The last decade has provided Lawrence County economic growth that moved unemployment to levels in the lower quartile of Ohio's 88 counties, with our current level below the Ohio and the national average.
We feel that the three elements that have raised our community's economic health to its current level are priorities, preparedness, and partnerships.
As a community, Lawrence County has set priorities with both the private and public sector planning ahead. A new tax structure for Ohio that eliminates all inventory tax, personal property tax and corporate franchise tax has led to Ohio government being recognized as business friendly. Ohio has worked hard to maintain some of the nation's lowest worker's compensation rates and utility costs; however, changing the tax structure was the priority play that bolstered economic growth.
Additionally, the Lawrence County Commission set economic growth and jobs as one of its top priorities, receiving great consideration in every decision. In the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) office, all schedules and budgets prioritize efforts and projects with economic growth and development at the top of each list.
Preparedness is the foundation to accomplishment and this has been a reality over and over again in economic development. During the last three years, numerous studies have been completed so that when opportunities appear, Lawrence County will be ready. Economic, utility, safety, transportation, workforce, housing, and recreation studies have been completed and marketing material disseminating those results has been prepared.
When studies showed a need for manufacturing space, LEDC started building speculative buildings. The third such building is currently being finished while a fourth is being started. The first two spec buildings were purchased by Engines, Inc., which employs more than 120 employees.
Private investors also are committed to the process as Thad Blatt constructed a 60,000-square-foot building in Burlington, and John and Mark Maynard of J&M Steel are continuously bringing Ironton buildings back to life. The former Meehan Steel building is their current project.
To recruit industry and new jobs, having everything prepared to make development smooth is essential. This need for preparedness encompasses the area of workforce, and every person in Lawrence County must help in this effort.
For decades, some of our top graduates have relocated and the shortages of their skills in engineering, science, research and technology, and administration are being felt. So a major focus is being made to try to get many of those highly skilled individuals to consider returning to the area, while making certain that our current students realize that there are many professional opportunities and a successful future in the Tri-State.
Partnership has been the flag for LEDC as it has worked on dozens of projects with leadership from throughout the Tri-State to make economic success a reality. With the newly formed Tri-State Chamber Coalition, combined with joint planning sessions with HADCO (Huntington Area Development Council) leadership from West Virginia and Ashland Alliance leadership from Kentucky, many activities in areas of logistics, air service at Tri-State Airport, and the development of a Virginia Inland Port in Prichard, W.Va., are moving the region forward.
Much of the Tri-State partnering is likely the result of the Huntington Ironton Empowerment Zone and the KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission that helped foster the regional planning. Within Lawrence County, similar partnerships have united LEDC, Ironton Lawrence Community Action Organization, the Greater Lawrence County Area Chamber, the Lawrence County Port Authority, the Ironton Port Authority, the Lawrence County Commission and the other governmental and private entities to the cause of improving the economic health and well-being of the community.
The economic future of Lawrence County is extremely positive. However, we have our challenges of developing higher-paying jobs for many of our capable citizens and providing training for the unemployed.
We must always realize that even though our unemployment level is lower than Ohio's average, to those unemployed, everything is in a recession, and we must make every effort possible to have a worthy job for each citizen of our community, including those who are still in school.
LEDC continually looks for partners and truly adheres to the old adage "that none of us are as smart as, or as capable as, all of us." We look for assistance in setting our priorities, being prepared for the future, and partnerships with anyone willing to help move the area economy to higher levels.
Bill Dingus is the executive director of the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation.
7-day Archive
