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Urbana named best hometown by Ohio Magazine

11/12/2024

 
By Brooke Spurlock, Springfield News Sun
The City of Urbana was named Best Hometown by Ohio Magazine, which celebrates the “vibrant community, rich history and contributions” of its residents and organizations.

“Being named a Best Hometown by Ohio Magazine is not only an exciting honor for our community, but it also brings tangible benefits that can directly impact our city,” said Sara Neer, executive director of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.
Urbana Best Hometown
The City of Urbana was named Best Hometown by Ohio Magazine. To celebrate this achievement, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau held a special ceremony on Second Saturday, Nov. 9, in downtown Urbana. Front row, from left to right: Editor of Ohio Magazine Jim Vickers, police Chief Matt Lingrell, Mayor Bill Bean, Chamber Director Sara Neer, Visitors Representative Polly Trenor, Director of GrandWorks Stacy Weller. Back row, left to right: Urbana City School Superintendent Charles Thiel, Kalen Howell Sr. Jamon Sellman and Justin Weller. Contributed/Tammi Feehan for Urbana Tomorrow.
“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.”

Best Hometowns in Ohio - Urbana
The City of Urbana was named Best Hometown by Ohio Magazine. To celebrate this achievement, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau held a special ceremony on Second Saturday, Nov. 9, in downtown Urbana. Contributed/Tammi Feehan for Urbana Tomorrow.
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.

Memorial Health Expands Occupational Health Services for Urbana/Champaign County Businesses

2/28/2024

 
Memorial Health Urbana Occupational Therapy
​Memorial Health is expanding its Occupational Health services for those businesses and entities in the Champaign County area. The organization’s Occupational Health services include injury care, employee wellness, pre-employment physicals and fitness-for-duty exams, drug testing, immunizations and much more.
 
The new full-time clinic hours are now 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. During these expanded hours, Memorial providers and nursing staff are available to provide employee healthcare services and injury management/treatment. Memorial Occupational Health is located at 1958 E. U.S. Highway 36 in Urbana. To learn more about the Occupational Health program at Memorial, call (937) 578-2256.

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New Board Members

4/12/2023

 
We want to welcome our newest CEP Board Members - Addie King and Pat Thackery! 
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Pat Thackery
"Thank you for your consideration in bringing me back on to the CEP Board. I am entering my third term serving as an elected member of the Urbana City Council. I am the proud owner of Cafe Paradiso for the last 17years. I play an active role as Real Estate developer in downtown Urbana. I have served two terms on CEP board. I have served as past chairman of the Champaign County Visitor's Bureau. I have served as President of the Downtown Merchant’s Association for Urbana. I have served in the past on the Design Review Board as a member. "

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Addie King
Addie J. King is a Champaign County native, and 1994 graduate of West Liberty-Salem. She earned a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in criminal justice and minoring in psychology at Ohio Northern University in 1998, and earned a law degree from the University of Dayton in 2001. After working for the City of Dayton prosecutor’s office, the Champaign County prosecutor’s office, and the Champaign County Child Support Enforcement agency, Addie opened King Law Offices, LPA LLC in Urbana, Ohio in August 2018, where she handles criminal and OVI defense, family law, guardian ad litem work, end of life documents, appeals, and juvenile delinquency cases. Addie is also a published fiction author and editor, with six novels and fourteen short stories in print. She is married, with a stepson and a daughter. 

Champaign County is expanding

2/13/2023

 
Our area is busy with expansion. With each expansion it means that these manufacturer's see the value in continuing to invest in our community. It also means more investment dollars staying right here. We’ve had 2 manufacturers expand and 2 new developments this past year that brings over $ 50 million dollars to Champaign County. Expansion also means more jobs. We have new commitments of over 80 new jobs with over 2 million dollars in new payroll. The CEP is proud of our local partnerships. Together we are making Champaign County a destination. 

OhioMeansJobs Champaign County, a resource for our community

1/30/2023

 
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OhioMeansJobs Champaign County, conveniently located inside the Champaign County Community Building.
During a discussion at a local manufacturer, a parent asked if someone coming to apply needs a resume. The answer, yes. The HR department told us that one of the struggles they find is applicants either have no resume or it is incomplete. Making a good first impression can make or break a chance at getting hired. Luckily, we have a local organization that can help future employees. 
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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. 

FASTLANE offers resources to local manufacturers

1/30/2023

 
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 Research tells us we have a worker shortage but fails telling companies what they can do about it. Some are adjusting schedules and allowing remote working which can help. For manufacturers however, these solutions are not always an option. For a number of manufacturers, advanced manufacturing can be a solution. 
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/. 

KTH: A manufacturer of continued growth

1/24/2023

 
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KTH Parts Industries Production Floor. Photo from KTH Parts Industries
The CEP recently had the privilege of visiting one of our largest manufacturers, KTH industries. Over the several decades they have been in Champaign County, KTH has gone through many expansions. Now at over a million square feet, KTH remains a top employer for our area. They take pride in promoting from within the company. With management that started their career on the production line, you get a sense of family. They also have education opportunities, both on site and off. We spoke to an associate who is currently taking college classes, paid for by KTH. KTH also offers a great benefits package to employees. Speaking to the leadership, they have a focus to grow and diversify as a company, which will help them to remain a stable employer for decades to come. CEP is grateful for the partnership we continue to have with KTH. 

Steps to start a business in the new year

1/9/2023

 
A new year means resolutions for many. Maybe you have decided this is the year you begin something new. If one of those dreams is to start your own business but you don’t know where to begin, look no farther that the CEP. We have a complete playbook on our website that takes you through the steps to begin a new business.

If you have any questions, contact us directly at 937-653-7200 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]

Champaign County Career Fair 2023

1/9/2023

 
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Happy New Year! Are you looking for a new career? Are you a student who is thinking about your future? Or maybe you have been laid off from a previous job. Champaign County is unique in that we have several large manufacturers here. We also have several small and mid-size companies. The sky is the limit when it comes to opportunities. This February, the CEP is partnering with the BAC and the Manufacturing HR council to bring you a career expo on February 22nd from 8 AM - 6 PM. Juniors and Seniors from area schools will have the ability to explore various career opportunities in a unique, hands-on experience. Then, from 2:30-6:00 we will be hosting a traditional career fair which will be open to the public. We are so excited to bring this opportunity to the community. For more information, click on the link. Or reach out to the BAC or the CEP.

Parker TruTec: A leader in the coating industry

12/12/2022

 
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​Since 1988, Parker Trutec has provided coating and heat treatment services to a variety of industries here in Urbana. Nihon Parkerizing established the first plant in Urbana, opening a second plant shortly after in Springfield. Originally known as simply Trutec, the company went through a name change several years ago.
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​In 2001, the Urbana plant also went through an expansion. Today, Parker Trutec still stands as leader in the coating industry. Check them out at https://www.parkertrutec.com/.
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CEP Office Location:
1512 South US Highway 68, Bay 14,
Urbana, Ohio 43078

Mailing Address: 
PO Box 268, Urbana Ohio 43078
937-653-7200
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All drone photography courtesy of Jassen Dobyns of UAVisions LLC. Additional photography courtesy of ​Dave Millner of the Champaign Camera Group.
Website by Berry Digital Solutions, LLC
Urbana, Ohio
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