Wayne County, OH:
Discover What’s Made Here
Leading manufacturers, suppliers, and nationally recognized brands like Smucker's call Wayne County, Ohio home. It's no surprise — Site Selection Magazine consistently ranks us in the top ten for business expansion, thanks to the assets that make growth easy: rail and interstate access, a skilled workforce, and a low-cost business environment.
We also offer something you won't find anywhere else — the largest agbioscience research facility in the United States.
Beyond business, our award-winning communities make Wayne County a great place to live and work. A strong K-12 system, including the Wayne County Schools Career Center, and our three higher education institutions — The Ohio State University CFAES Wooster Campus, The University of Akron Wayne College, and The College of Wooster — provide world-class educational opportunities close to home, and a steady pipeline of educated talent for local businesses.
It's no wonder companies are choosing Wayne County.
Featured News
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Why Invest
The Wayne Economic Development Council is a public-private partnership funded by local governments and private-sector investors who share a common goal: strengthening Wayne County's economy. More than 80% of economic growth comes from the expansion of existing businesses, which is why the WEDC places a strong emphasis on business retention and expansion while continuing to attract new investment and jobs. When businesses grow, the benefits ripple throughout the community—creating opportunities for residents, supporting local employers and enhancing Wayne County's long-term quality of life.
Testimonials
“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.”
-Bobbie Beshara
City Manager, City of Rittman
“Wayne County is a great place to live, work and raise a family. This county is special in many ways and is the home to many hard-working people. Wayne County is the top dairy producing county in the state of Ohio and Lowe & Young has been blessed to have served this community for over 73 years. We have been fortunate to be able to hire young, ambitious employees that come from farming backgrounds. The staff at WEDC has been very helpful over the years by supporting and assisting in the growth of our business.”
- Bill Hartzler
President, Lowe & Young
"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."
- Steve Matthew
President, Wooster Hydrostatics
“Wooster Community Hospital provides excellent healthcare services for our community, including not only the City of Wooster but to the greater Wayne County area. The strong economic environment in our county is also critical to all entities in the healthcare space, as good jobs are tied to good healthcare insurance benefits. WEDC’s varied and collaborative efforts are vitally important to continue to help local businesses grow while attracting the new companies to our community in a balanced way to enhance the quality of life we all enjoy in Wayne County.”
-Scott Boyes
CEO, Wooster Community Hospital Health System
The Wayne Economic Development Council has been a key partner in driving both economic and community growth in Wayne County. Their leadership and collaboration with organizations like Team NEO, JobsOhio, and the Ohio Department of Development ensure that our local priorities are represented where it matters most.
Thanks to WEDC's efforts, we're seeing real momentum with more opportunities for businesses, more reasons for talent to stay and grow here, and a stronger foundation for the future. It's reassuring to know we have a team so committed to driving meaningful, long-term impact for the people who live and work in Wayne County.
-Jeff Swartz
CEO, Seaman Corporation
“The Wayne Economic Development Council is invaluable because it's all about relationships and learning from others. Through WEDC, I stay connected to what's happening across the county and can take that intelligence directly back to my clients. This insight enhances the value I provide to my current client base and helps me better serve prospects by understanding the broader economic landscape.”
-Ryan Brickwood
Principal, Manufacturing & Distribution Industry Leader Rea Business Advisors
“The Wayne Economic Development Council has been and continues to be a valuable resource for the City of Orrville. The WEDC team takes a proactive approach to assist us with our development needs, whether it is coordinating opportunities to meet and engage with state and federal government officials and agencies, advocating for and promoting Orrville or providing us support for our various projects. We are fortunate to have an organization like this in Wayne County!”
-Kristin L. Hranko
Planning, Marketing & Development Manager
City of Orrville/Orrville Utilities
"The Wayne Economic Development Council plays an invaluable role as a connector in our County and region. They bring businesses together—large and small—helping them collaborate and grow through shared opportunities. They link employers to training resources and services that make expansion possible, while also connecting our communities to important initiatives such as the Community Reinvestment Act, the County Housing Study, and the Land Use Study. Their ability to bridge businesses, resources, and communities strengthens Wayne County as a whole and creates a foundation for long-term growth and success."
-Lynn R. Moomaw
Superintendent, Wayne County Schools Career Center
Why Wayne County?
#3
Nation's Third-Ranked Micropolitan
#1
Ohio's #1 Dairy-Producing County
220+
Manufacturing Companies, Yep…Cool Stuff is Made Here
4
Educational Partners Supporting Workforce & Research, Including Three Higher Education Institutions and One Career Center
Featured Investors
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