Wayne County Economic Development Council
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Low Cost of Doing Business
Energy, labor and occupancy costs among the nation’s most affordable.

Strong Incentives
Tax credits, abatements, grants, low-cost financing Foreign Trade Zone and more.

Business-Friendly Climate
Effective community and government partnerships locally and throughout Northeast Ohio.

Access to Markets
Central location with great ground, rail, water and air accessibility.

High Quality of Life
Small town hospitality and country living with big city opportunities.

Leading Ag-Bioscience Infrastructure
Premier research facilities and infrastructure.

WEDC to Launch Existing Business Program printer friendly viewprinter friendly  
The recently adopted "Growing a Quality Future" strategic economic development plan was prepared following extensive input from businesses throughout Wayne County.  During the study, local businesses expressed their opinion that working to assist existing businesses with retention and expansion issues should be the number one priority for the WEDC.

Responding to this need, the organization will be utilizing the Synchronist software program to improve its predictive capabilities and better assist local companies in creating new employment opportunities.  According to economic development consultants Blane, Canada Ltd., existing business provides 76 percent of the jobs and capital in local communities (see chart above). That number is even higher in rural areas.

"Today we need to think of existing businesses as a financial portfolio," says Rod Crider, president of the WEDC.  "That allows us to push resources towards growth instead of only addressing problems."

Communities use the Synchronist system to conduct confidential surveys with local industries to gain critical information about their existing operations.  The partners then identify and solve issues facing local firms and identify opportunities to help companies expand and build relationships with local business executives. The Synchronist software is being provided to the WEDC by First Energy.

The surveys will be conducted in concert with the local chamber of commerce or governmental officials. "We are pleased to partner with local community leaders to help bring the Synchronist software to Wayne County," Crider said. "This new economic development tool will help existing businesses grow and expand and allow Wayne County to create more jobs. We look forward to improving our existing industry program by incorporating the Synchronist system into our current visitation effort."

"The ability to track and respond to the ongoing needs of our existing industry base is important to the growth and success of this community. I am excited to see this innovative economic development tool come to our area.  Retaining our valued existing industries is vital to the economic health and well-being of our community," Crider concluded.
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377 W. Liberty St. Wooster, OH 44691 Phone (local) 330.264.2411 Toll- free 888-WAYNEOH e-mail: info@waynecountyedc.com
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