Wayne Economic Development Council FAQ
This FAQ outlines how the Wayne Economic Development Council supports business growth, investment, workforce planning and long-term development in Wayne County, Ohio. It offers concise answers to common questions about services, resources, workforce, incentives, sites and quality of life.
FAQ
The Wayne Economic Development Council, or WEDC, is a public-private economic development partnership that supports business investment and growth across Wayne County, Ohio.
WEDC collaborates with business leaders, local governments, education partners and community stakeholders to support projects that create jobs, attract investment and enhance long-term competitiveness. The organization assists businesses at every stage, including startup, expansion, relocation and site selection.
Our mission is built around three ideas:
- Partner with local and regional stakeholders
- Promote economic opportunity across Wayne County.
- Support long-term prosperity for businesses and residents.
WEDC works to maintain a balance among industrial, agricultural, commercial and residential development.
WEDC serves as the central contact and local conduit between TEAM NEO and JobsOhio for economic development projects. Companies often encounter a fragmented process when considering expansion or relocation. WEDC streamlines this by connecting businesses with data, contacts, resources and local decision-makers.
- Site selection assistance
- Building and property information
- Labor market analysis
- Custom business research
- Workforce recruitment support
- Job training coordination
- Business retention and expansion services
- Financial and incentive connections
- Community development support
- Access to local and state agencies
- Competitiveness benchmarking
The goal is to reduce research time and help businesses make informed decisions.
Located in Northeast Ohio, the county is about 60 miles southwest of Cleveland and 35 miles west of Akron and Canton. This location provides access to major population centers while offering different operating conditions than larger metro areas. Wayne County has received national recognition for economic performance.
Recent rankings include:
- #1 economic strength ranking in Ohio for six consecutive years according to POLICOM
- #7 nationally in economic strength according to POLICOM
- Top 10 Best Performing Micropolitans according to Site Selection Magazine
- #3 manufacturing growth ranking in Ohio
Businesses benefit from a diversified economy rather than reliance on a single industry.
Wayne County has a diverse economic base with established employers in manufacturing, agriculture, consumer products, logistics, healthcare and advanced production.
Industries with a strong presence include:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Agribusiness and agricultural sciences
- Food processing
- Transportation and logistics
- Healthcare and social services
- Metal production and fabrication
- Professional services
- Construction
Major employers in Wayne County include companies in food production, consumer goods, industrial manufacturing and agricultural research.
The county also benefits from research linked to Ohio’s agricultural innovation ecosystem.
Yes. Site selection support is one of WEDC’s core services.
Companies considering Wayne County receive information on available land, buildings, infrastructure, transportation, utilities and development readiness.
WEDC helps businesses:
- Compare location options
- Evaluate operating conditions
- Coordinate site visits
- Identify infrastructure requirements
- Connect with local jurisdictions.
- Review development timelines
For companies evaluating multiple regions, this support helps shorten project timelines and reduce uncertainty.
Yes. Incentives are available, though eligibility depends on project specifics.
WEDC works with local, state and federal partners to identify programs that match investment goals, job creation plans and expansion schedules.
Programs may include:
Community Reinvestment Area Program
The Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Program is an economic development tool administered by municipal and county government that provides real property tax exemptions for property owners who renovate existing or construct new buildings. Community Reinvestment Areas are areas of land in which property owners can receive tax incentives for investing in real property improvements.
Enterprise Zone Program
The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is an economic development tool administered by municipal and county governments that provide real tax exemptions to businesses making investments.
Tax Increment Financing
Uses increased property tax value generated by development to support project-related improvements.
Revolving Loan Fund
Supports eligible business activity through financing options that may include:
- Working capital
- Land acquisition
- Building acquisition
- Machinery and equipment investment
Each project is evaluated individually rather than through a standard package.
WEDC’s Economic Development Toolkit highlights the resources available investors, site selectors business owners who want to grow, expand, or develop in Wayne County
As shown in the WEDC Economic Development Toolkit, available business resources include:
- Demographic data
- Workforce information
- Industry profiles
- Transportation assets
- Available sites and buildings
- Utility information
- Incentive programs
- Market conditions
- Training resources
- Business support organizations
These resources help businesses compare Wayne County to other locations using measurable data.
With 80% of the county's growth driven by existing businesses, retention and expansion are a top priority. WEDC helps facilitate this growth through its BizConnects program.
BizConnects creates structured conversations with employers to understand:
- Hiring needs and workforce challenges
- Expansion plans
- Facility needs
- Capital requirements
- Infrastructure issues
Meetings last 45 to 60 minutes and focus on identifying practical next steps.
This process helps businesses access support before issues become barriers to growth.
Current workforce indicators include:
- 4,645+ total businesses
- 53,942 workers age 16+
- Average commute time of 21 minutes
- 41,847 resident commuters
- 19,348 inbound commuters
Educational attainment includes:
- 29,221 high school graduates
- 5,833 associate degrees
- 11,834 bachelor’s degrees
- 7,692 graduate degrees
The workforce supports manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, logistics, education and agriculture.
One major resource is Work In Wayne.
Work In Wayne connects employers, workers and relocating families through a single platform for employment and community information.
Areas of support include:
- Career awareness
- Employer visibility
- Workforce attraction
- Recruitment tools
- Community information
- Relocation resources
Businesses also access training coordination and workforce support through WEDC partnership including:
- JobsOhio’s JORI and Earn & Learn Program
- Ohio Department of Development
- Ohio Means Jobs Wayne County
Quality of life influences workforce attraction and retention. Wayne County offers access, affordability and community amenities.
Residents have access to:
- Quaint towns with a strong sense of community
- Downtown districts
- Recreational opportunities
- Premium healthcare services
- Educational options
- Regional access to larger Ohio markets
Wayne County maintains a balance between our agricultural roots and development, creating the ideal ag-urban environment.
Wayne County’s costs are below national averages.
Current economic indicators show:
- Cost of living approximately 20% below the national average
- Cost of living approximately 17% below Ohio averages
- Housing costs are approximately 37.5% lower than national averages.
Lower operating and living costs support employee attraction and long-term household affordability.
These conditions also influence employer labor strategies and business expansion decisions.
Housing affordability is a key differentiator for Wayne County. Compared to many larger Midwest markets, households often access more housing options at lower monthly costs.
Available housing types include:
- Downtown housin
- Established neighborhoods
- New residential development
- Rural acreage properties
- Single-family homes
- Multifamily options
This variety supports workers at all income levels and career stages.
Wayne County offers recreation, entertainment, local events and community activities year-round.
Residents and visitors can access:
- Downtown shopping and dining
- Local festivals and events
- Parks and outdoor recreation
- Cultural venues
- Community programming
- Regional travel access
As the county seat, Wooster is the central activity hub, while the villages and communities throughout the county offer local experiences and amenities.
Businesses considering investment, expansion, or relocation may contact WEDC directly.
The team supports exploratory conversations, active projects and long-term planning.
- Maribeth Burns, President
- Traci Carmony, Director of Marketing and Development
- Phil Schlabach, Director of Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction
Phone: 330-264-2411
Businesses may also request meetings, schedule visits and begin site evaluation discussions directly with WEDC.
Wayne County’s approach focuses on practical support, data-driven decisions and long-term economic growth.