Crescent-News.com - Powertrain projects had big economic impact in '07

By HEATHER BAUGHMAN

baughman@crescent-news.com

More than $65 million in economic development projects were announced in Defiance County in 2007, with all but $4 million of that to be invested in General Motors Powertrain plant.

Over the summer, General Motors announced it was investing $61 million at the local plant. The project also included the retention of approximately 120 hourly jobs.

Other projects announced last year included a $1,850,000 investment in additional space at Advantage Powder Coating; a $1.2 million investment at Defiance's Diehl Food Ingredients that also created 10 jobs; and a $1.2 million investment at Quality Machining of Sherwood, with the creation 25 jobs.

Economic Development of Defiance County executive director Jerry Hayes said Sherwood's economic development council is to be commended for its proactive work with Quality Machining, which included an income tax reinvestment program to share with employers who bring new jobs to the village.

Also, in Hicksville, the county economic development office is working with school officials to hopefully build a new public road that will connect Ohio's 18 and 2 by the new school site. While working with village and school officials, Hayes noted he is "very complimentary of the people in Hicksville."

Even with these projects announced, Hayes said, "We had high hopes for 2007, but it didn't turn out as good as we would have liked.

"We want a great year in 2008," he added.

To Defiance city's credit, the city completed its reservoir and the U.S. 24 expansion project is continuing, which officials are hopeful will attract new business and industry.

"Isaac (Lee, the county economic development assistant director) and I are working hard to transform our preparation work into jobs," Hayes said.

This year, Hayes said he will work more directly with site consultants and touch base with all the businesses in Defiance that have incentive packages.

Hayes also said, "We still have some hopes to attract a bio-energy company," which would be a good fit for Defiance's industrial park near the reservoir and a rail spur.

For other companies looking to locate in Defiance County, "We have natural and manmade assets. There's no reason why we shouldn't enjoy growth," Hayes said.

He also noted, "We want people to understand that we're serious about jobs. We have to be aggressive at the local level."

On a retail level, Hayes said Defiance County collected more than $4.7 million in local sales tax in 2007. The growth of Defiance's retail businesses is proving that "Defiance is a shopping alternative to Lima, Fort Wayne and Toledo," Hayes said.

This is also "an indication that there is activity in the economy," he added.