A Decade of Collaboration, Revitalization, and Economic Progress in Champaign County
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. 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.
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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 |
All drone photography courtesy of Jassen Dobyns of UAVisions LLC. Additional photography courtesy of Dave Millner of the Champaign Camera Group.
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