The Richland Community Development Group (RCDG) is hosting a short, introductory program to the campus internship program on Friday, Dec. 13 from 9-11 a.m. at the OSU-Mansfield Campus in Riedl Hall.
There will also be a pre-summer internship speed networking event for North Central State College Students, Ohio State University (Mansfield and Columbus Students) as well as other area college students living in the region.
Area Employers, non-profits, alumni, and young area professionals from Richland County and surrounding areas will be participating in this student and employer MEET and GREET.
*Registration is required for participating businesses and students. To register, please contact Tracy Bond, OSU Internship Coordinator via email at bond.132@osu.edu or phone 419-755-4325.
**Please include your area of interest (e.g. accounting, engineering, business, etc.) at registration.
Local Food Network Workshop
The Richland Community Development Group and the Richland County Farm Bureau sponsored a community workshop focused on the economics of a local food network.
Brian Williams, Agriculture Coordinator for Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission, presented the growing trends and the popularity of local/regional food focusing on how this can lead to strong economic growth for communities in Ohio.
Williams stressed that a regional food system in Richland and the surrounding counties can lead to substantial and long-lasting economic growth, increase the number of viable farmers and agricultural operations in the area, and positively impact the communities.
The planned outcome from this workshop is to make the concept of a regional food system in North Central Ohio a reality. The workshop featured active participation from leaders in all segments of the community – including leaders from government, institutions, businesses, and the farming community.
It was held on Nov. 6 at the Deer Ridge Golf Course Banquet Hall. The workshop was an activity of the RCDG Agriculture and Local Foods Sector.
RCDG Executive Board applauds commissioners on the formation of land bank
The Richland Community Development Group (RCDG) commends the Richland County Commissioners for their formation of a land bank to address the issues of blight in the county.
John Brown, Chairman of RCDG, stated that the RCDG Board had enthusiastically passed a resolution in support of this effort at its last meeting. He noted that “blight denies local governments of desperately needed tax revenues, erodes the value of nearby homes, poses health and safety risks, and complicates neighborhood revitalization efforts. In reality, county land banks are county land re-utilization corporations. This will provide our county with a much-needed ability to quickly acquire foreclosed and vacant property. These land banks can safely hold a distressed property, clean its title, and prepare it for a better day. The goal is to secure vacant properties – which would otherwise attract crime, lower neighboring home values, and incur public services costs – so that they can be put to better use quickly.”
RCDG commends the commissioners, the Mayor of Mansfield, and the county treasurer for working together to take this step. Bridget T. McDaniel, Executive Director of RCDG, noted that RCDG has offered any assistance needed as this process moves forward.