News & Media

John Raymond Eisel, Jr., Current Director of Operations & Retired Fire Chief

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

Violet Township Press Release FOR RELEASE ON: July 9, 2019 John Raymond Eisel, Jr., Current Director of Operations & Retired Fire Chief With great regret and heavy hearts, Violet Township announces the passing of Director of Operations and Retired Fire Chief John Raymond Eisel, Jr. A veteran of the fire service for more than 32 years, John died suddenly surrounded by his family in Monticello, Kentucky on Friday, July 5, 2019. John entered the fire service as a volunteer with the Madison Township Fire Department. He then became full time with Perry Township, and ultimately became a Volunteer with the Violet Township Fire Departmen...

Violet Township Office Closed In Honor of John Eisel

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

In honor of the passing of the Violet Township Director of Operations, John Eisel, the Violet Township Administrative Offices at the Wigwam, 10190 Blacklick Eastern Road, will be closed from Noon to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 11th and will be closed all day on Friday, July 12th. The office will reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, July 15th. This will allow our staff to attend the Visitation and Celebration of Life Service for our friend and colleague. For more information on John Eisel, view Violet Township's press realease here.

Press Release: Violet Township Seeking Volunteer Applications

Monday, July 01, 2019

Contact: Holly Mattei, AICP, Violet Township Development Director 614-575-5556 – holly.mattei@violet.oh.us Violet Township is seeking applications for volunteer positions on various boards and commissions related to the administration of the Violet Township Zoning Code. Applicants must reside in the unincorporated area of the township and should have interest in land use, zoning, and development within the township. A background in city planning, real estate or other similar field is helpful but not necessary. Applicants will work closely with the Violet Township Zoning Inspector and must be willing to attend various meetings, including monthly evening meetings. Interested residents shoul submit a letter o...

Historic Wigwam Retreat is Now Open for Public Use

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Violet Township has purchased the historic Wigwam retreat and it is open for community use. This beautiful property was previously the private retreat of the Wolfe family, owner of WBNS TV. It was initially built in 1929 and has been host to many exciting events and visitors over the years. Now, having been recently renovated, it is open to public use. Residents of Violet Township and the surrounding area can enjoy the Wigwam’s beauty, history and grandeur by reserving one of the several event spaces that are available for private use. The Wigwam is an ideal destination for corporate events, meetings...

The Wigwam Open House

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

You are invited to the Wigwam Open House on Saturday, July 27! Please join us for... Tours of the Wigwam Facility “Touch a Truck” featuring heavy equipment from our road and fire departments Fairfield County Sheriff and SWAT Displays And more!! View details here.

Office Building For Sale

Monday, June 24, 2019

Violet Township is selling its former administrative office located at 12970 Rustic Drive, Pickerington. Please see attached flier for details and contact information! View sale flier here.

We Celebrated International Economic Development Week

Friday, June 21, 2019

We celebrated International Economic Development Week (EDW) this past month. It was an opportune time to reflect on the importance of local economic development efforts to help Violet Township grow in a sustainable way. Our recent and current initiatives include transforming the Wigwam Retreat into an asset for the entire community, building a new community center, infrastructure improvements, and creating master plans for future area development - just to name a few! What is International Economic Development Week? The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) created EDW in 2016 to help raise awareness for the profession. Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) are often misunderstoo...

COTA’s micro-transit program set for July start in Grove City

Monday, June 03, 2019

Despite some concerns regarding the cost, scope and feasibility of the Central Ohio Transit Authority’s on-demand micro-transit program, all four Grove City Council members attending a May 20 meeting voted to approve Grove City’s participation as the pilot community for the project. Grove City will provide $180,000 to fund half of the cost of the project, with COTA paying the remainder of the $360,000 total cost. The program will be an enhancement of what already exists in Grove City, said Dan Havener, the city’s economic development manager. Read full article.

The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Spins Off Groundbreaking Gene Therapy Companies

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Nationwide Children’s Hospital has the resources and teams to take discoveries from bench to bedside The resources and expertise of Ohio’s renowned research and healthcare institutions drive discoveries that could improve millions of lives. Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the leading pediatric hospitals in the nation. In 2017, the hospital had over 1.4 million patient visits from all 50 states as well as 48 countries. Its nonprofit research entity, the Research Institute, is a top-funded pediatric research institution with more than 1,300 employees and investigators. The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital occupies over 500,000 square feet of dedicated space an...

Eastland-Fairfield’s culinary-arts program earns award of distinction

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Andrew Borenstein said his education at the culinary-arts academy at Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools helped land him a job right out of high school in 2008, working for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants as a sous chef. He later attended Hocking College and Ohio State University before serving as executive chef and operating partner for the now-closed Lomonicos Inc. Borenstein, who became the academy’s second culinary-arts instructor in 2015, said part of his job is mirroring a competitive, real-life working environment. Read full article.

Workforce Development and the Future of Smart Mobility

Monday, May 27, 2019

As DriveOhio and Smart Columbus launched our first phase of testing self-driving shuttles around the Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus, and Honda demonstrated its “smart intersection” camera and sensor technologies as part of the Connected Marysville project along the US 33 Smart Mobility Corridor, one thing often overlooked are the positive workforce impacts of such projects. But that’s something we fully consider whenever DriveOhio introduces a project, as workforce development is a core part of our mission to support and advance Ohio’s smart mobility future. In fact, we take a four-pronged approach to workforce development, launching these initiatives as new projects begin: Read full article.

With New Strategic Plan, DriveOhio and the Ohio UAS Center Bring Smart Mobility to Every Altitude, Position Ohio as a Leader in Drone Technologies

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

When Dayton’s own Wright Brothers took their first flight in December 1903, they only reached about 10 feet off the ground. Today’s flights take us easily to 30,000 feet and above, as air traffic control monitors and guides planes safely across the sky. Interestingly, thanks to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), known commonly as drone technology, there is now a need for an air traffic management system for altitudes below 2,000 feet. Why? Because drone technology has advanced rapidly the last few years and is now capable of transporting both packages and people, but there is no system in place to ensur...

New Self-Driving Shuttle Rolls Around Scioto Mile in Columbus

Monday, May 20, 2019

Ohio’s first self-driving shuttles hit the streets in downtown Columbus, kicking off the first phase of a project designed to test, operate and evaluate self-driving vehicles, while providing residents and visitors first-hand experience with intelligent transportation. The low-speed transportation shuttles are operated by May Mobility, a self-driving vehicle startup, which commenced testing and route mapping around the Scioto Mile. Read full article.

Beam Technologies More Than Triples Workforce, Expands Headquarters

Friday, May 17, 2019

Company places emphasis on Ohio’s technology talent ecosystem Read full company profile.

Ohio is a Top 10 Best State for Business in New Chief Executive CEO Survey

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Since 2010, Ohio has jumped 34 spots to become the ninth best state for business according to CEO survey In early May, chief executives across the country ranked Ohio as the ninth best state in the nation for business, according to Chief Executive magazine’s 2019 “Best and Worst States for Business” survey. Ohio rose one place in 2019 from No.10 last year but has jumped 34 spots in the survey since 2010. “This is a strong positive contrast to other states in the region,” said Andrew Deye, managing director, strategy, business development & research for JobsOhio. “Interestingly, only two northern states –Ohio and Indiana –wer...

Root Insurance Will Significantly Expand in Ohio, Add 400 Jobs

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Following a great 2018, the insurtech company works to launch nationwide View full company profile.

Columbus Happenings: CAPA summer movie series celebrates 50th anniversary

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

COLUMBUS - The CAPA Summer Movie Series, the longest-running classic film series in America, announced the movie lineup for its 50th series of classic films and cult favorites. Made possible through the generous support of PVS Chemicals, the 2019 series will run June 14 – Aug. 11 at the Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.) and feature 26 films over nine weeks. Highlights include nine series premieres, a silent film with live musical accompaniment, two Saturday mornings of classic cartoons, a sci-fi double feature, a film noir double feature, and Fright Nite Friday with Fritz. As part of CAPA’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration, admissio...

Violet Township preparing for upcoming move to Wigwam

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

Officials plan to move Violet Township’s administrative offices from Rustic Drive to a new home at the Wigwam. Violet Township purchased the Wigwam retreat and its 63-acre site at 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Road for $2.7 million from Wolfe Enterprises, controlled by family members of late businessman and longtime The Columbus Dispatch Publisher John F. Wolfe. Since then, officials have planned for it to be the new government headquarters for the township. The day to enact that plan now appears set. Read full article.

State of Fairfield County address: Financial health, services lauded

Tuesday, May 07, 2019

Fairfield County officials reported stable financial health in the county and lauded ongoing programs aimed at enhancing public safety, as well as economic and workforce development, during a recent State of the County address. During a two-hour State of the County luncheon at Violet Township’s Wigwam facility in Pickerington, officials updated residents and stakeholders on continued efforts to enhance the quality of life throughout the county. Numerous statistics were provided, both designed to demonstrate strides being made and the continued evolution of the Fairfield County. Read full article.

Turning Disruption into Opportunity Within Ohio’s Food Industry

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

Disruptions in the food industry present the chance to seize opportunities in Ohio Ohio is home to over 1,300 food manufacturing facilities of all sizes and in most every food production segment. With 3.5 percent of the U.S. population, Ohio produces nearly 5 percent of the country’s food and beverages by value. As a part of the state economy, food manufacturing accounts for 2 percent of the GSP compared to the average across states of 1.2 percent. Ohio’s food and agribusiness sector contributes $16.4 billion to the state’s Gross State Product annually. Employment in food manufacturing totals about 70,000 jobs with a...

Fairfield County could see 20% population growth by 2040

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

VIOLET TOWNSHIP - Because of Fairfield County's close proximity to Columbus, county administrator Carri Brown said the population is expected to grow 20% to 186,810 by 2040. That figure is based U.S. Census and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission analysis. Read full article.

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 othe...

The Advantages of Ohio Valley Shale are Growing

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

The Marcellus and Utica shale formations are among the richest reserves of natural gas and natural gas liquids in the world, creating jobs, opportunity and attracting investments with global impacts. The Marcellus and Utica shale formations have become some of the most significant sources of natural gas and natural gas liquids in the world. The resulting potential benefits to the Ohio Valley region are profound. IHS Markit has released a groundbreaking study that for the first time quantifies the production trends and economic benefits likely to emerge from the Marcellus and Utica shale formations. The study, “Estimated Logistics Benefits of the Shal...

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, i...

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 consecutiv...

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!” fro...

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 competitiv...

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 year...

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

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