By BOBBY WARREN

Staff Writer

WOOSTER The new space for the Wayne Economic Development Council at 542 E. Liberty St. is looking more like an office after furniture arrived Monday.

The organization's board approved the move to the former Ned Adams dealership in June, and staff moved in at the beginning of November.

"It's going to be pretty effective, I think," said Brian Gwin, a project coordinator for WEDC who focuses on ag-related industries. "It's an attractive location, and there is more space for private meetings.

"I can close my door and have conversations without bothering Alyssa (Carpenter)."

The former offices were located in the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce building, and administrative coordinator Alyssa Carpenter and Gwin were in side-by-side cubicles.

"It's going to be more functional," Carpenter said. "There wasn't the room for everything we needed."

Space was an issue in deciding to move, but also taken into consideration was being able to have a little more visibility and "to develop a little of our own identity," President Rod Crider said.

Carpenter said she likes having a street presence. When WEDC was in the Chamber building, the offices were in the back of the building.

The office includes a spacious reception area, three offices and a conference room. The blue walls and green furniture in the lobby closely match the colors of the organization's logo.

WEDC is transitioning into a new governance structure. The number of board members is decreasing, and there will be more committee work.

The committees will be able to meet in the conference room, Crider said.

Gwin is also looking at bringing in ag groups to participate in webinars and educational events.

As for operations, Crider said things are starting to pick up. Business leaders from a German auto parts manufacturer were in for a visit recently.

Gwin is seeing more interest in alternative energy, but what happens next depends upon what Gov.-elect John Kasich's administration does.

Reporter Bobby Warren can be reached at 330-287-1639 or bwarren@the-daily-record.com.