RICHLAND COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
ISSUE 3
Q2 2026
THE ECONOMIC EDGE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Project Highlight: Area 10 Workforce Development Board Invests $25,000+ in Local Workforce Training Did You Know... About Richland County Community Momentum: In the rolling hills of North Central Ohio, two world-class motorsports facilities attract race fans from across North America! Available Property Spotlight: 1750 Airport West Road
Our staff at a golf outing.
Welcome
Across the country, successful economic development efforts tend to have several things in common. They have skilled workforces, sound infrastructure and defined paths for taking projects from concept to operation. They also have leadership capable of both articulating visions and developing teams to fulfill them. At Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, we remain diligent in this mission. Jessica Gribben, OhioCED, was recently named President & CEO following a successful two-year engagement by former President Ellen Heinz. Jessica has been with the Chamber since 2018 and has helped lead successful efforts in Shelby and Ontario in addition to broad countywide initiatives.
While Jessica turns her focus toward elevating organizational capabilities, Jeff Parton is stepping in to her former position as Shelby’s Economic and Community Development Director. In this role, Jeff will rely upon 25 years of financial business development to build upon the city’s economic wins and Main Street momentum. To bolster staff internally, Evan Stuart was promoted to Operations & Government Affairs Manager and Yvonne Smith was hired as Front Office Coordinator & Member Services. Both are versed in organizational efficiencies, and they join Barret Thomas, Clint Knight, Tom Vanderhorst, Donnie Clark and the entire Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development staff to completely support development efforts. As Mansfield’s Main Street project nears completion and local businesses gain momentum, our team remains dedicated to bringing great jobs, ideas and projects for all Richland County residents. Reach out for a conversation today!
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