(From The Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation)

The Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation are proud to announce that the Tiffin-Seneca County Micropolitan Area has been ranked #6 in the nation in Site Selection Magazine’s annual rankings of economic development projects.

This ranking places the region among the top-performing micropolitan areas nationwide, competing against 543 similar-sized communities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000. This marks the 13th consecutive year that the region has ranked in the top 10% nationally, further solidifying its reputation as a leading destination for business growth and investment.

This achievement underscores Seneca County’s unwavering commitment to economic growth and development. In 2024, the community saw a number of transformative projects that contributed to this national ranking.

Tiffin saw continued growth with expansions and investments from American Plastics, National Machinery,

and Webster Industries. Fostoria had significant projects with Frankart Electric, Kuzma Industries, Mennel Milling, National Spinning Co., POET Biorefining – Fostoria, and Premier Industrial Machine, as well as the attraction of Carolina Nonwovens to Ohio and Fostoria. Additional countywide investments included projects from Church & Dwight and Schreiner Manufacturing.

These projects reflect the diverse industries driving economic momentum in Seneca County, including manufacturing, construction, energy, and industrial machinery. The collaboration between the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Development Corporation and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation has played a pivotal role in securing the region’s standing among the top communities for economic development.

Seneca County Commissioner Tony Paradiso praised the county’s consistency in economic development:

“Ranking in the Top 10 nationally for 13 consecutive years is no small feat—it’s a testament to the dedication of our business community, economic development teams, and local leadership. We continue to see strong investment in Tiffin, Fostoria, and throughout Seneca County, and we are committed to sustaining this momentum.”

Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson emphasized the city’s growth and strategic partnerships:

“Tiffin’s economy remains strong because of the commitment of our businesses. This national recognition reaffirms that we are a premier destination for investment, and I look forward to building on this success.”

Fostoria Mayor Don Mennel highlighted regional collaboration as a key factor in the ranking:

“Fostoria continues to be a leader in economic development, and our partnerships play a crucial role in securing these rankings. The investments made in Fostoria’s industrial sector are creating jobs and opportunities, and I am proud to see our efforts recognized nationally.”

With this sixth-place national ranking, the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation remain dedicated to advancing economic opportunities, fostering business innovation, and strengthening the regional economy for years to come.

Hancock County Job and Family Services says it and Ohio Means Jobs had to close due to threats made to staff members on Friday.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office said a caller upset over canceled benefits threatened to “blow y’all up”.

The sheriff’s office said the caller was from Hancock County and had contacted the call center in Sandusky County. The sheriff’s office said the caller didn’t specify whether the threat was directed at Hancock County or Sandusky County. 

The sheriff’s office searched the Hancock County Job and Family Services building along with assistance from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit for explosive devices and no threats were found.

Employees were cleared to return to the building a little before 9 a.m. Monday.

Hancock County JFS is sharing space with Ohio Means Jobs while the JFS building at 7814 County Road 140 is under construction. 

(ONN) – Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill to increase the minimum number of hours in the school year, meaning students could soon be spending more time in the classroom.

This new legislation would add 54 hours of instruction time in schools for the year.

“For the state to come in and say kids need to be in the classrooms more but we’re cutting $100 million dollars from the state budget to fund schools, that’s really difficult to see those two things come at the same time,” said Sylvania Education Association President Dan Greenberg.

The school districts would get to decide just how to spread out those hours over the school year.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has announced the schedule for its ‘Fun for All’ series of free community events for March.

The events scheduled so far are listed below and more will be added as they become available.

15 – Game-A-Pa-Looza
12 – 4 p.m.
Location & Organization: 50 North
Registration is required: 50 North

17 – Symphony Storytime
10:30 a.m.
Location: Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
Organization: Lima Symphony Orchestra

24 – Bowling for Teens
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: AMF Sportsman Lanes
Organization: Community Partnership

“We’ve heard time and time again that finding affordable, family-friendly activities is a challenge in Hancock County. The Community Foundation is proud to provide Fun for All to help bridge the gap,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Brian Treece.

Brian says the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is thankful to its community partners for making the events possible.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Congratulations to Chamberlin Hill Elementary School, who has been honored with the Momentum Award by the state of Ohio for the remarkable progress and growth achieved during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Momentum Award recognizes buildings that exhibit exceptional improvement in academic achievement, while also demonstrating consistent growth.

A recognition like this is only possible because of the collective effort of students and staff.

We are so proud of Chamberlin Hill!

(From Bowling Green State University)

For the first time in its 102-year history, the Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band — one of the nation’s largest college bands — is traveling to Ireland to perform in the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin.

The Falcon Marching Band will be one of only three college marching bands performing in the parade, which winds through Ireland’s capital city for about two miles, typically drawing half a million spectators.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for BGSU students, and I am thrilled that our incredibly talented Falcon Marching Band members are being given the chance to showcase their talent and poise on a global stage,” said Jon Waters, a professor and the director of marching and athletic bands. “Marching band is about so much more than music and performing. These students are learning valuable life skills, and this cultural experience will only enhance that. 

“I believe our students should leave the University with two pieces of paper — a diploma and a passport. This trip will fulfill that philosophical endeavor for me as an educator.”

UPDATE – The sheriff’s office searched the building along with assistance from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit for explosive devices and no threats were found.

Employees were cleared to return to the building a little before 9 a.m. Monday.

ORIGINAL STORY

Hancock County Job and Family Services says it and Ohio Means Jobs had to close due to threats made to staff members.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office said a caller upset over canceled benefits threatened to “blow y’all up”.

The agency says an investigation is underway and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office will advise when it’s safe to return to the building.

Hancock County JFS is sharing space with Ohio Means Jobs while the JFS building at 7814 County Road 140 is under construction. 

(From Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development)

For an unparalleled 11th time, Findlay has been ranked the Top Micropolitan City in the U.S., a distinction placing it above 543 qualifying communities. Through those years, a remarkable $2.5 billion of capital has been invested.

“We are getting into some pretty incredible numbers and statistics,” said Chris Keller, executive director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development. “The key to our success is our commitment to the Findlay Formula – bringing all stakeholders to the table – to unite for a common goal. And we place heavy importance on supporting the development and retention of our existing businesses.

“It is very exciting to attract new businesses, and we work toward that and celebrate that, but at our core we are only as strong as our legacy companies,” Keller told WFIN. 

The Top Micropolitan distinction is awarded by Site Selection Magazine, official publication of the Global Foreign Direct Investment Association and the Industrial Asset Management Council. To determine the Top Micro for 2025, Site Selection ranked 543 micropolitan statistical areas with a population of 10,000 to 50,000. Rankings are measured on projects meeting one or more of three criteria: $1 million or more invested, 20 or more jobs created, or 20,000 or more square feet constructed.

For 2024, FHCED submitted 24 projects that amounted to about $415 million invested in the community, nearly 600,000 square feet constructed, and 269 jobs. All qualifying projects came from companies already doing business here. Over 11 years, there has been $2.5 billion invested, 316 projects, more than 5.5 million square feet constructed, and 12,270 jobs created.

“Receiving this prestigious award for the 11th time is a testament to the unique collaboration between the city, county, economic development office, and other local stakeholders to foster an deal climate for growth and stability,” said Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn. “We will always strive to attract new businesses, but especially looking at the numbers this year, our community’s commitment to supporting local companies shines through.”

The largest expansions included in 2024 data are projects underway by Ohio Logistics and Kreate. In the fall, Ohio Logistics – which provides transportation and logistics services – began construction on a new $15.8 million, 208,000 square foot warehouse facility. Kreate, a vertically integrated design, manufacturing, and distribution company, broke ground on a new $13 million, 187,500 square foot facility, the first of three new facilities planned in the next two years.

“We want to continue to invest in Findlay and we see opportunity for it,” said Nick Reinhart, owner of Kreate. “This new facility and the two on the way reflect our continued investment in a community we call home, and we’re proud to play a role in Findlay’s great distinction as Top Micropolitan.”

Kreate currently operates two manufacturing sites and seven distribution centers nationwide. As a product development company, Kreate’s focus is to reimagine product categories for today’s consumers to bring the best of the best to the market.

Gary Daughters, senior editor for Site Selection Magazine, praised Findlay leaders for this impressive accomplishment: “Findlay’s eleven-year run as Site Selection’s Top Micropolitan is without precedent,” he said. “Findlay sets the standard for how teamwork breeds success in economic development.”

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Registration opens Friday, February 28 for United Way of Hancock County’s Spring Days of Caring, a weeklong service event that pairs volunteer teams with local organizations in need of help.

Days of Caring will take place May 5-9. In four-hour shifts, volunteers from area corporations, civic groups and small businesses will take on projects such as landscaping, organizing, painting, cleaning, construction or even planning an event. Shifts run from 8 a.m. to noon or noon to 4 p.m. at locations across Hancock County such as nonprofit offices, government buildings, parks, ballfields, churches and more.

Registration for both agencies looking to submit projects and the volunteers who will complete them opens Friday at www.liveunitedhancockcounty.org/days-caring

“We engage volunteers year-round, but the scope of Days of Caring makes it a favorite among our volunteers and our benefitting agencies,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin.

She noted that during last spring’s Days of Caring, 900 volunteers completed 93 service projects for 45 different agencies. These teams provided 3,600 community service hours, a value to the community of over $120,000.

“Days of Caring brings a visibility and excitement to volunteerism that’s infectious. It is exciting to see our communities being transformed through the hard work of the Days of Caring teams, and we hope our volunteers find joy in the fact that so many teams are out working at the same time,” McClurkin said.

Registration closes April 9, and the United Way will connect volunteer teams and agency projects April 22.

(From Hancock County Naturalists)

The Hancock County Naturalists will host Dr. Brandan Gray for a presentation titled On the Owls of Ohio on Thursday, March 13^th. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Oak Woods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwood Avenue, and is open to the public.

Dr. Gray, a biology professor at the University of Findlay, will explore the history of human interactions with owls, global owl diversity and conservation, and the ecology of Ohio’s native owl species. He will also discuss current owl research and how the public can get involved.

An avid birder and conservationist, Dr. Gray grew up in the forested mountains of central Pennsylvania, where he developed a deep appreciation for nature. In addition to teaching, he advises UF’s Birding Club and Plant Club and serves on the board of the Rieck Center for Habitat Studies. His research focuses on native plants and invertebrate animals.

Dr. Gray’s training as a bird bander began with Northern Saw-whet Owls and American Barn Owls. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an owl pellet dissection following the talk, with sterilized pellets, gloves, and tools provided.

The Hancock County Naturalists, a membership organization, was established to further the study of the fauna and flora of Hancock County and the surrounding area and to participate in selected conservation and educational projects. Membership and events are open to those aged 15 and older. Annual membership fees are $15 per adult, $20 per couple, and $10 for youth.

For more information, contact Jane Riker at 419-306-3697 or emaggin117@aol.com. The group’s website is hancockcountynaturalists.org.