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ED Efforts lead to
millions for economy
By Bob Robinson
Editor
GREENVILLE – “You don’t lose in economic development until you ‘lose’ a
business,” said Randy Gump, CIC Vice President and Versailles Village
Administrator.
Gump wrapped up the latest Partnering for Progress investor meeting
Friday following a 90-minute presentation on the successes and
challenges of Darke County’s economic development efforts.
He had praise for Greenville Mayor Mike Bowers, DCEDO’s Melanie
Nealeigh and Economic Development Director Marc Saluk, calling Saluk’s
hiring two years ago the right decision.
“I can’t think of anyone better to be the face of our county,” he said.
The “up” note? According to Saluk, a $225,000 investment (grants,
loans, etc.) turned into $14 million in economic growth in Darke County.
Actual capitol investment in 2010 was $18 million, he said.
“There is a potential for $450 million in capitol investment in 2011,”
he added. He said that number was preliminary and speculative, but it
was based upon current work with 16 companies, many of them sensitive
in nature.
Saluk told the group of 75 people (plus or minus) that the first time
he gave a report on businesses, there were 30 confirmed retentions with
219 in progress; created or attracted, 97 confirmed with 178 in
progress. Total jobs in play 397.
Now, he said, there were 85 confirmed retentions with 343 in progress;
142 confirmed created and attracted, with 506 in progress. Jobs in play
849.
“There are many considering big projects,” he said. “They’re looking to
expand and now, they are coming to us. More companies are seeking to
work with us.”
Saluk said that all the ED office does is “help.” He noted the
following success stories for the four main goals of the office:
Attraction, Continental Carbonics; Retention, Integrity Ambulance;
Expansion, JAFE; and Start-up, American Plastics Recycling.
He said there are 16 companies now that are “very sensitive,” with the
top four as follows: Company A – lots of jobs, retain and expand; B –
50 jobs, retain and expand; C – 150 jobs, retain and expand; and D – 20
plus jobs, retain and expand.
Saluk focused on three particular success stories…
Capital Carbonics, he said, was a $13.8 million investment, with the
potential of 75 or more jobs. The first contact was last August. The
business will be dedicated the third week in June.
Integrity Ambulance has taken a 26-acre property on Martin Street. The
corporate headquarters of its statewide operations will be here. The
ground breaking is scheduled for May 20.
Marco’s Pizza has purchased Treaty Lanes and Score Board on Sweitzer.
It brings 25 full time jobs, four of which will be management, and will
be a huge economic boost to the south side.
The “down” note? Budget cuts in Columbus and the budget uncertainty in
Washington. All will likely have an impact on possible grants that
could be offered to businesses hoping to build or expand.
“All grants are on hold,” Saluk said. “We currently have no grant
money, so at least for now we’ll have to shift to low-interest loans.”
One of the success stories revolved around the host of Friday’s
meeting, HD Supply. Scott McGinnis talked about the challenges his
company had in its desire to stay in Greenville.
“There was a water issue,” he said. “We didn’t have the needed pressure
for our business.” He said it was close, but the city solved it for
them.
“We have 500 years of experience on the other side of these walls,” he
said, adding that the company’s history goes back to Treaty Supply when
Greenville supplied most of Ohio and much of Indiana with plumbing
materials. Their goal is to continue being that major supplier.
McGinnis also said that the rumors were true… HD Supply is for sale and
has been since Day 1. The company is looking for a group of investors.
Saluk announced a new award that will go to a business each quarter,
not only for its business efforts, but also its community contribution.
This quarter’s award went to Specialized Castings. Clarence Neals
accepted the award, noting the company has 10 employees and came to
Greenville because the type of facility he needed was hard to find.
Saluk talked about the growth of Partnering for Progress, noting that
there was a lot of harmony in the group and it had more backing from
the business community than ever.
“We have five new investors for a total of 53,” he said. “None lost.
“This isn’t rocket science,” he added. “You listen, then you respond.”
The key is knowing that we are responsible to everybody, he said.
“You address business concerns proactively,” he said, “NOT after the
problem comes up.”
The Darke County Economic Development Office will officially be moving
to the Palace on South Broadway on June 1.
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