LEDC 2012 Annual Report

Greater Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce

2012 Annual Report of the

Inside this issue: Lawrence County

The Chamber 4-7 Chamber of Commerce

LEDC 10- and 13

CVB 14 Lawrence Economic

OSTC 16 Development

The Point 18 Corporation

SOPOC 20

Photos 22 Page 2 Chamber/LEDC Message From Your Executive Director

regional development including rence County Engineer, village the New Steel, Inc. project at and township leaders, executives Franklin Furnace, which could of private concerns, and commu- offer thousands of regional jobs nity organizations. The new St. in full operation. Additionally, Mary’s Medical Center at Ironton members of LEDC leadership have is a prime example of a project accepted active roles with the Tri- that was made possible through State Leadership, Habitat for Hu- partnerships, leading to an invest- manity, Tri-State Airport, KYOVA ment of $18,000,000 and the cre- Interstate Planning Commission, ation of nearly 100 jobs for our Ohio Valley Regional Develop- community with the CAO taking ment Commission, and others in the lead. Additionally, the medi- realizing the importance of a one- cal center project led to the con- Bill Dingus, Executive Director community approach for our re- struction of Fruth Pharmacy, gion. across State Route 141, with 25 jobs and current plans for an ad- This year, the long-discussed pro- ditional business with 30 more The 2012 accomplishments of ject of an industrial skills training jobs. Lawrence Economic Development center was birthed with the open- Corporation (LEDC) included ing of the Ohio Strategic Training Lawrence County continues to be health care, retail, small business Center. According to many site a bright spot in Southern Ohio’s advancements, and industrial de- location publications, the deci- economy, with unemployment velopments. Numerous contacts sions for placement of manufac- levels staying below national av- were made, with many resulting turing facilities will largely be di- erages and close to being in line in follow-up meetings and some rected toward areas that have or with Ohio’s rapidly reducing rate. in the acquisition of new facilities, can produce highly trained work- Through the efforts of the LEDC services, and jobs for our commu- ers. The goal of this Center, team, grants and private invest- nity. As you review the 2012 re- through partnerships with region- ments in Lawrence County’s port, you will see the breadth of al and statewide institutions of economy were in excess of services of LEDC as the lead agen- training, is to prepare workers in $40,000,000. cy for the Greater Lawrence quantities that can serve as a County Area Chamber, the South- magnet reaching toward compa- As we look to 2013, we see huge ern Ohio Procurement Outreach nies interested in expanding from opportunities and responsibilities Center, the Lawrence County around the nation and the world. for LEDC, and we see a continued Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, emphasis on logistics and trans- The Point Industrial Park, and the Many of the successes of 2012 portation, especially maritime. new Ohio Strategic Training Cen- were made possible through part- We look forward to bringing ter. This team effort serves our nerships with the Lawrence Coun- these opportunities to reality. community well. ty Commissioners, Ironton- Lawrence County Community Ac- LEDC’s role in development con- tion Organization, Lawrence tinues to expand with regional County Port Authority, Ironton opportunities. During 2012, LEDC Port Authority, City of Ironton, provided significant assistance to Ohio University Southern, Law- 2012 Annual Report Page 3 2012 Financial Report

Economic development growth in the past few years has been a major catalyst for the financial success of The Lawrence Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Law- rence County Area Chamber of Commerce. Both agencies reported continued growth in 2012, showing assets at the end of the year of nearly $31,000,000, a 20% increase over last year! The agencies began operations in 1983 with a few thousand dollars and a dream for economic recovery in Lawrence County...dreams do come true! Rapid financial growth along with a multi-million dollar cash flow for numerous construction projects presented many challenges for effective and accurate accounting. To ensure that our agencies are meeting these challenges, the state of Ohio requires that we undergo annual audits from outside auditing firms. We have completed audits for the last two years with no findings and have been recognized with the “Auditor of State” award for perfect audits. The public can rest assured that we are using these entrusted funds for the benefit of all!

Phil Ramsey, CFO

Jennifer Evans, Grants Compliance Officer Page 4 Chamber/LEDC

Eastham says, “So Long”

“It has been an ex- sistent and profes- opportunities includ- treme pleasure and sional help. From our ing Business After honor to have served Spotlight Dinner and Hours and Biz4Break- as President of the Auction featuring fast sessions. Now, I Lawrence County Broadway star J. Mark wish my successor, Chamber of Com- McVey, which raised Ted Edwards, the very merce Board of Direc- money for high school best as he takes over tors for the 2011- scholarships, to our the reins. I will contin- 2012 year. Looking annual trek to Colum- ue to stay active as a back over the last bus for Legislative member of the Cham- year, it has gone Day, to the Annual ber Board. quickly but not with- Awards Dinner, it has out significant accom- been a gratifying ex- plishment. I would perience. In between like to take this op- those key events, we portunity to thank the gained 18 new mem- Chamber Board and bers and sponsored staff for their con- numerous networking

Ted Edwards, Chamber President 2012-2013

Ted Edwards is a lifelong resi- tifications from the American dent of Lawrence County and Institute of Banking and the makes his home in Rome Town- American Bankers Association. ship. Ted has worked as a Docu- He has kept busy with several ment Systems Consultant with other activities including the Aarons Business Solutions Inc. Fairland Board of Education, the since 1993. Before that he held Rome Church of Christ, and the several positions with the First Wee Shine Pre-School in Proc- National Bank of Ironton. Ted is torville. a Fairland High School Graduate and graduated from Marshall University with a degree of As- sociate of Applied Science, Fi- nance and Banking. He has received several diplomas and cer- 2012 Annual Report Page 5 Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce

The Lawrence County Chamber The Annual Awards Dinner was th of Commerce kept up the pace of held October 18 with keynote Bob Smith, Director events and activities and expand- speaker Ohio Senate President ed its service to the residents of Tom Niehaus. The senator was the county and beyond. The members include Bret Hensley highlight of the year was our 3rd and Julie Terry with John Gallo- Spotlight Dinner and Auction way, Sandy Blackburn and Scott held May 24th which featured Howard leaving the board. The Huntington native and Broadway other board members for 2012- Star J. Mark McVey. Accompa- 2013 will be: nying McVey was Bruce Rouse, Ron Eastham (Outgoing Presi- Huntington Musician who had dent) worked with the singer before. Sandy Carroll Ironton High School Choir The event was held at the new Stephanie Burcham Ironton High School Theater and Mark Compston brought presented with a world globe for Ralph Kline very posi- his faithful and competent ser- Doug Korstanje tive com- vice to the people of the state Tony Payne ments and Lawrence County. Senator Tyler Walters from Niehaus was not eligible to seek those another term in office. Receiving The annual trek to Columbus for who business awards for 2012 were Legislative Day was held May attended. St. Mary’s Medical Center/ The Iron- Ironton Campus----Business of ton High the Year, Dr. Arturo Roa--- Mark McVey School Business Entrepreneur of the Varsity Year, Harriette Ramsey---Public Singers Servant of the Year, and Massie warmed up the audience and Schemmel---Young Professional were under the direction of of the Year. A new Board of Di- Kathryn Price. As in prior years, rectors was sworn in by Common a portion of the funds that were Pleas Judge Charles Cooper. Governor Kasich at Legislative raised provided scholarships for Taking over as President is Ted students at each of the high Edwards, Larry Anderson will be 17th. Keynote speaker for the schools in Lawrence County. A the Internal Vice President and event was Governor John Kasich. tip of the hat goes out to Ironton Rachel Sargent Bess will be the Breakout sessions were conduct- City Schools Superintendent External Vice President. Casey ed on the topics of Economic De- Dean Nance and his staff for the Baker will serve as Treasurer and velopment and Transportation. tremendous support that was Massie Schemmel will be the Close to 100 people gathered at received in putting on the show. new Secretary. New board the luncheon which was held in Page 6 Chamber/LEDC

 September 27th :Dr. Bill Willan, Dean, Ohio University South- ern

Business After Hours were held at the following locations:  Community Hospice of Iron- Awards Banquet ton, April 12th the Capitol Atrium. All of the Law-  Sam’s Club of South Point, rence County legislators were in May 10th Business After Hours at Hospice attendance including Senate Presi-  Mattress Warehouse, July 26th dent Tom Niehaus, Senator Bob morning emails. Members were Peterson, Representative Ryan Biz4Breakfast one hour seminars given the opportunity to provide Smith and Representative Terry held at rotating locations featured inserts for the newsletter at a cost Johnson. the following speakers: of $75. The Chamber’s bi-annual Candi- dates Forum was held October 30th  Bob Cochran, Health Research The Lawrence County Young Pro- at Ohio University Southern in Systems Inc., March 20th fessionals continue to be a strong Ironton. Legislative races were  David Beam, Action Coach, arm of the Chamber and again featured with the event moderat- September 18th provided toys and clothing for ed by WSAZ-TV News Anchor Rob hundreds of needy children Johnson. The media panel includ- The chamber kept in touch with its throughout the county as a part of ed Dave Malloy from the Hunting- membership by providing bi- its Secret Santa program. The pro- ton Herald Dispatch, Dr. Dave Lu- monthly newsletters and Monday gram continues for 2012. cas from Ohio University Southern and Bob Smith, Director of the Membership in the Chamber held Chamber of Commerce. steady at 350 for 2012 with 17 new members. The Chamber continued to empha- Other Activities: size networking opportunities in The Director was interviewed a 2012 which included 4th Friday number of times through the year Luncheons at rotating locations on radio station WLGC. This pro- throughout the county. Below vided an opportunity to promote were the dates and guest speak- upcoming events. Manilath James, ers: Ohio Attorney General’s Office The Director was interviewed  March 23rd : Manilath James, March 21st on a podcast at Rio Ohio Attorney General’s Grande University, again, an op- Office/Consumer Protection portunity to promote the chamber  April 27th :Ohio State Senator and upcoming events and services. Bob Peterson  June 22nd :Tim Parnell and Paul Lageman, St. Mary’s Medical Center/Ironton Campus

Tim Parnell, St. Mary’s 2012 Annual Report Page 7

Chamber Membership List-2012

AAA Bragg's Paint & Body Inc Dow Chemical Co. AAA Fire & Water Restoration Bob Evans Restaurant-South Dr. Candace Duty Aaron's Products Point Dr. Robert Barnett Abbott Home Care, Inc. Briggs Lawrence County Library Dress for Success River Cities, Inc. Abbott Home Care, Inc. Buckeye Rural Electric Duke Energy Action COACH Burton Payne, M.D. DVR Inc. Advantage Toyota Cabell Huntington Hospital Early Construction Akers Paving, Inc Cardiovascular Imaging Services Eastham & Associates Allman Giovanni's Inc Casa Grande, Inc. Edward Jones Investments Allyn's Jewelers Catering With Joy Edwards, Klein, Anderson & Alpha Control Charlie's Tires Shope America's Styrenics Chatham Steel Corporation E.L. Robinson Engineering American Electric Power Chesapeake Lions Club Elkins Creek Horse Camp & Tack American Health Centers Chesapeake Schools BOE Shop LLC America Red Cross Chick-fil-A Engines, Inc. of Ohio AT&T Cintas Corporation Fairland Local School District Anderson & Anderson Citizens Deposit Bank Fibernet LLC Appalachian Family & Children City National Bank First Sentry Bank First CJT'S Customer Apparel Flower Shop Armstrong Utilities Close to Home III Fluid Component Services Ashland Alliance Collection Services, Inc. Foodfair Markets Ashland Community & Technical Collins Career Center Forth's Foodfair Markets College Community Action Organization Foodfair Markets Ashland Office Supply Community Home Health Care, Foundation for the Tri-State Ashland Physical Therapy/Tri Inc. Community State Rehab Community Hospice of Southern Freedom Choice Benefits Attitude Aviation Inc. Ohio Inc Freeman Roofing & Const. Barcus Pool Supplies Robert H. Compton Frontier Communications Bailey, Raymond Conley Painting Fruth Pharmacy Balestra, Harr & Scherer, CPAs, Convention and Visitors Bureau Gilpin's Creative Trophies & Inc. Creative Financial Solutions Awards B W C Trucking C., Inc. Curry & Johnson Heating & Air Glockner Auto Credit of Bellefonte Country Club Conditioning Chesapeake Bentley Associates DC Tree Service Goodwin Family Foods, dba Little Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri- D. J. Manufacturing Caesar's State Inc. D & R Metal and AG Supply Great Lakes Minerals Big Sandy Superstore Arena Dawson-Bryant LSC Gregory Prater, DDS, Inc. Bob Blankenship Development Enterprises-Ceredo Guy's Floor Covering Bel Resources, Inc LLC H & R Block Russell Inn Investors dba BEST Desco Federal Credit Union Haley Equipment Co. WESTERN River Cities Dianne Clement Hall Funeral Home Bob Clyse Chevrolet, Buick, GMC Donald Capper, Judge Hansen Tacker Company Page 8 Chamber/LEDC

Chamber Membership List-2012 (continued)

Hatcher's Greenhouse Inc Lawrence Co. Auditor MSC Industrial Supply Inc Health Management Solutions, Lawrence County Board of DD Mullins Construction Company Inc. Lawrence Co. Clerk of Courts Inc. Heartland of Riverview Lawrence County Commissioners Muth Lumber Company Hecla Water Lawrence County Coroner NECCO Heffner Excavating Lawrence County Engineer Netranom Communications Heiner's Bakery Lawrence County Recorder ODJFS Herald Dispatch Lawrence County Senior Services Ohio American Water Company Holzer Clinic Lawrence County Treasurer Ohio Rehabilitation Services Hood Realty Lawrence County Transit Commission Horizon Telecom Lawrence Co. Historical Society Ohio State University South Hospice of Huntington LEDC Treasurer Centers Huddleston Bolen LLC Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Ohio University Southern Huntington Regional Chamber of Management Ohio University Proctorville Commerce Leadership Tri-State Ohio Valley Bank Huntington Symphony Orchestra Daniel Lester Old Colony Company, Realtors Huntington WV Area Habitat for Liberty Federal Savings Bank Old Colony Company, Realtors Humanity Liebert Corporation Operation TLC Hurley Insurance Agency Liebert Corporation Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital Industrial Sanitation M & K Maytag Home Appliances Paris Inc dba Paris Signs Information Technologies M & M Inflatables Patriot Emergency Medical Ireland Lawrence, Ltd. M & M Mailing Co., Inc. Services Ironton Associates M & M Realty Services Inc Pauley's Construction Ironton Artist Association M&M Service/ Mid Valley Supply Peake Office Solutions Ironton City School District MADHU LLC Phillip's Funeral Home Ironton In Bloom, Inc Manpower, Inc Pickett Concrete Ironton Physical Therapy Marathon Petroleum Company PNC Bank Ironton Tribune LP Point Industrial Park ITT Technical Institute Mattress Warehouse Ponderosa J&H Construction Mayor of Ironton Prestera Trucking J & J General Maintenance, Inc. Mayor of South Point Printing Express Congressman Bill Johnson McDonald's of Chesapeake Pritchard Electric Ironton District Office McGinnis, Inc. Proctorville Animal Clinic Jeff Hutchison Insurance Services McGuire Realty Company Proffessional Safety & Supply LLC Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC McSweeney's, Inc. Pyro-Chem Jim's Termite and Pest Control Meyers & Neville RW Rental & Supply Joshua K. Bailey Millwright Local #1519 RDI Construction Inc. JVC Metals Co., LLC Minova USA Ray Dutey Kincaid Enterprises LLC, dba Morton Buildings, Inc. Raymond James Financial Kincaid Micro MSCNS (Mountain State Services King's Daughter's Medical Center Computer Network Solution Reliable Staffing Services LLC Kirby Milem Outdoor Advertising Mountwest C & T College REMAX Realty 2012 Annual Report Page 9

Rep. Terry Johnson Southern Ohio Behavioral Health Valvoline Express Care Rep. Ryan Smith Southern Ohio Medical Center Village Floor Covering ResCare Home Care Inc Beford South Point Ford Inc Village of Coal Grove Rick Eplion Paving South Point Local School District Wal-Mart #1478 Riedel-Wilks Building Structures South Point Storage LLC Ward's Service Center Inc Inc Southern Hills Inn WCHS-TV/Fox-11 TV Riley Development Sparetime Recreation Wayne National Forest River's Bend Health Care, LLC So. Ohio Procurement Outreach Weber Financial Services & Riverview Bed & Breakfast Inn Center Wealth Mgt. Riverside Insurance Resources Spectrum Family & Youth Jim Weber Insurance Agency Inc Riverwalk Land Development Outreach Services Weber's Florist & Gifts Riverside Physical Therapy Spice of Life Catering and Events Wells Fargo Advisors Robert C. Byrd Institute Spriggs Distributing Wells Fargo Insurance Services of Robert Payne, CPA Staley's Pharmacies Kentucky Inc Robinson Contracting Inc Stay Well Chiropractic, Inc. WesBanco Rock Hill Local School Dist. Stephens and Son Insurance WesBanco Rolo Excavating & Contracting Inc Agency Western and Southern Financial Rumpke Superior Marine Ways, Inc. Group Saddle Ridge Farm Sunoco Chemicals Hart Paul Developer Safeguard Business Solutions Sunset Nursing Home Wise Choice Catering Sam's Club Supermedia WLGC Radio St. Joseph & St. Lawrence SVT Body Transformation Center Workforce Dev. Resource Center Catholic Schools Symmes Valley Local School Workplace Solutions LLC St. Mary's Medical Center District WOUB Security America Tackett's Body Shop Shawan Marquis Agency, Inc. The Ohio SBDC at Ohio State Scherer Mountain Insurance University Schneider-Griffin Funeral Home The Sanctuary of the Ohio Valley Scott-Gross Company Inc The Wells Group Service Glass Company of Three Gables Surgery Center Huntington, Inc. Time Warner Cable Sen. Bob Peterson, 17th District Todd Shelton Shawnee State University Tony Burge Consulting Development Foundation Topping's Commerical Services Sen Tom Niehaus Tracy Brammer Funeral Home Shawn Walker & Associates, Tractor Supply Architects Tristate Energy Solutions Sheriff's Office-Lawrence County Tri-State Bible College Shred Devil LLC Tri State Airport Authority Sherwin Williams Tri-State Industries, Inc. Simon Kenton Council, Boy Tri-State Nurseries Scouts of America Tri State Restoration Inc. dba Skyboards LLC Servpro Of So. Scioto & Law Co Slack & Wallace Funeral Home US Bank Snak Shak LLC United Way of the River Cities, Southern 52 Excavating Inc. Inc. Page 10 Chamber/LEDC Lawrence Economic Development Corporation

The Lawrence Economic De- agency that multiple services Lawrence County Port Authori- velopment Corporation (LEDC) are provided. The cost effec- ty was established in August of tive, professional operation Leadership Tri-State 1983 to address the economic attracted the attention of the Ohio Economic Development needs of Lawrence County, Tri-State community and was a Association Ohio. The LEDC was one of the contributing factor in the City Ohio Rural Development Part- first economic development of Ironton, Ohio and City of nership agencies to recognize the val- Huntington, West Virginia ap- Ohio Valley Regional Develop- ue of consolidation of re- plying for, and receiving, an ment Council (OVRDC) Nomi- sources under one agency um- Urban Empowerment Zone nating Committee brella. As a result of the coor- designation. OVRDC Caucus dinated efforts of the commu- Region 7 Advisory Board The Executive Director and the Transportation Review and nity leaders, the Greater Law- staff of the LEDC served on rence County Area Chamber of Advisory Council numerous state and local com- Workforce Development Re- Commerce (The Chamber) was mittees and functions during created with the merger of source Board 2012, including, but not lim- The LEDC and its staff was ac- two small volunteer organiza- ited to the following: tions and joined the LEDC in a tively involved in many local single, centrally located facility Chamber of Commerce Execu- activities including, but not in South Point, Ohio. The two tives of Ohio limited to: organizations maintained their Community Action Organiza- Charitable City Missions Fund separate identities as single tion Board Chesapeake Lions Club incorporated agencies with Sunoco Citizen Advisory Panel Development of Inland River- the Chamber serving the Empowerment Zone Executive port needs of existing business and Board Development of The Point In- industries and the LEDC Foundation for Appalachia dustrial Park providing the services neces- Ohio Empowerment Zone sary to recruit and retain in- Institute for Local Government Friends of Ironton Community dustry and business. The Administration and Rural De- Service Organization agencies' services complement velopment Ironton Lions Club one another and during the KYOVA Planning Commission Ironton Rotary Club past 25 years of continuous Lawrence County Department Ironton In Bloom service, the consolidated of Jobs and Family Services Lawrence County Planning agency has proven to have Lawrence County Planning Commission great merit in the Appalachian Commission Legislative Committee county. It is from this joint 2012 Annual Report Page 11

Monthly Chamber Member- greatly by their active partici- and a wide selection of gifts. ship Functions pation in this district. This is the 10th Fruth Pharmacy Natural Resources Committee location in the State of Ohio. Ohio Rural Development Part- 2012 marked another great Fruth also has 16 pharmacies nership year in the growth of our com- in West Virginia. The company Retention and Expansion Com- munity. Lawrence County currently employs over 600, mittee flourished in the diverse num- with the Ironton site having Transportation Committee ber of projects. created 25 full-time jobs for Tri-State Airport Board Intermountain Electronics: Southern Ohio. Tri-State Regional Airport LEDC broke ground on the In- US-China Economic Develop- termountain project in August, St Mary’s Medical Campus ment and Trade Council 2012. Intermountain Electron- Project: Workforce Development ics is a Utah based company The new medical campus Workforce Development Plan- that specializes in electrical opened its doors in August, ning and Strategies Committee power distribution gear. Con- 2012. This 44,000 sq. ft. medi- LEDC staff continues to remain struction of the 60,000 sq. ft. cal building now houses an active with the Region 7 Advi- building completed in 2012 emergency room, imaging, sory Commission and through and will create 35 new full- diagnostics, pediatric care, pri- the continued partnership time jobs in two years. mary care, and a specialty care with the Ohio Department of clinic. The campus was developed as a complimentary component to Ohio University Southern Campus, and will also serve as community green space at the 141 entrance into the City of Ironton. This pro-

Fruth Pharmacy: Development, has played a The newly constructed Fruth major role in the attraction of Pharmacy, at the entrance of new businesses, as well as the State Route 141, opened its expansion of existing indus- doors at the end of 2012. The tries. LEDC has valued the ex- facility consists of a 10,000 sq. cellent support from our fed- ft. building, parking area, and eral and state legislators. The a drive-thru pharmacy. This legislators have been out- site offers not only a full line standing economic develop- pharmacy, but also offers over ment supporters, and Law- the counter medications, rence County has benefited health and beauty products, groceries, household items, Page 12 Chamber/LEDC

LEDC Report Continued ject had the partnership of the one million gallon liquid load- Southern Ohio, Eastern Community Action Organiza- ing tanks, development of a Kentucky, and North- tion, LEDC, the Lawrence sheet pile dock and mooring ern West Virginia. County Port Authority, City of cells, development of a rail by- Ironton, St. Mary’s Medical pass track that runs parallel to In addition to the industrial Center, and the Lawrence the Ohio River to be used for expansion related to the County Commission. storage and movement of con- emerging energy industry, The Point Industrial Park tainers and bulk items, and there appears to be a similar Riverport Intermodal Devel- land acquisition which also need for industrial expansion opment: includes a building to be rede- in the transportation industry. In 2012, LEDC continued the veloped with crane usage ca- This includes both the rail and first phases of constructing the pabilities to meet the training Ohio River, both of which can Riverport Intermodal Develop- needs for the logistics industry be uniquely served by The ment along the Ohio River. (i.e. barge and water vehicle Point Industrial Park. There- This project encompasses all repair and other marine relat- fore, the Multi-Modal Project phases of work at the river ed training to initiate and pro- is anticipated to result in both front site to construct a dock mote the use of the port facili- investment and job creation staging facility that will handle ty). well beyond the levels in usage of a crane to load and The completion of these im- which negotiations are under- unload containers, large items provements will allow the in- going at this time. and bulk goods from road to dustrial park to: LEDC has worked in close part- barge and vice versa, develop-  Restore direct water nership with the local, regional ment of road extensions from access and heavy lift and state governmental bod- the developing access road to capacity for shippers, ies throughout riverport devel- run parallel to the Ohio River, opment. This project also has and the development of rail to  Provide intermodal the support and active en- allow movement of product movement from water gagement of the Lawrence from rail to other modes of to truck and rail with a County Commissioners, Law- shipping. This project will tie new 300-ton bridge rence County Community Ac- the Heartland Corridor from crane and dock at a tion Organization, Village of the east to the newly devel- terminal with bulk dry South Point, Ohio Department oped Panama Freight Channel and liquid storage facil- of Development, Ohio Depart- from the west. ities (pads and ware- ment of Transportation, The success of this project will housing); KYOVA (regional metropolitan drastically change the usage of planning organization), Gover-  Handle material with a The Point Industrial Park to nor's Office of Appalachia, Ap- bulk conveyor and accommodate heavy manufac- palachian Regional Commis- sion, and Economic Develop- turing in Southern Ohio. This  Serve as a portal for ment Administration. phase includes the repair of 2- manufacturing in 2012 Annual Report Page 13

LEDC Partners with the Gov- better understand tar- thority are teaming up with ernor’s Office of Appalachia geted industry poten- the newly formed Ohio Strate- and AEP-Ohio to promote in- tials. gic Training Center to analyze ternational development in the employment needs of the Southern Ohio. 3. Market and develop region. This venture to assess With the activation of the for- business relationships and study job training needs, eign trade zone in The Point with Intermodal Lo- with the partnerships listed in Industrial Park, LEDC shifted gistic Service providers this application, is committed its vision in 2012 towards in- including, but not lim- to assisting Lawrence County, ternational development. ited to, freight brokers, Ohio area residents in obtain- Through partnership with the port operators, rail ing gainful employment at Governor’s Office of Appala- companies, inland river their greatest possible level. chia and AEP-Ohio, efforts transportation opera- However, this recruitment consist of the following: tors, and trucking com- cannot be done without the 1. Organize potential In- panies. proper studies made in order termodal port facilities, 4. Develop internal mar- to understand what job skills operators, and com- keting campaign and are necessary to keep jobs munities with potential tools to encourage for- growing in Southern Ohio. for such operations in eign direct investment The goal is to create programs the State of Ohio into the region served in areas where employment throughout the naviga- by this initiative. This opportunities currently exist ble Ohio River Valley would include estab- as well as in areas where op- and having transporta- lishing and activating portunities will be available in tion corridor outlets Foreign Trade Zone the immediate future.

north to serve the bal- satellites, if not already ance of the State. established, establish- With these ports and ing a targeted EB-5 In- communities, a need is ternational Visa pro- to identify both current gram, in addition to port facilities capacity the normal marketing as well as potential ar- incentives currently eas for growth and de- offered by the State of velopment. Ohio.

2. Coordinate studies to LEDC and Lawrence County identify both current Port Authority partners with and projected mari- the Ohio Strategic Training time freight movement Center to develop a jobs throughout the Ohio needs assessment. Valley as well as both Through support of Local Gov- rail and truck freight ernment Initiative Funds from movement intersecting the State of Ohio, LEDC and that maritime route to the Lawrence County Port Au- Page 14 Chamber/LEDC

Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Lawrence County Convention nized by the Friends of Ironton. dark even- and Visitors Bureau (CVB), estab- This event continues to grow and ing hours to lished by the Lawrence Economic in 2007 attracted over 12,000 visi- tell the ta- Development Corporation in tors to Lawrence County for one les of our 1983, is in charge of promoting weekend in May. founding travel and tourism in Lawrence Memorial Day Parade -the long- fathers. County, Ohio. The CVB still aver- est continuous running parade in The Lion's ages over 350 inquiries per month the history of the United States. Club Haunt- and serves as the county's tourist Clean Up Day– annual volunteer ed Tunnel - Viviane Vallance, Director information center along U.S. county-wide cleanup event orga- ghouls and Route 52. Although the only nized by the Lawrence/Scioto Sol- goblins line source of funding utilized by the id Waste Management District. the walls and creep around the CVB is through the Lawrence Annual Appalachian Uprising -a corners in Ohio's only such event County Hotel/Motel tax, the Bu- music festival that attracts fans that takes place in the historic reau functions productively with a from all over the country. 2007 tunnel on U.S. Route 93. department director and several hosted musical legend Sam Bush volunteers throughout the com- and other popular groups from The CVB also acts as a hub for munity organizing and marketing the bluegrass scene. information to our region. Since events and attractions. Lawrence County Fair—annual our office is the first stop off of The primary function of the CVB is county fair with the sale of live- Interstate 64, many visitors come to market the entire county to stock from the local 4H club. in for directions and pamphlets potential visitors statewide and Over the Backyard Fence Tour– before heading on to their desti- nationwide. In keeping up with the Ironton In Bloom organiza- nation of choice. Lawrence Coun- yearly publications, an annual tion’s annual tour of the most ty doesn't have a state funded calendar of events is published beautiful backyards in the City or visitor's center, but the CVB takes each year to market Lawrence Ironton. on the responsibilities of display- County's major events. After the Rally on the River-sixth annual ing marketing materials and trav- publication is designed and print- motorcycle rally that took place in el information as well as recipro- ed, the events are also logged and downtown Ironton. During this cating partnerships with sur- updated into our state's travel weekend in August, over 25,000 rounding states and counties in and tourism websites: discovero- motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages order to assist in the promotion hio.com, travelohio.com, and ap- roared through the streets of of the entire region as a whole. palachianohio.com. Events placed Hanging Rock and Ironton to get a With this duty, the CVB also has on these sites in 2012 included glimpse of river life and festivities. maintained all information for the following as well as many oth- Symmes Creek Canoe Caper– an- tourist and information seekers er smaller events in which the nual clean up and festival hosted through the Lawrence County CVB helped in either planning by the Symmes Creek Restoration webpage. This site is continually and/or marketing of: Committee. updated to encompass the entire Historic Cemetery Walk at Wood- county as well as the agency de- Gus Macker Basketball Tourna- land Cemetery -local members of partments of the Chamber of ment-an annual event that takes the Lawrence County Historical Commerce, LEDC, POC, and CVB. place in downtown Ironton orga- Society await visitors during the The site now has information re- 2012 Annual Report Page 15 garding lifestyle, utilities, govern- for the recreation site. Sym- ment, development, attractions mes Creek Restoration Com- and education and can be used as mittee is an all-volunteer, not- a drawing factor for visitors, de- for-profit organization dedicat- velopers and people who are ed to promoting proper stew- looking to relocate. ardship and utilization of Sym- mes Creek which runs through In 2012, CVB partnered with the Lawrence County. The group Wayne National Forest and the has established the Arthur S. Ohio Scenic Byways to design Ferguson Canoe trail that signage that will showcase the spans a 30-mile stretch of the unique history of communities creek encompassing 6 canoe along the Ohio River. Signage is launch sites that were estab- currently being designed for fund- lished and are maintained by ing and will roll out near the end the group and community vol- of 2013 from Marrietta all the unteers. way to Scioto County. The CVB Marketing Grant program established in 2011 continued to support local entities in hosting, organizing, and imple- of Ironton and emphasizing on menting events and recreational areas of interest for a walking sites throughout the community. tour of the community. Ironton in In 2012 the CVB awarded over Bloom, Inc. is an organization that $10,000.00 in grant funds to the has worked with various city and following entities: county organizations for the last Lawrence County Agricultural So- four years to improve the appear- ciety- To fund multiple aluminum ance of our town, and to develop framed signage at the Lawrence among citizens, pride in their County Fairgrounds. The Law- community by concentrating on rence County Agricultural Society projects that increase its cleanli- is a strong partner in maintaining ness and beauty. the success of the annual county St. Mary’s Veterans Memorial 5k- fair and was a leader in the con- To fund marketing materials for struction of the new fair barn. the event. The race is an annual Freedom Farms- To fund tourist event that draws over 500 run- signs on US 52 and to erect sign- ners each year, 84% from out of age at the recreation site. Free- state. The proceeds from the race dom Farms is a multi-discipline are used to provide a full one year horse facility that does a wide scholarship to Ohio University range of activities from boarding Southern Campus for a Lawrence to lessons. One of their main fo- County veteran or dependent cuses is in therapeutic riding for thereof. the disabled. Symmes Creek Restoration Com- Ironton In Bloom-To fund signage mittee- To fund marketing materi- for donor adopted sites in the city als for Symmes Creek and signage Page 16 Chamber/LEDC Ohio Strategic Training Center

It is a privilege to have needed skills and, at the same time, provide been selected as the opportunities for residents of Lawrence County first Executive Director and the surrounding region to secure gainful of the Ohio Strategic employment and achieve their full potential. Training Center (OSTC) and to provide a report The initial goals of the Ohio Strategic Training on the first five months Center include: of operation. I am 1. Conduct meetings with key business pleased to share with leaders representing advanced weld- Dr. Scott Howard, you that the OSTC is off ing and metal fabricating, maritime, Executive Director to an exciting start with machining, logistics, safety, and retail many opportunities and business in Lawrence County and the possibilities to serve business, industry and the surrounding region to begin to identi- residents of Lawrence County and the sur- fy current training needs. rounding region. With the development of the During the first several months of operation, Point Industrial Park, a study indicated that we worked with Governing Board members more than 2000 jobs could be created in heavy and business and industry leaders to identify manufacturing and logistics. Training will be a targeted training needs. The three areas that strategic component of workforce develop- consistently emerged as immediate training ment within Lawrence County and the sur- needs in the region included professional truck rounding region. driving, advanced welding and fabrication, and The Ohio Strategic Training Center was official- safety training. Initial efforts to establish train- ly established in May of 2012 by the Lawrence ing programs were focused in these three are- Economic Development Corporation with busi- as; however, to ensure that OSTC is meeting ness officially commencing on August 1, 2012. the needs of clients, identification of training The mission of OSTC is to assist our clients in needs will be an ongoing process. achieving their most ambitious goals by provid- 2. Identify partnership opportunities ing creative, results-oriented training, and cus- that will complement the efforts of tomized business solutions. the OSTC in providing quality training We are very fortunate to have the wisdom of and continuing education programs. successful education professionals and business and industry leaders serving on the gov- At the close of 2012, we are pleased to have erning board of the Ohio Strategic Training established partnerships with Ohio University Center. They have provided wise and Southern Campus, Ohio University Chillicothe, thoughtful counsel in establishing the direction Health and Safety Sciences LLC, Southern State for OSTC. Community College, Ironton Lawrence County Utilizing training programs developed with in- Community Action Agency, and several addi- put from business and industry partners, we tional partnerships that remain pending and will prepare a workforce equipped with the will be announced as they are completed. 2012 Annual Report Page 17

ners and sponsors for the creation of an advanced welding and metal fabrication training center. We are continuing to identify funding sources and evaluate potential partners for this initiative. We have identified two potential partners as well as a possible federal funding source. We have also begun to explore the use of portable training facilities in advanced welding to service the training needs of community colleges as well as for industrial use. 4. Identify and secure state and federal resources to support training initia- tives and continuing education programs. We are pleased to be partnering with the Iron- ton Lawrence County Community Action Agen- cy on the preparation of a grant proposal enti- tled Pay for Success. Grant awards will be announced during the first quarter of 2013.

5. Analyze and plan for future training needs of Lawrence County and the The partnership to establish safety training in- surrounding region. volved O.U. Southern and Chillicothe as well as Lawrence County Port Authority and others in Health and Safety Sciences LLC. A schedule of consultation with OSTC collaborated in the safety training classes will be available in early preparation of a grant application to assess and February. We are also equipped to offer cus- study job training needs in Lawrence County tomized safety training programs onsite. To and the surrounding region. The results of the date, OSTC has secured one contract to provide employment needs assessment will be used to safety training with two additional contracts determine what kinds of jobs will be developed pending. and how our community will train potential The partnership between Southern State Com- laborers in those industries. The intent was to munity College and OSTC to offer a Truck Driv- create training programs in areas where em- ing Academy in Lawrence County has been well ployment opportunities currently exist as well received. The program began with a full class in as in areas where opportunities will be availa- December and currently two classes are sched- ble in the immediate future. Prior to the end of uled to begin in January and February, 2013, the year, the Lawrence County Port Authority and have reached enrollment capacity. Addi- received notification of the $100,000.00 award tional classes will be scheduled in the future. to conduct the study.

3. Identify and evaluate potential part- Chamber/LEDC

The Point Industrial Park

One of the most employee 115 people. This company active places in will be a great addition for the park, all of Lawrence as just the company’s name alone County, and per- should generate much attention on haps southeast- our site along with the service it will ern Ohio is The provide to local businesses. Point Industrial Jeremy Clay, Park. One needs Intermountain Electronics of Price, Director only to drive Utah announced in 2012 that they through on the would be expanding their business main road to see budding projects by opening a location in the Point. left and right: large facilities are LEDC is currently building Inter- springing up, current buildings being mountain a 60,000 square foot facili- upgraded, new tenants moving in ty with four 15-ton cranes and a two and current residents bustling with -story office block inside the build- business. 2012 proved to be a year ing. This facility is on schedule to be of tremendous growth for The Point completed at the end of January and and 2013 promises to yield more of the roadway will be completed by the same. early March of 2013. Intermountain Electronics manufactures electric Aggressive development of spec transformers and will employee 35 rehabilitation of an existing one mil- buildings has enabled LEDC to offer people at this location. lion gallon tank that has been out of well-designed and constructed facili- service since 1996. This tank con- ties to major businesses. To date, In 2011, LEDC completed the first nects to the riverfront providing Spec Buildings One, Two, Three, Six critical component of the future port transfer of bulk liquid products. The and Seven are finished and house facility. Contractors finished a river second project involves the con- successful companies. Negotiations access road project consisting of an struction of a sheet pile dock along are moving forward with a tenant for industrial roadway to connect the the Ohio River to move large items Spec Building Four and Spec Five is river to the industrial park, thus from the river to either truck or rail. ready for occupancy. Currently the providing businesses complete ac- LEDC is currently in final negotiations park is home to nine businesses: cess to three major modes of trans- with a port engineer and have ob- Engines Inc of Ohio, Mid Valley Sup- portation and distribution: water, tained all the necessary permits for ply, Calgon Carbon, Applied Technol- rail, and roadway. In 2012, LEDC the project. A national barge compa- ogies, M & M Mailing, Merciers Inc., completed the rail transfer facility ny already located in southern Ohio Liebert Corporation, Expedited Me- inside The Point and acquired a 50- has agreed to manage this facility chanical Solutions (EMS) and R & W ton gantry crane to transverse prod- and will oversee the unloading of Rental and Supply. uct from rail to truck and vice versa. goods from barge to road by boom This facility will enable businesses in crane or other necessary means. Scannell Properties is currently and around the industrial park to Permit applications have been sub- building a 75,000 square foot facility distribute incoming or outgoing mitted to authorize handling corn at the Point Industrial Park. This products via rail or truck. and other grains, container goods facility will be the biggest building and bulk items. currently located in the park. Scan- Now LEDC turns its focus to con- nell is the developer for a major in- struction of the port. Further port LEDC and the Lawrence County Port ternational logistics company. The development will break down into Authority have acquired general facility is scheduled to be open in two major projects starting in early Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) status for March of 2013 and is anticipated to 2013. Project number one is the The Point. This status allows foreign 2012 Annual Report Page 19 products to be stored or serviced in 30,000 square foot facility that will the park with no tariff fee. With the include a 2,000 square foot office. access road and rail transfer facility Like all LEDC projects, this building in place, the Foreign Trade Zone is designed with built-in flexibility status will prove to be a valuable so it can accommodate a variety of selling point to attract businesses to industries. The facility has a 100- our industrial park. To assist the port foot wide bay designed for a 10-ton and FTZ, LEDC has constructed a crane and three-phase service and secured storage area for domestic also has a minimum interior clear- and foreign goods; along with a stor- ance of 34 feet to achieve high rack- age unit facility where items can be ing capacities if cranes are not used. brought in and modified or stored LEDC does have one company look- for later shipment to other countries ing at this facility, but a more ag- or areas within the United States. As gressive marketing campaign will part of this project, LEDC has in- begin now that the facility is com- stalled a comprehensive security pleted. system on the site. Through the development of the As more industries recognize the Point, LEDC has identified the need value of cutting shipping costs for smaller buildings to support through the use of our inter-modal smaller businesses. In 2011 LEDC facility, part of LEDC’s long-term began construction of two smaller vision includes the possibility of con- buildings. The first one sold quickly structing another river dock includ- to R & W Rental and Supply. The ing a larger crane. With this addi- second building, referred to as Spec tion, Lawrence County will have a Building 7, was completed in early highly versatile industrial park and 2012. This is a 6,250 square foot port with an inter-modal transporta- facility designed for light manufac- tion facility unmatched in the Tri- turing, service or distribution. This State Area. facility includes a 3-phase electrical service and approximately 1,000 LEDC completed a shell structure of square foot in offices. This facility is 60,000 square foot in 2011 referred now home to Expedited Mechanical to as Spec building 4. This 60,000 Solutions (EMS), an industrial con- square feet facility is designed for struction contractor. manufacturing and industrial use. It has eave heights of over 32 feet and For the future, along with the lease has been designed to accommodate of Spec Buildings 4 and 5, we plan over four 20-ton cranes. LEDC cur- to establish a fully functional port rently has a development agree- facility. We are excited about the ment in place for the facility and is progress being made to transform bidding this project out to the future The Point into a fully accessible tenant’s requirements. The size of multi-modal industrial park for the the facility will increase to 67,600 State of Ohio and anticipate the square feet and if the bids come in additional businesses and jobs that based on the projections; it will be will be brought to our community. completed by June of this year.

LEDC has just finished construction of Spec Building 5. This facility is Page 20 Chamber/LEDC

Southern Ohio Procurement Outreach Center

The Southern Ohio Procure- ents. Counselors have contact- special designations and ment Outreach Center’s ed and met with new and ex- certifications (SOPOC) purpose is to identify isting small business clients to  Marketing assistance to business firms that are quali- help them with various regis- target agencies and prime fied to sell their goods and ser- trations and assist with the contractors that purchase vices to the Department of De- various components of the goods and services from fense (DoD), other federal bid/award process. They also client’s small business agencies, and state govern- sponsored 17 small business  Cultivating relationships ment programs. This process workshops and co-sponsored with local buying agents to can result in a stimulation of 27 for this fiscal year. the economy which leads to Services offered by SOPOC in- economic growth and creation clude assistance in a variety of of jobs. Currently, the SOPOC areas: serves an area referred to as  Completing required regis- the Region 7 South Central trations; e.g. Central Con- Ohio Business Development tractor Registration, Online Center Consortium which in- Representations and Certi- cludes the counties of Adams, fications, Ohio Vendor Reg- Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jack- istration son, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scio-  Identification of small busi- to, and Vinton. ness designations and help The SOPOC continued reaching with certifications; e.g. out to small businesses in all of HUBZone and EDGE certifi- the ten counties it serves. cations, Veteran-owned SOPOC’s fiscal year runs from business, Woman-owned August 1st to July 31st. As al- business, Minority-owned ways, the counselors met with business economic development direc-  Bid-Match service which tors, key chamber personnel, searches major websites and business development rep- for agency solicitations and resentatives throughout the awards region to educate them on the  Development of a services available from the “Capability Statement” that SOPOC and to solicit their sup- highlights company assets port in engaging potential cli- and strengths along with 2012 Annual Report Page 21

assist referrals and net- roads, and buildings, assem- working opportunities for ble sandbags, perform janito- small business clients rial services, manufacture  Presenting workshops on parts for military components selling to government for the DoD, repair and build agencies and hosting roofs for public housing pro- workshops in which local jects, sell electrical supplies to contracting agents com- military and state agencies, municate the “how to” of and to perform maintenance, selling to their agency health, and landscaping ser-  Hosting match-making vices, and catering. conferences where small The SOPOC department is re- businesses can meet di- porting $49,431,176.52 in rectly with a variety of contract award revenue for buying agents our clients this program year  Assisting clients in devel- with approximately 1,046 jobs oping an effective mar- created/retained!

keting strategy with strong Jordan Lucas, emphasis on helping in We received a “Highly Suc- Program Manager the creation of a strong cessful” rating on our audit, web presence which was done in March 2012. SOPOC serviced 453 small business clients this year with over 1275 counseling sessions (48 initial counseling sessions & 1,227 follow-up counseling sessions.) The total number of contracts awarded for the program year was 325! This Hayward Chappell, includes: 65 prime contracts – Counselor Department of Defense & other federal agencies, 56 prime contracts– state/county/ municipal government agencies, and 204 subcontract awards received by small businesses. Clients were awarded contracts to build utility lines, make tent poles for the DoD, construct public schools, Rodney Young, Counselor Page 22 Chamber/LEDC 2012 Annual Report Page 23 2012 Annual Report Page 24 Agency Staff and Contact Information: Bill Dingus, Executive Director: [email protected] (listed alphabetically) Hayward Chappell, SOPOC Business Counselor: [email protected] Jeremy Clay, The Point-Director of Operations: [email protected] Jennifer Evans, Grants Compliance Office: [email protected] Scott Howard, OSTC Director, [email protected] Viviane Khounlavong-Vallance, Associate Executive Director: [email protected] Jordan Lucas, SOPOC Manager: [email protected] Janie Payne, Receptionist: [email protected] Phil Ramsey, CFO: [email protected] Bob Smith, Chamber Director: [email protected] Janie Payne Rodney Young, SOPOC Business Counselor: [email protected] 216 Collins Avenue P.O. Box 488 South Point, Ohio 45680 Phone: 740-377-4550 Fax: 740-377-2091 www.lawrencecountyohio.org