recipient of the Chris Schmid Community Impact Award, has made a lasting difference in Wayne County through his leadership, generosity, and commitment to community.

This video highlights the impact of a lifetime dedicated to strengthening local organizations, supporting economic growth, and investing in the people and places that make Wayne County strong.

Thank you for the lasting impact you’ve made on our community.

Congratulations to Richard Seaman, recipient of the Chris Schmid Community Impact Award at the 2026 WEDC Annual Meeting.Thank you for the lasting positive im...

05/08/2026

As we wrap up our celebration of Economic Development Week, we’re also focused on preparing for what’s next.

The Rittman Industrial Site, a 74-acre property available for industrial use, represents an opportunity to attract new investment, support job creation, and position Wayne County for future growth.

Sites like this are critical as we work to remain competitive and ready for companies looking to expand or relocate.

It’s all part of building momentum and creating opportunity across our region.