Clinton County Port Authority Economic Development Week Recap and Webinars

Clinton County Port Authority Economic Development Week Recap and Webinars Main Photo

1 Jun 2021


News

The sixth annual National Economic Development Week was May 9-15, 2021. National Economic Development Week was created in 2016 by the International Economic Development Council — the largest professional membership organization for economic developers — to recognize the unique role that economic development has in creating flourishing communities with strong economies. 

Clinton County Port Authority (CCPA) took this time to reflect on the impact their office has made on the economic development of their vibrant Ohio community, even during the pandemic. The highly successful economic development efforts were a result of collaboration with their partners: City of Wilmington, Clinton County Board of Commissioners, Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Clinton County Regional Planning Commission, Community Improvement Corporation of Wilmington, Main Street Wilmington, Ohio Small Business Development Center at Miami Regionals, and Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce.

"Economic development is about creating jobs, advancing career development opportunities, and improving the quality of life for a community," said Jennifer Klus Ekey, Economic Development Director with the Clinton County Port Authority. "This week was a great opportunity for us to highlight that work locally, in the context of a national campaign."

City, county, state, and U.S. Congressional leadership formally recognized the importance of the accomplishments being underscored during Economic Development Week:

  • U.S. Representative Steve Stivers in recognition of Economic Development Week: "I am grateful for the continued commitment to creating jobs and improving the quality of life for the citizens in Clinton County. On behalf of the citizens of Ohio's 15th Congressional District, I proudly recognize the Clinton County Port Authority and wish them many successes in the future."
  • Mayor Stanforth of the City of Wilmington, Ohio recognized Economic Development Week and all of CCPA’s  economic development partners at the May 6th City Council Meeting to "remind individuals of the importance of this community celebration which supports expanding career opportunities and improving quality of life!”
  • The Clinton County Board of Commissioners drafted a proclamation for Economic Development Week because “economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base.”
  • The Clinton County Port Authority Board recognized the collaborative efforts of CCPA with its partners via public presentations, social media, and other platforms to join IEDC in commemorating Economic Development Week. “The premises behind this effort, locally, are two-fold: to speak to the work that is done by economic development practitioners in Clinton County, our region, our state, and beyond, in the furtherance of economic opportunity and investment in our communities, and to reinforce the collaboration and multiple dimensions of our local economic development network.” 

Clinton County economic development highlights:

  • Clinton County is home to seven foreign-owned companies that employ nearly 3,000 people.
  • In total, there are roughly 880 businesses that employ approximately 19,000 people in Clinton County.
  • CCPA operates and manages Wilmington Air Park: over 1,900 acres surrounding the two-runway, fully functional Part 139 airport. Nearly 3 million square feet of office, warehouse, and hangar space are included in the airport property. 
  • Clinton County Economic Development Week Thank YouEconomic development tools available for business creation and expansion include a Revolving Loan Fund, a Community Reinvestment Area, Tax Increment Financing, and an Enterprise Zone.
  • Tourism is an important pillar of the local economy. Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2020 agritourism campaign resulted in a significant increase in visitorship for a number of local attractions.
  • Main Street Wilmington works diligently to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Its placemaking efforts like downtown beautification endeavors, and entertainment support campaigns like the DORA, are vital parts of the economic development network in Clinton County.
  • Business attraction and expansion only happens with available properties. The Davids Drive corridor is home to businesses that employ hundreds of local residents, thanks to the real estate development work of the Community Improvement Corporation of Wilmington and its commitment to aiding in job creation and long-term investment in the community.
  • Secure and stable infrastructure that can support a community and allow for expansion is vital to economic development. Clinton County, Ohio leadership understands the need, shares the vision, and supports the work to address water and sewer issues, housing concerns, and the expansion of fiber and broadband. 
  • Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce stays in communication with its members to address the top issues facing the entire business community, including workforce development concerns. It shares open positions in the community through its jobs board and partners with local and state agencies to host career fairs to play an active role in economic development in the community.
  • #ClintonCounty2040 “connecting to the past, cultivating the future” comprehensive planning surveys are underway, led by the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission. Visit https://bit.ly/3t8PE2d to make your voice heard. 

Webinars recorded during Economic Development Week:

  • “Exporting Fundamentals and Introduction to the Ohio Export Assistance Network” with the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio SBDC: https://bit.ly/OHExport101recording. Get information on how to begin exporting to expand your current global footprint, gain an overview of the export process and steps required to do business overseas, learn if there are funds available to assist you, and see how the SBDC and Export Assistance Network can help you.
  • Economic Network Alliance “talk show” panel discussion:  https://bit.ly/May21ENArecording.

Clinton County Port Authority

Clinton County Port Authority is the first stop for businesses looking to expand into Clinton County and local businesses looking to grow. Established in 2004, the Port Authority was designated as the economic development organization for Clinton County in 2019 and all county development efforts are now concentrated through it. Contact CCPA at 937-655-7019 or

jekey@ccportauthority.com.

Follow CCPA on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Add to Report View Custom Report