By: Jeremy Scott
The Williams County Mayor’s Association met on January 20th in regular session via Zoom.
During the meeting, the Mayor’s heard from Guest Speaker Megan Hausch, Executive Director of the Williams County Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO).
Megan spoke on the accomplishments of WEDCO during 2020 despite the pandemic. WEDCO provided information to business owners during the pandemic to help them navigate the sea of regulations that were implemented for businesses, as well as questions regarding unemployment and fraud investigation. They also received 30 PPE Tool Kits to distribute to small businesses.
With the help of the Williams County EMA, WEDCO was able to distribute 2,300 masks.
She spoke on several businesses that WEDCO was able to assist by providing help on tax abatements and workforce development which brought new jobs to the community.
Some of the accomplishments include helping bring Toledo Tool & Die to Pioneer creating 70 new jobs, Expanding Nostrum Laboratories by 22,700 sq. ft. while adding 40 jobs, and H.O.E. Enterprises who purchased the former Bryan Metals facility.
The pandemic added challenges for WEDCO’s workforce development program. The typical job fairs and school visits were not possible, but they did hold on-site job fairs for businesses that were closing to help displaced workers find new employment.
With the lack of in-person events, WEDCO has developed a Job Fair Booklet that provides information on companies looking to hire new employees.
Finally, Megan spoke on a new program that provides virtual site visits for sites that have closed leaving the buildings available for new production opportunities.
After the presentation, Commissioner Terry Rummel spoke about the Small Business Association’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which can help small businesses to keep paying their workforce with low interest loans, and the opportunity for forgiveness of the loan. If a business in interested in the program, talk to your local bank.
Jeremy can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
