CEP and Champaign County, Ohio Economic Project News and Developments

New Board Members

4/12/2023

We want to welcome our newest CEP Board Members - Addie King and Pat Thackery!

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. "

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

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.

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

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

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 cepdirector@cepohio.com or cepinfo@cepohio.com

Champaign County Career Fair 2023

1/9/2023

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

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.

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/.

A history of Rosewood Machine and Tool Company

12/5/2022

Rosewood Machine and Tool Company is a small but mighty manufacturer located Rosewood. Started in 1970, Rosewood Machine and Tool continues to make its mark in the manufacturing world. Duane Hellman founded the company which started as tractor repair, eventually adding machining.

Today they are a single source vendor for machining, tooling and making custom equipment. They specialize in difficult or hard to find parts. We congratulate Rosewood Machine and Tool and look forward to many more years of success.

A History of Q3

11/16/2022

Interested in the history of the Q3 building?

What started out as a railroad operating supplies manufacturer, the building at 605 Miami St has had a few owners. Johnson Manufacturing Company was the first owner. Eventually they sold the business to Q3 becoming Q3 JMC Inc. That company vacated in 2008 leaving the building empty until the city took ownership in 2017 and finally TIS purchased the property in 2020.