COLUMBUS, Ohio — Richland County has a 5.1 percent unemployment rate, According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mansfield’s rate is 5.7 percent. Last week some local officials went to Columbus to explore ways to stimulate economic development.
In an ongoing effort to strategize how to best drive the unemployment rate down, a group of five individuals from Mansfield attended a symposium hosted by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) on Thursday, June 25.
The symposium aimed to bring county officials and economic developers together to learn how to stimulate and retain business in their respective counties. CCAO is an association representing all 88 Ohio counties, said executive director Suzanne Dulaney.
“Commissioners have a wide array of responsibility so we just work to see how we can get toward one economic vision — how can we make Ohio as vibrant as possible?” said Dulaney.
Richland County Commissioner Marilyn John said she worked to get an overview of the events topics to get the most of out of the symposium, which was held in the Hyatt Regency Convention Center in downtown Columbus.
In attendance were Richland Bank President John Brown, Richland County Chief Deputy Engineer Adam Gove, Richland Area Chamber of Commerce President Jodie Perry, Area 10 Workforce Development Chair Jenni Paramore and Richland County Commissioner Marilyn John.
“Economic development is everyone’s responsibility. The more elected officials we have engaged in the process, the more entities we have collaborating, the more individuals we have talking positively about their community, the better we all are and the more our county will thrive,” said John.
The symposium’s theme emphasized the importance of teamwork when strategizing economic development for a county or municipality.
Paramore stressed the importance of elected officials working with economic development leaders to develop strategies for economic development.
“It is imperative that we elect individuals who can look past the day-to-day with a positive grasp on economic development,” said Paramore.
Brown said working together is imperative.
“Without everyone at the table we will not be as successful as other communities,” said Brown. “Those that are more prepared are going to win,” he added. He said going to these informative conferences is a step in the right direction.
John agreed.
“While we have worked on being prepared, we still have a ways to go. We must remember, we are competing in a global market now. Knowing our community, being prepared to answer the call, and collaborating among all economic entities is crucial to our success,” she said.
Perry recognized that Richland County is on the right track, but that there is still work to do. “That’s why we’re here,” said Perry.
“We are competing in a global market now. Knowing our community, being prepared to answer the call, and collaborating among all economic entities is crucial to our success,” Commissioner Marilyn John said.
