On May 1, Lydia Mihalik, Director of the DOD Ohio (Department of Development) visited Darke County to recognize the great work the DCED (Darke County Economic Development) has done and their achievement: Darke County tied for 5th place (out of 520) in the U.S. for top micropolitans per number of qualifying projects in 2022! (Definition of micropolitan: “relating to an urban area with a population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000.”).
Mihalik presented to the DCED and the present guests, local elected officials and business owners, what the DOD is able to provide.
Mihalik said that they have many resources and programs to provide (financial) support to the Counties and that they are ready to deliver this service. Communication and collaboration are the key to success, so Mihalik.
Doug Alexander of Kings Command praised the work the DCED and DOD does and how easy it is to work with them compared to other jurisdictions. He appreciates the “we can do it”-mentality.
Mihalik said that they want to promote Ohio not only as a place to visit and play, but also a place to live and work. This is the time for Ohio, she added.
She explained that she doesn’t want to tell the Counties what they need or have to do, but they are always ready to help in whatever the Counties decide to do. She also stated that the DOD is glad, Darke County is taking advantage of the programs that are available.
A very common problem is that the businesses have the projects and the plans, but they don’t have the workforce and the housing for the workforce to proceed with their planning. It’s hard to bring people to Ohio if you don’t have adequate housing available. The DOD has programs and plans to bring people (back) to Ohio and the DCED as well as other Counties are evaluating ways to solve the housing problem.
Click here to see more photos of the event.
