News & Media

Columbus State to offer degree leading to career in cloud computing

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

A new two-year degree at Columbus State Community College aims to have more students “reaching for the cloud.” The new associate of applied science degree in software development will offer a path to employment in cloud computing, the college said. The program will be developed in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College and Amazon Web Services Educate, the academic arm of Amazon Web Services (AWS) for information technology and cloud education resources. Columbus State has been awarded a nearly $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to create the curriculum. The program will be designed to coordinate with AWS certification exams and other...

Internet of Things and Autonomous Vehicles to Spur Smart Community Growth in 2019

Monday, March 18, 2019

Communities driven by private sector technology developments will move to create Smart Communities to address transportation, public service, safety and utility challenges in 2019. Smart Community models are driven by Information Age technology known as the Internet of Things (IoT) and self-driving vehicles known as Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). Read full article.

Delta H in Carroll to double workforce and invest $300,000 in the county

Friday, March 15, 2019

CARROLL – Delta H Technologies LLC, a manufacturer of industrial furnaces and heat treatment ovens, plans on adding 11 new jobs and investing more than $300,000 for machinery and equipment at their site on High Street, right off U.S. 33. The company makes furnaces and ovens for aerospace maintenance technicians to heat treat components, so they can quickly be repaired and keep the aircraft from being grounded awaiting new parts. The 11 jobs will double the current workforce. Read full article.

New auto parts plant may bring 300 jobs to city in first phase, 750 jobs total possible

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

LANCASTER - Fresh off Delta H Technologies' announcement in Carroll that it is adding jobs and investing $300,000 for equipment, Fairfield County may soon get more good economic news. City economic development director Mike Pettit said an automotive parts plant may open at the Rockmill Industrial Park. He said the plant could mean 300 jobs for the city in its first phase. Mayor David Scheffler said a total of 750 jobs in three phases is possible. Read full article.

Why the Tide Is Turning for the Energy Sector

Monday, March 11, 2019

The increasing demand for electric vehicles, air conditioning and renewable energy are all helping to shape the future. As in every sector, technology and consumer behavior are changing industries. None more so than the energy sector. The increasing demand for electric vehicles, air conditioning and renewable energy are all helping to shape the future. But many goliaths of the energy world have been creeping slowly towards innovation and are out of pace with the technology and agile new market entrants coming onto the scene. Over the next 30 years the sector is likely to change dramatically from what it is today, in...

Ohio Dominates Site Selection’s 2018 Governor’s Cup Rankings for Fifth Consecutive Year

Thursday, March 07, 2019

Top Metropolitans and Micropolitans Responsible for Ohio’s Success Ohio has shown its dominance in economic development and business attraction for the fifth consecutive year, according to Site Selection’s newly released 2018 Governor’s Cup rankings. Ohio’s continued recognition is a testament to the state’s business climate, workforce, infrastructure and innovation, as well as to the many local, regional and state partners that help to spread the word. According to Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup 2018 rankings, Ohio was named the No. 2 overall state for total projects for the fifth consecutive year and the No. 3 state in projects per capita. The recognition makes Ohio, for the second consecutive...

Violet Township community center: Residents offer opinions about proposed facility

Tuesday, March 05, 2019

The most-recent public information session to discuss a proposed Violet Township community center brought questions about how the levy would be communicated to voters and concerns from some about the costs it would bring. Read full article.

Wigwam theater in Violet Township was host to first community event

Monday, March 04, 2019

Violet Township officials have yet to determine when they will relocate township administrative offices to the Wigwam retreat site, but events are being booked there. Central Ohio members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints performed “A Night of Broadway” Feb. 22 and 23 before audiences in the Wigwam’s 303-seat theater, marking the first event to be held at the historic compound since it was purchased by Violet Township from Wolfe Enterprises for $2.7 million last June. Coming up, the venue at 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Road Northwest will play host to the Pickerington Community Theatre’s production of “Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDS!” from...

Violet Township community center: Rickettses to donate 30 acres

Friday, March 01, 2019

Negotiations have been completed and the Ricketts family officially has agreed to donate land for a community center in Violet Township, contingent upon the passage of a tax issue this spring to fund the project. Read full article.

Ohio’s Greatest Asset Can Be Yours Too

Friday, February 15, 2019

To compete successfully around the globe, companies must have access to top-level talent. Ohio’s world-class universities, community colleges and trade schools, workforce training programs, partnerships and apprenticeship strategies complement the Midwest work ethic of Ohioans. The result is a workforce that is educated, committed, skilled and productive, and able to meet the needs of a variety of employers, including advanced manufacturers, financial services firms and healthcare providers. Ohio’s talent pipeline meets the demands of today and is prepared for the needs of the future. Continue to full article

Ohio’s Innovation Spaces Power Next-Gen Technology Solutions

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Businesses and academic institutions embrace new ecosystems of advancement Cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile device ubiquity are not just buzz words and acronyms – they are earth-shaking changes in technical capability that enable companies to operate and delight their customers in ways they could not before. While startup technology companies often win headlines, what this digital shift really means is that nearly every company today is a “tech company.” Whether offering digital products and services, improving internal and customer efficiencies, or shifting to entirely new digital markets, to remain competitive...

Ohio New Americans Office Focuses on Workforce Issues

Monday, February 11, 2019

Ohio’s economy is strong. Since 2011, 557,600 new private-sector jobs have been created in Ohio, and since the start of this year, Ohio private-sector jobs are growing 39 percent faster than those in the nation as a whole. To maintain its momentum, however, Ohio’s economy requires a workforce of hard-working and highly skilled individuals. Ohio’s Office of Opportunities for New Americans, created earlier this year by Governor John R. Kasich, is working to make Ohio a more welcoming state in order to attract the workers – and better prepare the existing ones – who will fuel Ohio’s economic engine for years...

From team doctor to co-owner: Pete Edwards on why his family helped Save The Crew (Video)

Thursday, February 07, 2019

Buying the Columbus Crew SC was never about making money, said Dr. Pete Edwards, who went from team physician to co-owner of the Major League Soccer team seemingly overnight. "Columbus is growing and on an upswing," he said, "and my family is really passionate about Columbus, so to prevent that from happening was a driving force from the beginning." Check out more of our interview with the man reluctantly stepping into the spotlight as the new face of ownership as he makes a renewed pitch to fans and sponsors to support the team. Continue to full article

Owners name hair salon and services after their fathers

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

Buddy Joe's Barber and Beauty Shop opened on East Sixth Street LANCASTER - Your hair has found its home. That's the motto of Buddy Joe's Barber and Beauty Shop at 706 E. Sixth St. Rebecca Brown and Angela Francis opened the shop to serve both men and women. "It's gone pretty good," Brown said of business so far. "We're just getting our name out there. Just let people know that we're here. It (the building) used to be a barber shop for like 43 years back in the day up to 10 years ago." Continue to full article

Chamber of Commerce banquet honors those who have given to community

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

LANCASTER - Lancaster-Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce President Travis Markwood said the purpose of the chamber's annual awards banquet and trade show was to honor outstanding business, but to also honor those who give back to the community. The trade show was from 5 to 6:45 p.m. on Jan. 19 at Fisher Catholic High School. Dinner was followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. This year's theme was "Come Together." Continue to full article

Fairfield County couple says faith, message from God sparked nonprofit furniture bank

Monday, February 04, 2019

STOUTSVILLE — Remaining strong in their faith, local couple Seth and Tammy Myers followed through on a message from God that uprooted their lives and led them to start a nonprofit in the countryside. Seth and Tammy Myers, who attend Crossroads.TV church, were praying separately about other ways God could use them. Tammy said God answered both of their prayers with the same message: open a furniture bank that helps people struggling to furnish their homes due to poverty and other severe life challenges. Continue to full article

Table Talk: Help wanted -- Restaurants struggle to find workers

Friday, February 01, 2019

A bubbling economy and low unemployment rate are great for business -- unless you run a restaurant and can’t find enough workers. The food-service industry offers hard work, odd hours and often loud, uncomfortable conditions for modest pay. With central Ohio’s unemployment rate below 4 percent, it is no wonder help-wanted signs decorate area restaurants. Adding to the strain is seasonal competition from central Ohio’s warehouse industry and a proliferation of new restaurants, all competing for workers. Continue to full article

Our Location is Convenient for Growing Businesses

Monday, January 14, 2019

Violet Township is the ideal location for growing businesses. We are only 20 minutes from Columbus, placing businesses within close proximity to a workforce of over 2 million people. Additionally, businesses locating here can easily reach customers throughout the United States by simply hopping on Interstate 70 and US Route 33. There are also two major railroads traversing the Township along with the John Glenn International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport being only minutes away. Violet Township has a robust infrastructure that is designed for business growth. Our location, infrastructure, close proximity to a large workforce and a pro-business environment, all...

The Ohio Advantage: Leveraging Ohio’s Competitive Assets

Wednesday, January 09, 2019

For those of us charged with promoting our state, most of us would agree Ohio is an easy sell. The list of Ohio’s benefits for prospects are long, but there are four key assets, each with extraordinary components, that set Ohio apart from the competition: business climate, research and innovation, location and infrastructure, and workforce. These four pillars are featured prominently on the JobsOhio home page with in-depth overviews and resources you can share with new companies considering Ohio. Ohio’s business climate could be considered the foundation of Ohio’s winning assets. As one of the largest economies in the U.S. (7th) and the...

Export Interns Boost Business: Ohio Program Will Pay Up to Half the Wages

Tuesday, January 08, 2019

The Ohio Export Internship Program helps businesses grow by expanding export efforts or starting an export initiative. The Ohio Development Services Agency is accepting company applications now for summer internships. The students involved are highly motivated and take export-focused coursework at Cleveland State University, The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University. This year, about 50 students from 12 universities across the state have been selected to participate in the program. The Development Services Agency will reimburse half the intern wages, up to $3,600. The internships will run from May 13 through August 9, 2019. The interns are continually mentored by Ohio...

Our Workforce is Highly Educated and Highly Skilled

Monday, January 07, 2019

Violet Township is home to more than 40,000 people. Our community is home to a highly educated workforce with more than half of our adult population having an advanced degree. Our workforce is highly trained and highly skilled making it easy for businesses to locate in Violet and attract the talent they need to succeed. There are an additional 2 million people located within our region, making this an ideal location for growing and expanding businesses. Additionally, Violet Township is home to the Ohio University Pickerington Center. From here, recent high school graduates and working professionals can take courses to expand...

Three Trade Missions Can Help Businesses Grow

Monday, January 07, 2019

Ohio companies can open new foreign markets for their products through three trade missions early next year. The Ohio Development Services Agency and the state’s Small Business Development Center Export Assistance Network is organizing the trade missions, scheduled for March and April 2019. Slots for each trade mission are limited, so businesses should act now to reserve a spot. Continue to full article

Technology Training at Pickerington Library

Friday, January 04, 2019

When it comes to technology, there is no limit on what you can use to improve your personal and professional skills: create a resume on Microsoft Word; reconnect with friends and make business contacts on social media; download e-books to your e-reader and tablet; search Google to answer any question, and more! If you have questions about any of these programs or more, the Library is here to assist with two technology trainers at Pickerington Main Library: drop-in technology assistance is available Monday through Saturday, or book an appointment for one-on-one help. Continue to full article

Apprenticeship program for tech workers expands into central Ohio

Monday, December 31, 2018

A new apprenticeship program in central Ohio is designed to address employer complaints that there aren’t enough tech workers to fill openings. Apprenti, based in Washington state, seeks to place workers in jobs including software developer, web developer, cloud support specialist and data center technician. Companies including JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Huntington Bancshares have committed to hiring Apprenti students. Continue to full article

Completing new park, other improvements in proposed $32.3 million Metro Parks budget

Friday, December 28, 2018

Preparing the new Quarry Trails Metro Park for its 2020 opening and finishing work on the Burning Lake area of Pickerington Ponds Metro Park are two goals as Metro Parks officials plan their 2019 budget. Next year’s proposed budget of $32.3 million is slightly less than the $33.1 million the district is expected to spend in 2018. One reason: Metro Parks spent $7.3 million on land acquisition this past year, most of that for the new 220-acre Quarry Trails park west of Upper Arlington and the Scioto River. The district is budgeting a lower amount — $3 million — for land acquisition in...

Professor: Good economic outlook for Fairfield County

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

CARROLL - The third annual 33 Alliance seminar at Eastland-Fairfield Career Center featured an optimistic prediction for Fairfield County's economic development future. Jason Jolley, associate professor of rural economic development at Ohio University, was one of three keynote speaker said the county's proximity to Columbus bodes well for it. "The Columbus market is good," he said. "You hear about Austin, the Raleigh-Durham area and Sun Belt cities, but Columbus is on the right track and continues to grow. Fairfield County is in a good position to capitalize on that growth." Continue to full article

Our Real Estate Search Tools Provide Detailed Information

Monday, December 24, 2018

There is room for growth in Violet Township. In addition to building out the downtown area, we have several Growth Corridors that are designed for future industrial expansion. Today, there are real estate properties available for businesses of all sizes and industry types. On our website, we have real estate search tools that make it possible to look for available office, retail, flex, industrial, warehouse and call center space. Users can search by square footage, location and proximity to other businesses or community assets. Our tools provide more information than what is available on most real estate websites and can...

Fairfield 33 Alliance expects growth along U.S. 33 corridor

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Government and community-development officials, as well as community members in and around the U.S. 33 corridor, can expect growth in jobs, wages and local investments in coming years, but they should be wary of looming international trade wars, shortages of skilled workers and reliance on traditional transportation methods. That was the message delivered Dec. 5 when members of the Fairfield 33 Alliance held their third annual meeting at Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools campus in Carroll. The focus was the future of Fairfield County, with emphasis on the economy, the workforce and transportation. Continue to full article

Building Industry Association of Central Ohio Housing Need Assessment

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Central Ohio's housing market is in need of additional supply, as is evident by the rapidly escalating prices for homes and apartments. What’s been less clear is the extent to which we may be underbuilding, in which communities and price points, and how the situation may play out over the coming decades. This new Housing Need Assessment report from the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio and the BIA Foundationquantifies the significance of the shortfall by estimating the need for new residential housing based on projected job growth through 2050. The findings are worrisome. Central Ohio must build more than 14,000 housing units...

Violet Township trustees to consider community center

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

After much discussion of its possible location and programs, Violet Township residents found out how much officials could ask them to ante up for a community center. The answer: $46 million via an approximately 4.59-mill parks and recreation levy that could be put before voters in May. Whether the project will move forward at all, as well as at that price, will depend on a vote by the Violet Township trustees. At this point, it’s unclear exactly when that will take place, but Violet Township Development Director Holly Mattei said the vote “possibly” could take place “in January.” Continue to full article

Violet Township Demographics

Monday, December 17, 2018

Violet Township is home to over 42,000 people. The median age in our community is 38 years old, making us an ideal location for growing families and working professionals. While many smaller communities have experienced a population decline, Violet Township is growing. We have added approximately 4,000 residents in the past eight years. Our population is not the only thing that is growing. Average household incomes are rising as well with the current household income being $107,224. This could partially be attributed to more than half of our population having an advanced degree. Businesses looking for a new location should consider Violet...

Connect with Violet Township Port Authority on Social Media

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Violet Township Port Authority's economic development department is on Facebook and Twitter. We invite you to visit and like our page so that you can follow along and see all the recent updates on what is happening in our community. We will regularly post information on new businesses coming to town, our Growth Corridors and recent activities with developers and the Port Authority. Join in the conversation, share your own updates and spread the news – Violet Township is growing. Click here to like our Facebook page and here to join us on Twitter. Once you have joined us online, feel...

Our New Website is a Resource

Monday, December 10, 2018

The economic development department for Violet Township has a new website. Designed by Golden Shovel Agency, our website is a destination for anyone who is looking to start a business, invest in Violet Township, or launch a development project. We encourage people to visit our website for workforce resources, site selection assistance, information on financial incentives, Growth Corridors and the community in general. Our website is a one-stop shop for information on Violet Township but more importantly, is meant to be a resource for anyone who is considering doing business here. Visit our website and then contact us for more information...

Career symposium: Pickerington high schoolers market selves for future

Friday, November 30, 2018

More than 200 Pickerington high school students last week marketed themselves to colleges, businesses, nonprofit organizations and military recruiters during a district-sponsored college and career symposium. The fieldhouse at Pickerington High School Central was bustling Oct. 3, with the coming and going of students and recruiters -- ranging from business and college and military representatives to Pickerington Mayor Lee Gray -- and conversations about future plans. It was all part of the first college-and-career symposium arranged by the Pickerington Local School District’s English Language Arts Department. About 130 students from Central and another 120 from North -- many in ties, dress slacks and...

Unique Program Helps Ohio Communities Attract Companies with Sites Ready for Immediate Development

Friday, November 30, 2018

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Companies looking for a perfect location to build in Ohio will have an easier time finding one thanks to a unique site authentication program called SiteOhio. This one-of-a-kind program, offered by JobsOhio, guarantees industrial sites are ready for immediate development, creating a win-win situation for companies and communities. Companies get access to sites that minimize risk, reduce costs and increase speed to market. Communities gain construction-ready sites that are more appealing to potential buyers and may help attract jobs to their region. JobsOhio, the private nonprofit corporation designed to drive job creation and capital investment in Ohio, launched SiteOhio in...

Community center: Violet officials to share ideas about funding

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Violet Township officials think they might have the site for a community center, as well as potential funding options to such a facility, and they plan to roll them out to the public at a Dec. 6 meeting. During the past six months, Violet Township has been working with Moody Nolan Inc. and Rockmill Financial Consulting LLC, as well as hosting a series of public task-force and focus-group meetings, as officials have tried to move toward the creation of a community center. The township’s trustees have been offered a donation of a land parcel for such a facility, and they’ve begun to...

Ohio is driving innovation in the aviation and aerospace industry

Thursday, November 29, 2018

The U.S. aviation and aerospace industry is fairly robust these days, with demand driving growth in both the civil and military sides. New hybrid electric propulsion and full electric concepts are energizing the industry, drawing considerable R&D investment to chase these innovations. Providing an important link between the products in the air and the ideas yet to take flight is Ohio. “Ohio is the No. 1 supplier state to Airbus and Boeing,” says Glenn Richardson, managing director of advanced manufacturing and aerospace & aviation at JobsOhio. “In 2017, Boeing purchased $12 billion in services from Ohio, while Airbus spent in the $5 billion...

Road tripping to explore Ohio's tech scene

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Mackenzie Kosut travels the world, meeting innovators who build their ideas using Amazon Web Services.

Ohio Is Poised to Lead the Way Into the Blockchain Age

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

New law protects firms developing innovative uses for blockchain technology On Aug. 3, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed legislation that will stimulate business investment in blockchain technology to transmit and store electronic records in a wide range of industries. The new law makes Ohio one of the first U.S. states to provide legal protection to firms developing new uses for this cutting-edge technology. It also offers an additional draw for companies that may be looking to expand their blockchain and R&D operations to the state. Innovators continue to develop new applications for blockchain technology in industries ranging from financial services to supply chain management, real...

Ohio’s Rapidly Growing Energy Industry Attracts Over $70 Billion in Investment

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

The energy and shale gas economy triggers company expansions and community improvements. COLUMBUS — Ohio has emerged as a national leader in energy, largely due to the state’s shale industry, which has served as the biggest driver of energy growth in the country and has contributed to the attraction of over $70 billion in new private sector energy investments in Ohio alone. When factoring in the rest of the Ohio Valley region, this number is significantly larger. These investments from the U.S. and abroad, combined with continued job growth, additional tax revenue and an abundance of low-cost, clean shale energy and electricity have...

Export Interns Help Businesses Grow

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

The State of Ohio wants to help businesses grow, and a program offered by the Ohio Development Services Agency can provide the boost needed to improve international marketing or logistics. The Ohio Export Internship Program places students who have completed export-focused coursework with businesses seeking to boost exports. College students from across the state can apply to take the export course at The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business, the Cleveland State University Monte Ahuja College of Business or the Youngstown State University Williamson College of Business Administration. Participating businesses receive a 50 percent reimbursement for intern wages, up...

Market Products and Services Internationally

Monday, November 26, 2018

Putting products and services in front of international customers can help small and medium-sized businesses grow, and the Ohio Development Services Agency can make it easier to do that. The International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE) is designed to help businesses increase exports and create jobs in Ohio’s economy. The grant provides a 50 percent reimbursement, up to $12,500 per fiscal year, for eligible activities. IMAGE is funded, in part, through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program. Popular qualifying activities include, but are not limited to, exhibiting at trade shows, participating in trade missions, international advertising, translation services...

Ohio’s health care industry benefits from the state’s many strengths

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Ohio’s health care industry is fortunate to have excellent research arms associated with its nationally accredited medical centers — Cleveland Clinic, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center being chief among them. “No other state has the top adult hospital health system and the top children’s medical centers,” says Aaron Pitts, senior managing director at JobsOhio. He says these organizations recruit some of the best doctors in the world, their hospitals treat some of the most acute patients and they attract a lot of research dollars. “They test new devices, pharmaceuticals and surgical techniques, and they capture intellectual property, which companies get...

4 Tips for Managing Startup Taxes from Day One

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Any high-tech entrepreneur who plans to postpone thinking about taxes until their startup is profitable needs to think again. Taxes are part of doing business from day one, whether the company collects a dollar of revenue or not. Following are tips for making the process more successful and less painful. 1. Draw a distinct line between business and personal finances. It’s black and white. Entirely separate all business and personal revenue and expenses. Develop this mindset and discipline from day one. Open a business checking account. Make this your first step in developing a personal, long-term relationship with a bank. Compare two to three banks...

Proudly made in Ohio: This is how small businesses sustain success at home

Friday, November 23, 2018

The Buckeye State’s reputation for creativity is strengthened by makers like these. Not everything has to be created in New York, Los Angeles, or Silicon Valley. Ohio has a thriving entrepreneurial culture, and behind each business is a dedicated visionary, determined maker, or team of hard workers. Take Tom Tsuchiya, for example. He’s a Cincinnati-based sculptor who creates works of public sculpture. You can see his bronze artwork at the Baseball Hall of Fame, and his favorite subjects are local sports heroes from his home state of Ohio. Dale Grinstead-Mayle, meanwhile, has put his entrepreneurial energy and talent into Goodfellow’s, a barbershop in...

Ohio is becoming an attractive location for IT companies

Thursday, November 22, 2018

While California’s Bay Area is the birthplace of many technological innovations, Ohio is home to considerable innovation as well, just without as much of the fanfare. Ted Griffith, managing director of information technology at JobsOhio, says with lower overall operating costs — as much as 70 percent lower than Silicon Valley — Ohio offers growing startups a sustainable operating environment. It’s also home to incredible tech talent, and its software engineers tend to command less pay. In that regard, the state’s low cost of living gives it a competitive advantage. He says being close to customers is a real advantage, even for companies...

3 tips for pitching Midwest venture capitalists

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

The Midwest is a great place to live, sure, but is it a great place to grow a startup? The answer may surprise you: an unequivocal yes. Here’s what you may not know about the American Midwest: Over the past three years, startup ecosystems all over the region — in places like Kansas City, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Detroit, and of course Chicago — have experienced tremendous growth. In Kansas City, for example, at least five new VC funds have launched in the last two years, and they’re now actively investing. All this activity has pulled individual investors off the sidelines, and they want in. So...

Expansion of Blue Label Digital Printing to bring 30 more jobs to Lancaster

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

LANCASTER – Blue Label Digital Printing will add 30 jobs to Lancaster over the next few years after the company publicly announced its expansion project earlier this week. According to Andrew Boyd, president of Blue Label Digital Printing, they plan to do a 20,000 square foot expansion to their Lancaster site. The details of this plan are still in the works. Boyd said, conservatively they would like to have these positions filled by 2021. They will fill these positions as needed and as this expansion project progresses. The expansion They are estimating they will fill 20 positions on the production floor and 10 on...

Business booms for Kurbside with Kenny recycling pickup

Monday, November 05, 2018

LANCASTER — The cartoon drawing of a 45-year-old local autistic man, is popping up on blue recycling bins across the city. "That's my face," says Kenny Gregg as he drives by his clients' homes that bought his bins with his business logo and likeness on them. The "Kenny cans" as he calls them are a sign his new business is growing. It also means Gregg will have something to do. Over the years, Gregg has worked off and on at local restaurants and retailers. He spent 20 years at Big Lots until the Lancaster store closed its doors. This summer, Gregg set out on his own, starting a business that...

Recent downtown Lancaster revitalization projects

Saturday, November 03, 2018

For the last several years revitalization projects have brought new life to downtown Lancaster. Watch this video for a rundown of some of them. Continue to full article

Violet Township: Donation of land for facility expected for community center

Friday, November 02, 2018

Violet Township residents next year can expect to be asked to support a tax increase to finance a local community center, but the costs could be reduced if land is donated for the project. According to Violet Township Director of Operations John Eisel, the township is working on a deal in which the Ricketts family would donate at least a portion of a 79-acre site on the southeast corner of Pickerington and Refugee roads where a community center could be constructed. “I think it would be safe to say the Ricketts family has made a very generous commitment to donate land that...

Violet Township: Wigwam to re-emerge as community space

Thursday, November 01, 2018

Violet Township government officials are preparing to move into the Wigwam by early next year, providing a public use for the private retreat east of Columbus where the Wolfe family once hosted powerful politicians and Hollywood royalty. Wolfe Enterprises, a business controlled by family members of late businessman and longtime Dispatch Publisher John F. Wolfe, sold the historic 63-acre property near Pickerington to Violet Township for $2.7 million in July. Besides providing office space for the township’s eight employees, the Wigwam will be reborn as community space, township Director of Operations John Eisel told visitors Sept. 18 during a tour through the...

Tour the Wigwam, longtime hideaway of the Wolfe empire

Friday, October 12, 2018

For those invited to the Wigwam over the decades, the 60-acre wooded retreat was memorable, to say the least. After all, there was a stuffed wolf in the grand dining hall and a Native American motif that covered everything from the carpets and bars to the totem poles and teepee paintings on the wall. Although the stuffed wolf might be gone, the Wigwam remains and will open to the public. Click here for the complete article.

Smart Columbus offering $90,000 rebates to rideshare driver

Wednesday, January 02, 2019

Thirty incentives of $3,000 each are available to drivers who buy a new, fully electric vehicles by April 15. Smart Columbus is offering $3,000 to Central Ohio Uber, Lyft and other ride-share drivers who switch to electric cars this winter. The Smart Columbus Transportation Service Provider Battery Electric Vehicle Rebate Program was originally open solely to taxi companies but is now available to all transportation service providers. Ten incentives worth $30,000 total were issued to to Columbus Yellow Cab. Continue to full article

Retailer giving online sellers a safe space to meet

Thursday, December 06, 2018

News & Media

Learn More

Over 40,000 people call our area home.