Wayne Economic Development Council: Ready to Help Your Business Succeed
Wayne County, Ohio, is developer-friendly, business-friendly and just plain people-friendly. We welcome everyone from global industries to small businesses, from established manufacturers to entrepreneurs. We have incentives that reduce your investment and some of the lowest state taxes in the Midwest.
It’s easy to meet your business goals here because the Wayne Economic Development Council (WEDC) team members are experts in our fields and ready to assist. Our teamwork is unique, purposeful and extensive. In Wayne County, true partnerships exist between government, business, education and vital organizations. This supportive environment has been cultivated for many years with outstanding results.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just ask! Our best-in-class economic development team is here to help!
Wayne County: Top 3% in the National POLICOM Rankings
In the 2023 POLICOM Economic Strength Ranking, Wooster Micropolitan placed 7th nationally and was No. 1 in Ohio for the 6th year in a row. And that’s not all. In Site Selection Magazine’s Governor's Cup rankings, Wooster/Wayne County placed in the top 8% of the best performing micropolitans in the country with new project expansions.
Discover all the reasons Wayne County is award-winning!
A Top U.S. Micropolitan Area for Business Expansion & Attraction
Wayne County's consistent performance is fueled by a vibrant, international business community. Located between Cleveland and Columbus, superior access to national and global markets is coupled with small town advantages including lower costs, a skilled and content workforce and collaborative, pro-business governance. Companies like The Schaeffler Group, The J.M. Smucker Co, GOJO, Morton Salt, Wooster Brush, Daisy Brand, Artiflex, Purina and PepsiCo/Frito-Lay have chosen Wayne County for its location advantages, leading education and research institutions and affordable business and living costs.
Did you know Wayne County is within a day’s drive from 20 major U.S. markets? You will benefit from our prime location!
Richard Seaman, Chairman of the Board - Seaman Corporation
"Seaman Corporation has manufacturing facilities in Wooster, Ohio and in Bristol, Tennessee. While we have found that both of these locations offer positive attributes for businesses, we have a strong commitment to the Wayne County community.
Wayne County has a good labor force and is a location with excellent logistic support. Most importantly though, I treasure the quality of life offered by this unique community.
The agricultural community supported by Ohio State’s Agriculture, Research and Development Center, the light industrial base and the College of Wooster, offer a stimulating living environment for a rural community. At the same time, Wooster has excellent access to the culture of the larger cities of Cleveland and Akron.
Wayne County truly is a special place to live, work and raise a family."
Bobbie Beshara - City Manager, City of Rittman
“We have continuously been impressed with the care and dedication the Wayne Economic Development Council has shown to not only Rittman, but our fellow communities. Maribeth and her staff work diligently and in harmony with Team Neo, JobsOhio and the many partners it takes to bring and keep Economic Development thriving in Wayne County.”
Steve Matthew, President - Wooster Hydrostatics
"Wayne County is a great location to do business. The work force available possesses solid Midwestern values that equates to good employees. The quality of life offered in our area is also a strong attribute to attracting and retaining skilled employees."
"Wayne County has a tremendous team spirit not found elsewhere. If you need anything, you can be assured that government, the business community and other organizations will be there to assist you in any way possible. They have all certainly been there for me."