According to Toni Overholser, DDC Director of Projects, “This is a joint award shared between the CEP and the City of Urbana; they have collaborated to significantly increase the number of business visits in Urbana and Champaign County.” She noted that CEP has been a “valuable partner, convening resources to support business growth…and providing solutions for businesses facing workforce or other business challenges.” 

This recognition highlights not only recent momentum but also ten years of CEP-led economic growth, public–private collaboration, and strategic investment benefiting residents, employers, and the region. 

A Decade of Projects That Strengthened the County 
Over the last ten years, CEP has supported a broad range of high-impact projects spanning manufacturing, healthcare, retail, housing, historic preservation, and commercial redevelopment. These projects represent millions in capital investment and support hundreds of local jobs.  

Major developments CEP has contributed to include: 
• Weidmann Expansion 
• KTH Parts Industries – Two Expansions 
• Ultra Met – Two Expansions 
• Orbis Expansion 
• Phoenix Ag Warehouse 
• ColePak Expansion 
• Q3 Property Renovation 
• Legacy Place (North School, South School, and Douglas Building transfer/renovation) 
• The Willman Building Redevelopment 
• 1300 Building (US 68 & SR 55) 
• Aldi 
• Memorial Health Building 
• Sutphen 
• Cobblestone Hotel 
• Navistar Building 
• Urbana Daily Digital 
 
One recent standout, noted by the DDC, is the Willman Lofts and 211 Co-Working Space, a catalytic redevelopment made possible by a wide network of partners. “This project was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Sellman Enterprises LLC, The 211 Coworking, JobsOhio, the Dayton Development Coalition, the City of Urbana, the Champaign Economic Partnership, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau and Ohio Department of Development,” Overholser said. “The CEP was an important partner, helping to guide efforts and coordinate support for this project.” 

Developer Perspective: CEP’s Role in Making Projects Possible 
Local developer Jamon Sellman, owner of Sellman Insurance Group and the driving force behind the Willman Building redevelopment, credits CEP as a crucial part of bringing the project to life. 

Sellman shared that CEP “brought the Vibrant Communities Grant to my attention, then helped tremendously through the application process.” CEP’s involvement extended beyond guidance: “They took so much off my plate, helping with the application and countless follow-through opportunities.” 

He emphasized that CEP’s support allowed him to stay focused on the broader demands of the project: “The application process was lengthy, and CEP took most of the burden. That allowed me to stay focused on the other tasks necessary to keep a successful project moving forward.” 

From a developer’s standpoint, Sellman described CEP’s value in two words: “Knowledge and follow-through. These were crucial in making my project happen. Thank you, CEP.” 

Leadership Across Key Community Organizations 
Beyond project facilitation, CEP plays a leadership role in numerous county-wide and regional groups that shape workforce, infrastructure, tourism, transportation, and community strategy.  

CEP leads or participates in: 
• Manufacturers HR Council 
• Champaign County Community Collaborative 
• Local Ag Council 
• Business Advisory Council 
• Ohio Gas Access Partnership (OGAP) – Board Member 
• Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 
• Logan-Union-Champaign Planning Commission 
• Regional Transportation Council 
• Champaign Health Improvement Plan 
• Community Health Assessment Steering/Leadership Committee 
• Main Street Urbana / Heritage Ohio – Board Member 
 
These collaborations ensure that Champaign County remains connected, competitive, and supported at every level, from local entrepreneurs to global manufacturers. 

Regional Partners Acknowledging CEP’s Impact 
The DDC expressed strong appreciation for CEP’s contributions. Overholser shared, “We appreciate all that the CEP and the City of Urbana do to support economic and revitalization efforts in the region, and we are excited to recognize their outstanding efforts.” 

CEP’s influence is evident in the breadth and longevity of its partnerships. The organization works hand-in-hand with major employers, healthcare systems, manufacturers, and service providers including KTH, Weidmann, Memorial Health, JRS Group, Pioneer Electric, RITTAL, Bundy Baking Solutions, International Motors, Mercy Health Urbana Hospital, FastLane, Community Health & Wellness Partners, Tramec/Johnson Welded Products, VECTREN, and Parker TruTec. 

Equally critical are CEP’s collaborations with the region’s financial institutions, whose support makes local projects possible. CEP partners closely with The First Central National Bank, The Peoples Savings Bank, Park National Bank, and F&M Bank, ensuring that businesses and developers have access to the capital, resources, and guidance needed to bring transformative projects to life. 

Together, these partnerships form a robust, interconnected network, one that CEP actively nurtures to keep Champaign County competitive, resilient, and positioned for sustainable growth. 
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Continuing the Mission 
For ten years, CEP has been one of Champaign County’s most impactful and unifying forces by connecting people, accelerating projects, and strengthening the local economy. The Business Outreach Champion Award reflects not just a successful year, but a decade built on collaboration, relationship-building, and strategic vision. ​

Thanks to the Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP), that answer arrived. With steady guidance, local connections, and a clear vision for growth, CEP helped ensure the Willman Building wouldn’t sit idle. This September, it will officially reopen, not as a furniture store, but as The 211 (The Two Eleven), a modern hub for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. 

“We wanted to create more than office space. We wanted to build a place where people in Urbana can work, gather, and thrive together,” said Jamon and Tiffiene Sellman. “The 211 is designed to feel warm and inspiring, a hub where local professionals and creatives can stay connected right here in our community.” 

The project connects Urbana’s past and future. The historic Willman Building remains a cornerstone of Main Street, while inside, a new venture, operated by local entrepreneur Tiffiene Sellman, offers flexible, contemporary work environments: private offices, co-working memberships, a conference room, and event-rental options. Natural wood, abundant light, greenery, and welcoming finishes create a professional space that still feels inviting. The goal is simple: give local talent the resources they need without leaving Champaign County. 

This outcome took time and persistence. CEP began working with the Willman family in June 2022 to identify a buyer. Several prospects toured the property but passed. CEP kept at it, ultimately connecting with Jamon Sellman, who saw the potential and stepped forward. From there, CEP worked alongside Jamon on the JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Grant application and helped shape the pitch, close financing gaps with a local bank, and see the project through closing and construction. CEP continued supporting the effort as plans evolved and partners aligned, including JobsOhio and the Dayton Development Coalition. 

Former owner Scott Fannin is pleased with the result. After touring the revamped space, he said, “I love what they’ve done with it.” He added, “I just wanted it to be in good hands,” and believes that wish has been fulfilled. 

The redevelopment, led by Sellman Enterprises, LLC, covers 13,255 square feet and represents a $2.9 million investment in downtown Urbana. The 211 (The Two Eleven) anchors nearly 7,000 square feet on the first floor, while the upper two floors have been converted into nine loft apartments. In addition to the JobsOhio grant, the project leveraged Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits, a competitive program that helps bring private investment to historic buildings which are resources CEP helped connect. 

More than a shared workspace, The 211 (The Two Eleven) is designed as a community engine. Planned amenities include a coffee bar and lounge, flexible work zones, space for yoga sessions and workshops, and event capacity for birthdays, anniversaries, and professional gatherings. Its impact will be felt across the local economy by keeping professionals in Urbana rather than commuting to Columbus or Dayton. 

Momentum is already building. The first official event is scheduled for September 24, 2025 and they will be welcoming 40–50 attendees. It’s an early sign of how the building will function: as a place to connect, create, and celebrate. 

Throughout the renovation, the building’s character has been preserved. Original hardwood floors, tall windows, baseboards, and even elements of the original mechanics remain. Guided by historic-preservation rules, the team layered in modern touches such as deep “color-drenched” walls, gold-and-black finishings, and thoughtfully thrifted vintage lighting to blend past and present in a way that feels both practical and inspiring. 

While Jamon took on ownership, Tiffiene shaped the identity and operations of The 211 (The Two Eleven). CEP’s leadership tied it all together. Director Rich Ebert and his team ensured local resources were leveraged, outside partners were connected, and the project never lost momentum. 

Rich Ebert, Director of the Champaign Economic Partnership believes that this project will be a catalyst for all of Champaign County. “Having such a space in the heart of our county will provide a central hub that will draw business and entrepreneurs from all over. The space will provide business ingenuity and creativity among it’s members. With the ability to work and live in such an environment, I am excited to see what comes from this repurposed space.” 

The 211 (The Two Eleven) is poised to become an essential part of Champaign County’s business ecosystem to be a place where ideas are born, partnerships form, and residents find both opportunity and connection. Thanks to CEP’s leadership and the Sellmans’ commitment, Urbana gains more than a co-working space; it gains a lasting reminder of what’s possible when a community invests in itself. 

Tours & Availability 
Interested in touring or checking availability at The 211 (The Two Eleven)? Contact Tiffiene Sellman at Tiffiene@the2eleven.com. ​

“For residents, it offers a reason to feel proud of the place they call home and serves as a reminder of the vibrant, thriving community they are part of. As awareness grows, so does the potential for increased tourism and the hope that it translates directly into more spending at local businesses, boosting the economy and providing new opportunities for growth and development.”
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Ohio Magazine sought nominations in spring of this years and held visits across the state during the summer to choose the honorees. Finalists were then evaluated in six categories including community spirit, education, entertainment, health and safety, business environment, and culture and heritage.

​After a review, Urbana was chosen for its “dynamic downtown, filled with unique shops and restaurants, its dedication to preserving local history, and its undeniable sense of community,” the magazine said.
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Mayor Bill Bean said this award shines a light on “all the good things that’s been happening” in the city and that “it all comes back” to the people who have opened businesses, and city and county officials.

“All of us here in Urbana have worked very hard in making our community the best it could be ... From the city, merchants and property owners to the major businesses and manufacturers that I’ve always said give us the life blood to the community,” he said. “This award exemplifies all of the hard work we all have done, and I am proud of everybody that was involved in this project and I want to thank the Ohio magazine for bestowing this award upon are city.”

Urbana became a finalist after Polly Trenor, the visitor experience representative, submitted an application to the magazine highlighting the community.

Downtown Urbana has 31 shops and 12 eateries. There will be an additional full service restaurant, named Eatly, as well as two new clothing boutiques and a jewelry store opening soon, Neer said.

Since becoming director in 2019, Neer said she’s gotten “so much joy” watching the changes and growth in the city.
“This honor feels like a stepping stone toward even greater things and it gives myself and the staff at our Chamber motivation to keep that momentum going for our whole county,” she said.

​Richard Ebert, director of the Champaign Economic Partnership, echoed Neer, saying it’s an honor to be recognized for having “something very special.”

“The continued progress is attracting both long time residents and new comes to enjoy what all we have to offer ... Everyone involved with this should be commended as we build the foundation for a better future for Urbana and Champaign County,” he said.

To celebrate this achievement, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau held a special ceremony on Saturday in downtown Urbana. The day also featured an exhibit showcasing the many businesses and organization that played a role in earning this honor.

“What an honor it is to enjoy this special recognition for our community. Henry Ford once said, ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a success.’ My thanks to everyone for their part in making the City of Urbana one of Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns,” Bean said.
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Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometown honorees will be featured in the November/December 2024 and July/August 2025 issues of the magazine, as well as online at ohiomagazine.com.

Business leaders with an interest in occupational services available from Memorial can also attend the next Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn that will be combined with the March Meeting of the Champaign County Safety Council.
 
The topic will cover “Understanding the 5 W’s and 1 H of Occupational Health for your business.” The presenters will be David A. Tanner, DO, Medical Director for Memorial Occupational Health; Derek Gibson, Senior Manager for Employer Partnerships; and Joseph Gantz, RN, BSN, Occupational Health Director. Highlights of the presentation will include:

• what steps to take when handling a BWC claim
• where to send an employee for injury care (Occupational Health clinic vs Urgent Care vs ER)
• when to implement pre-employment physical exams and how those can help alleviate possible BWC claims in the future
• who should be utilizing pre-hire drug testing and what options are available – plus, why it is beneficial in today’s work environment.

Details for the event are:

• Tuesday, March 19 (11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. and the program will begin promptly at 12 p.m.
• Madison- Champaign ESC (2200 US-68, Urbana, OH 43078).
• A $15 fee will be charged for those who are non-Safety Council members. To RSVP, email the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce at info@champaignohio.com or call (937) 653-5764.

 
Memorial Health is an independent health system based in Marysville, Ohio, which consists of Memorial Hospital’s main campus and satellite outpatient locations including Memorial City Gate Medical Center; Memorial Urbana Medical Center; Memorial Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center; Memorial Gables – a skilled nursing facility; Memorial Medical Group – a network of 53 physicians and mid-level providers with office locations throughout Marysville, Plain City, Richwood, and Urbana; and the Memorial Health Foundation. To learn more, visit memorialohio.com.

OhioMeansJobs Champaign County can help those looking to improve their skills, from interviewing to writing a resume. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:00, Ohio Means Jobs is located in the Community Building in suite J100. You can call them at 937-484-1581 or go online to https://www.champaigndjfs.org/ohiomeansjobs.html. 

One obstacle especially for small or mid-sized companies is simply having the resources to start the process. For those looking for answers, check out FASTLANE. As part of the West Central Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), FASTLANE is a great resource for those looking to take the next step for their company. Located within the University of Dayton Research Institute, the staff are experts at helping manufacturers get up to speed quickly, finding the right solution for their business. The CEP is proud of their continued partnership with FASTLANE. They have been a large supporter of the Manufacturing HR council, helping our local manufacturers with work force development. Check them out at https://fastlane-mep.org/.