2025 End-of-Year Commissioners' Review

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVIEW

MOMENTUM BUILDING

U.S.

Building Through Partnership ADVANCING COLLABORATION

ExpandingBroadbandandRegionalConnectivity

Mansfield and Richland County advanced strategic initiatives that strengthened regional competitiveness and positioned key sites for future investment Through dedicated efforts and persistent vision, spearheaded by County, NCSC, and state leadership and partners, Richland County received $20 million in Ohio’s 2025–2026 biennial budget to expand broadband infrastructure along the U.S. 30 corridor. This investment will expand service reliability for institutions such as North Central State College, OSU, and the 179th Cyberspace Wing, as well as extend high-speed internet access to underserved areas across the county and region. The project reflects coordination among local, regional, and state partners, supporting education, innovation, national defense, and economic opportunity

EnhancedFinanceToolsandDevelopmentOpportunities

In June 2025, thanks to the support of Richland County Commissioners Darrell Banks, Cliff Mears, and Tony Vero, Mayor Jodie Perry, the Richland County Port Authority (RCPA) was created to further enhance business retention, expansion, and attraction opportunities in our area. The RCPA provides sales tax exemptions for large projects and will provide unique finance opportunities. Since its inception, three projects have been approved by the RCPA Board, and all three are slated to close by late winter 2026

Additional catalytic public finance tools and development initiatives were introduced in the county this year, in addition to the RCPA, and are supporting a number of significant potential projects as well as the needs of local businesses These tools are filling the gap needed for projects as well as making our area much more competitive with site selectors and developers for new attraction projects.

We continued to work with projects in the area and partners like the Richland County Land Bank, our county, cities, villages, and townships, regarding additional space to develop and brownfield remediation.

BrownfieldRemediation&SiteControl

Redevelopment of downtown buildings and our gateways are top priorities, as well as overall community development. Currently working with several developers for targeted projects and hope to share more in early 2026.

We are extremely thankful for the support and leadership of the Richland County Commissioners, City of Shelby, City of Mansfield, City of Ontario, and all of our public and private partners and community leaders! We are all working to build on past success and ADVANCE MOMENTUM – TOGETHER! GO RICHLAND!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Housing Development Steering Committee continues to convene stakeholders across the County to move strategic initiatives forward.

In Richland County

Assisted with Bellville and Butler housing projects, with the intent to pair high-end developments with income-supportive new residents

HousingEfforts

Assistive efforts included the presentation of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) legislation, identifying concerns/opportunities for the Villages, and working with local officials to ascertain residential interest

Participated in committee meetings, informational presentations, and developer/village liaisons

Worked with local elected officials in Plymouth, Bellville, Butler, and Lexington to identify and categorize building inventories.

Discussed ideas to best present, promote, and ultimately locate businesses in historic facilities and transportation opportunities

VillageFortification

Conducted Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visits with companies in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and service industries Larger employers and small businesses were targeted to better inform the entire state of our regional economy, and better understand and support their needs

LocalBusinessElevation

Received project leads from economic development partners JobsOhio and Team NEO and matched local site inventory with national leads

AttractionEfforts

Completed Requests For Information (RFI), demonstrating Richland County’s assets and ability to meet project needs with workforce capabilities, site availability, economic incentives, and community attributes.

Comprehensive Land Use Planning: A collaboration between RCRCP, the County, the City's of Shelby and Mansfield hired consultant American Structure Point to lead efforts to plan for future development across the county

CommunityCollaboration

Represented Richland County at special events and media opportunities like IdeaStream’s Sound of Ideas PBS program, focusing on agriculture

Fostered growth by aligning strategic partnerships among manufacturers, suppliers, and small businesses

The Chamber interacted with many local, state, regional, and federal agencies and leaders throughout the year From hosting the Small Business Administration in December to celebrating businesses and legislative after hours, we are thankful for taking engagement and stakeholder support to a new level.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Mansfield

Establishing a Repeatable Investment Framework

Mansfield’s economic development efforts focused on strengthening tools, partnerships, and long-term readiness A key milestone was the implementation of the City’s first Tax Increment Financing (TIF), established as a repeatable framework for supporting future investment The process emphasized clarity, accountability, and early partner alignment, creating a practical model for structuring public-private projects. This approach supports long-term plans for the I-71 / Ohio 13 gateway corridor, improving investment readiness while maintaining transparency and consistency through continued modernization of Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) administration.

The City of Mansfield’s transformational downtown construction project is well underway. From improved waterlines and roads to beautifully designed new lighting and streetscapes, the project is slated to b completed at the end of 2026

Developing Enhanced Infrastructure and Expanded Opportunities

Working collaboratively with regional, state and local partners and industry specialists, we are evaluating the current site availability and infrastructure needed to support and accelerate future industrial and business development growth and identifying potential appropriate funding sources Mansfield Speedway is being rebuilt and reinvigorated with plans to host a variety of events beginning in spring of 2026.

Silver Birch of Mansfield, a new $38 million senior living development, broke ground in Mansfield in 2025, representing a significant private investment that will expand housing options and contribute to the community’s long-term growth

Strengthening Site Readiness and Zoning Flexibility

Locally, Mansfield continued to strengthen its development framework through targeted infrastructure and land-use improvements In partnership with the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, the City completed the rezoning of the Airport West Industrial Park from I-1 to I-2, expanding the range of industrial uses permitted at the site This change removed a key barrier for site selectors and demonstrated Mansfield’s responsiveness to evolving industry needs.

“Whilethepublicmayseeitassimplyfillingoutaform,Iknowhowmuch workittakestoputsomethingliketheTIFonourprojecttogether.Iam impressedwithyourhardwork”

~Anthony

Cocca, Chief Executive Officer Cocca Development

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Mansfield (Continued)

Private-sector investment also advanced during the year. Ohio Valley Stamping continued its growth trajectory with the purchase of a 100,000square-foot facility on Newman Street to support expanding operations tied to domestic automotive manufacturing.

Supporting Business Expansion and Reinvestment

In addition, Cline Fire announced plans for a new headquarters on Illinois Avenue while maintaining its existing site, increasing capacity to serve regional clients in fire protection and life safety services

Coordinating Support for Local Manufacturers

Support for local manufacturing remained a priority Mansfield worked closely with Weiss Industries, a long-standing local manufacturer, to support expansion and long-term sustainability Serving as a coordinating partner, the City and its collaborators connected the company to Team NEO and JobsOhio, supported the incentive process, and aligned workforce and training resources. The effort resulted in a $50,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant, helping advance the project while protecting existing jobs and supporting future growth.

Momentum also continued at Mansfield Lahm Airport, where collaboration drove workforce and aerospace-related initiatives Aviation Career Day brought together employers, educators, and partners to create a repeatable workforce development model for aviation careers

Advancing Aerospace and Workforce Opportunities

Building on that collaboration, Mansfield advanced a national-level recruitment effort involving a flight operations group, packaging multiple site options into a coordinated pitch. While federal timing disruptions paused the process, the effort strengthened Mansfield’s readiness for future aerospace opportunities and reinforced the airport’s role in long-term workforce and industry development.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Shelby

DowntownReinvestment

Significant economic development activity in Shelby focused on downtown reinvestment, business growth, and preparing sites for future development. Investment by the Shelby Foundation, including acquisition of a fourth Main Street building, reinforced long-term commitment to downtown revitalization. Private reinvestment advanced with the Milliron family’s purchase of a former bank building, with plans to redevelop it into a boutique hotel and Italian restaurant Downtown activity continued with the Penwells’ investment in The Hatchery on Main, creating event space and short-term lodging that will contribute to downtown vibrancy Shelby CIC secured a JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Planning Grant, in coordination with Team NEO, to support architectural renderings and construction cost analysis for the historic Shaw Building.

SitePreparationandCorridorReadiness

Strategic demolition projects improved site readiness and corridor visibility. Demolition at the Broadway and Main Street site created a greenfield property ready for redevelopment, while work continued at the former L & K Motel and Diner on Mansfield Avenue to prepare the site for a future Mechanics Bank location. Shelby welcomed Mickey’s and Dunkin Donuts, followed by an expansion at Buckeye Superstore adding destinations to the commercial corridor.

BusinessandIndustrialGrowth

Business growth remained steady throughout the year Six ribbon cuttings recognized new businesses, expansions, and relocations across retail, service, and food sectors Industrial investment also advanced, led by Hanline’s $45M capital investment, which added 30 new jobs, launched a new business line, acquired an additional facility, and constructed a rail spur at the industrial park.Work continued with the City to connect finance tools and incentives to spur continued growth and reinvestment.

Community spaces continued to play an important role in Shelby’s momentum Black Fork Commons Plaza hosted events including the Shel-Bee Festival, Bicycle Days, a car show, a Halloween event, and the lighting of a new 24-foot Christmas tree, supporting community connection and downtown vitality.

CommunitySpacesandEvents

JessicahasbeenaninvaluableassettotheCityofShelby.AsRichland countiessecondlargestcity,Shelbyneedsanddeservesanadvocate. Jessicahasalwaysbeenagreatpartnertofurtheranyinitiativestohighlight andpromotemybusinessatEdwardJonesinShelby Mostimportantly,we haveasharedvisionofwhatdowntownmainstreetinShelbycanbecome andhavealwaysworkedhandinhandtoplayapartofthesolution.

~Troy Baker, Edward Jones

Ontario ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Building Organizational Capacity

Economic development efforts in Ontario centered on building the capacity needed to support sustained growth while advancing major investment projects Foundational work was completed to formally establish the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), including filings, board formation, and officer elections This work created a clearer framework for coordinating development activity and supporting future investment

Advancing Major Investments

Several high-impact projects moved forward during the year A $20M expansion of the CNG Warehouse in Ontario, totaling 462,000 square feet, advanced through the Richland County Port Authority and Industrial Commercial Properties The project included finalizing terms for a $16M capital lease, supporting continued industrial growth and with the total project adding 135 jobs across the Ontario and Lexington campuses. In addition, Avita Health System announced a $15M investment to construct a new 20,000-square-foot cancer center, creating 21 new jobs and expanding healthcare access in Ontario.

Development Activity and Market Interest

Development activity also included land acquisition and disposition discussions, planning for new wayfinding and branded signage, and coordination through an administrative transition to maintain continuity. Conversations with national brands continued throughout the year, reflecting ongoing interest in Ontario’s commercial corridors.

Business growth and reinvestment were celebrated through 16 ribbon cuttings, recognizing new businesses, expansions, and remodels across the city Together, these efforts reinforced Ontario’s role as a growing commercial center and strengthened readiness for future development

Celebrating Business Growth

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Building a Competitive Workforce

Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Manufacturing Training

The Mansfield-Richland Area (MRA) Educational Foundation, in collaboration with the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and supported by a Microsoft TechSpark Grant, led a targeted initiative to support artificial intelligence and how it’s integrated into the regional industrial workforce. This partnership focused on upskilling employees across five manufacturers, equipping them with competencies to apply AI-driven solutions for operational efficiency and predictive maintenance 21 EMPLOYEES UPSKILLED THROUGHAI INITIATIVE

By bridging traditional production methods with emerging technology, the initiative strengthened manufacturer competitiveness while preparing the workforce for evolving industry demands. The program was also supported through Ohio’s TechCred funding, reinforcing a coordinated approach to workforce training that aligns technology adoption with real-world manufacturing needs

Youth Career Exploration & Talent Pipelines

STUDENTS PARTICIPATED INREVERSE JOBFAIR

In 2025, the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and the Area 10 Workforce Development Board advanced regional talent pipelines by supporting two career exploration events for local youth. The fourth annual EmployMePalooza featured 35 students in a reverse job fair, presenting their skills directly to more than 40 employers This model remains a strong approach to preparing high school students for employment and career planning

STUDENTS CONNECTED WITH AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

Aviation Career Day returned, providing 84 students from seven area high schools with hands-on exposure to the aerospace industry through drone demonstrations, aircraft tours, and conversations with industry professionals Together, these initiatives strengthened connections between classroom learning and the local labor market while building confidence and career awareness.

We continue to foster a strong relationship with the MRA Educational Foundation The alignment of their programming and the data-driven efforts of workforce development continues to be an effective partnership

FROMAPARTNER'SPERSPECTIVE

“Ourleadershipteamofeightcompletedaneight-weektrainingatNorth CentralStateCollegethroughtheIncumbentWorkerTrainingProgram With supportfromthelocalChamberandtheArea10WorkforceDevelopment Board,weparticipatedinafocusedexperiencecenteredonEmotional Intelligence Thetrainingstrengthenedskillsincoaching,conflictresolution, andappliedAIsolutions,helpingusgrowtogether Enrollmentand reimbursementwerestraightforward,makingparticipationeasy.”

~Jessie Palmer, Partner, Pinnacle Building Services

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

In 2024, we secured $250,000 for the Area 10 Workforce Development Board, and those dollars flowed into training for individuals and employee groups in 2025

Building a Competitive Workforce

WorkforceStrategy&RegionalPlanning

As the contracted Director of the Area 10 Workforce Development Board, we also played a central role in assembling a comprehensive five-year Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) plan to guide workforce investments across the region. This strategic roadmap provides a data-driven framework to ensure federal and state resources are aligned with initiatives offering the greatest potential for local economic impact

~$60K

14 EMPLOYERS SERVED THROUGH INCUMBENT WORKING TRAINING PROGRAM

IWTFUNDS REIMBURSED TO EMPLOYERS By leveraging current labor market information and regional employment trends, the plan prioritizes high-demand sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare. This approach allows the board to focus investments strategically, strengthen accountability, and guide workforce initiatives with long-term sustainability in mind, supporting both employer needs and regional economic growth

Healthcare&BehavioralHealthWorkforceDevelopment

To address critical gaps in healthcare services, the Area 10 Workforce Development Board partnered with the District 5 Area Agency on Aging (AAA5) to secure an $85,000 grant dedicated to specialized workforce training. This funding supports the development of a local workforce equipped to deliver behavioral and mental health services directly in patients’ homes.

The initiative has helped cultivate a specialized skill set within the regional labor market, enabling care providers to deliver services in a setting that is both accessible and patient-centered By strengthening this in-home care workforce, the partnership is expanding access to essential services while positioning the region as a leader in innovative, community-based mental health support.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Building Awareness, Access, and Value

BrandRichland:CoordinatedCountywideStorytelling

BrandRichland launched its first large-scale community brand awareness campaign, Play Here, targeting visitors in the Columbus region launched in Q4 Co-led by the Chamber and Destination Mansfield - Richland County, the initiative supported testing of digital media channels and the development of high-quality, reusable video assets and campaign landing pages with measurable analytics. Performance data and audience feedback informed refinements throughout the year, strengthening the foundation for future Live Here, Work Here, and Build Here storytelling and supporting the launch of BrandRichland’s social media presence

DowntownMansfieldMarketingSupport

The Chamber supported Downtown Mansfield and Main Street businesses through a focused marketing workshop and practical guidance on staying visible. The 5 Ways to Stay More Visible email and Stand Out Downtown workshop introduced time-saving tools such as Canva, ChatGPT, and editorial calendars.

MemberTutorials:ImprovingAccesstoChamberResources

In 2025, the Chamber expanded access to member tools and benefits through the launch of the Member Tutorials landing page. This centralized resource provides step-by-step guidance on using the member portal, managing business listings, registering and promoting events, and utilizing marketing opportunities. By shifting common how-to requests into an on-demand format, members were able to find answers quickly, keep information accurate, and make better use of Chamber marketing and communication tools

3,126

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

EconomicDevelopmentNewsletter:TheEconomicEdge

In 2025, the Chamber launched The Economic Edge, a quarterly economic development newsletter designed for site selectors, business leaders, and regional partners Each issue highlights project activity, market-ready properties, workforce initiatives, and key indicators of economic momentum, using data and collaboration to provide area updates. Distributed through email and supported by digital promotion, the newsletter strengthens transparency, reinforces pride of place, and keeps Richland County visible to decision-makers

Yodel:ACentralizedCommunityEventsPlatform

A shared community events and promotions platform was implemented, creating a centralized calendar that makes it easier for residents, visitors, and organizations to discover what’s happening across Richland County. With support from Destination MansfieldRichland County, the platform helps improve regional visibility, reduce duplication, and strengthen coordination among community partners, providing a more consistent and accessible way to promote events and activities countywide

Publications:TellingtheStoryinPrint

The Chamber continued investing in publications that serve multiple audiences. The Community Guide and Member Directory highlighted local businesses and community assets while providing a useful resource for residents and visitors The Annual Report offered a clear, public-facing summary of organizational impact across Chamber, economic development, workforce, and foundation efforts

ChamberLink,MemberMessages,andSocialMedia

Through the ChamberLink Newsletter, members received timely updates on events, programs, and opportunities. Member Message email blasts remained a paid benefit, allowing businesses to promote jobs, events, and announcements across the Chamber network Social media supported these efforts by sharing community information, promoting programs, and recognizing members using engagement data