OhioSE leaders meet Holmes County officials to accelerate growth

Ohio Southeast Economic Development project manager Marisa Vetula and Amber Kohler, manager of engagement and partnerships, joined Holmes County Economic Development Director Mark Leininger in meeting with the Holmes County Commissioners on Monday, Sept. 15 at the Old Jail to discuss the future of Holmes County’s economic outlook.

Leininger said one of the reasons for the gathering was to introduce Kohler, who recently stepped into her new role with Ohio Southeast Economic Development.

Ohio Southeast Economic Development, also known as OhioSE, is an economic development organization focused on supporting business growth, job creation and investment in the southeastern region of Ohio.

According to Leininger, there are 25 counties represented under the OhioSE umbrella, among them Holmes County.

“We work pretty regularly with OhioSE on different projects,” Leininger said.

He also said Vetula has been instrumental in finding incentives through JobsOhio.

OhioSE’s key activities include helping new businesses locate in the region by showcasing local assets, workforce and available properties; supporting existing businesses with growth opportunities, workforce needs and navigating state/local incentives; working with partners to prepare shovel-ready sites and buildings to attract investment; collaborating with educational institutions and employers to align training with job demand; assisting businesses in accessing local, state and federal funding or tax incentives; and promoting its area in Ohio as a competitive and business-friendly location.

“Marisa is the one who really brings all of the work home as far as getting grants,” Kohler said. “I’m more of what you’d call governmental relations.”

She said she serves as the initial contact for small governments reaching out to connect on projects that would require connections with state government officials.

Kohler served as deputy director of Ohio’s 6th Congressional District for a pair of congressmen.

She said she became intrigued with OhioSE because of her passion for rural development, with a goal of bringing more grant dollars to the Appalachian area.

Commissioner Dave Hall said this type of interaction between the county and OhioSE is integral because it helps meet the challenges of a county he said is growing quickly in major ways.

“The uniqueness of Holmes County is that we’re growing so fast our infrastructure faces major needs,” Hall said. “The public and private relationships we have in Holmes County is everyone working together to take our next step. Commissioner (Joe) Miller and others before made a huge investment in infrastructures of wastewater and roads.”

He said infrastructure remains an important topic for the county, and the county continues to seek ways to bring in funding to aid businesses in their effort to grow and develop.

“We’re strong with our economy, but there is always a need,” Hall said.

Kohler said OhioSE will help build and sustain that desired growth.

Miller said Holmes County is blessed with an abundance of growth options in both the tourism industry and in manufacturing.

Leininger said both representatives from OhioSE are ideal to connect with leaders at JobsOhio who may not fully understand the uniqueness of Holmes County’s economy and the growing needs in infrastructure.

Leininger and Miller talked about how local company Lipari coming to Holmes County is a perfect example of what Holmes County can do to bring companies seeking to develop and expand.

Leininger said Lipari had a nice offer to go to Wisconsin; however, the workforce in Holmes County proved to be a turning point in their decision to invest in Holmes County.

Leininger’s enterprise zone work helped cement that deal.

Vetula said while OhioSE may not always be able to directly help counties make strides toward completing a challenge through JobsOhio, it can at times be a conduit to connect partners.

Both women said the entire purpose of their company is to help counties and communities grow.

“Our goal is birth and expansion,” Kohler said.

Vetula said it is inspiring to be able to help communities blossom and said they are available at all times to connect with Holmes County to further its development.

After meeting with the commissioners, the trio headed to meet with Tiffany Gerber, executive director at the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.