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. ​

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 [email protected]. ​

The building has been vacant for over 10 years.

“We’re going to see new work, new life, new employees in this building,” said Champaign Economic Partnership Director Marcia Bailey.
​
Securing the building and cleaning up the site took the team effort of private and public partnerships like the City of Urbana, the Champaign Economic Partnership and True Inspection Services, LLC, a full-service commercial inspection, engineering and construction management company.

TIS is now the owner of 12.6 of the 20 acre site, including the building. TIS Executive Vice President Joe Timm said three tenants will move into the building after its restoration – TIS, Community Health and Wellness Partners out of Logan County and The Door Shop, which is a commercial door company.

Project partners hope that after the work is completed, other investors will be drawn to build on space behind the building and part of the site’s acreage on the other side of the bike path.

The JMC project piggybacks off of the ongoing development of the FC Legacy Place senior living project that will transform the former North and South elementary schools and the Douglas Inn into affordable senior housing.

“We’re kind of looking at this as the anchor client or anchor site for helping redevelop this whole neighborhood,” Timm said.
​
Construction bids for the project will go out soon, and the businesses are expected to move in by fall 2021.

Once work is completed, TIS – a minority-owned, full-service commercial inspection, engineering and construction management company – will occupy the building’s second floor, moving from its current South Main Street location.
 
Community Health & Wellness Partners (CHWP), which offers a full range of primary medical care including behavioral health services in Bellefontaine, Indian Lake and West Liberty, will open a newly approved Urbana location on the first floor of 605 Miami St. by late fall 2021. The Health Resource Service Administration has also granted CHWP approval to open a school-based health center in West Liberty-Salem Schools in early 2021, CHWP President/CEO Tara Bair said.
 
The third business – The Door Shop, a commercial door and hardware distributor – will have light manufacturing and warehouse operations at the site.
 
The former Q3 JMC building is the fourth major vacant structure in Urbana to be given a new lease on life this fall. It joins the Douglas Hotel and the former Urbana North and South Elementary Schools, which are being restored and renovated for FC Legacy Place, a total of 51 affordable senior apartments.
 
“Both projects have moved forward thanks to strong public-private partnerships, of government and business working together to obtain the necessary funding and provide the expertise to bring plans to reality,” said Marcia Bailey, director of the Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP), Champaign County’s economic development agency.
 
Bailey credits the Champaign County Board of Revision for helping set the wheels in motion for the Q3 JMC project when it approved in 2015 the City of Urbana’s request to obtain the property free of unpaid back property taxes and other encumbrances after no one bid on the property at a sheriff’s sale.
 
The city took ownership of the 20-acre site in 2017, said Doug Crabill, community development manager who has managed the project for the city. After that the city pursued redevelopment of the property, to clear it of contamination and prepare it for development by new owners.
 
Bailey assisted the city in reaching an agreement with TIS, the city’s development partner, to oversee the site cleanup and redevelopment. “They were the only company that came forward with interest in renovating the building and turning the brownfield into a greenfield for business development,” Bailey said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to find an end user for the property because of the contamination that had to be removed.”
 
On behalf of TIS, Bailey wrote an application for a JobsOhio Site Redevelopment Pilot Program grant to help fund the work.
 
JobsOhio, encouraged by the number of community partners involved, awarded TIS a reimbursable grant of $883,947 to help cover the cost of demolition, environmental remediation, asbestos abatement, removal and disposal of waste, and site preparation. The city provided $348,435 in matching funds, and TIS contributed $116,145.
 
TIS has acquired 12.6 acres on the east side of the 20-acre redevelopment site, including the Q3 JMC building. The remaining portion of the 20-acre site is being readied to be marketed for business development, Crabill said.
 
Timm said TIS’s new location will “help take us to the next step in the growth of our company, to hire more personnel and expand our operations.” In addition, he said, some of the 12.6-acre parcel that the former Q3 JMC building sits on will be developed for sale to other businesses.
 
“The building will be an anchor for future development on the rest of the property, restore jobs lost when Q3 JMC closed, and generate tax revenue for our community,” Bailey said.  
 
Kerry Brugger, Urbana’s director of administration, said, “We’re excited to see the building come back into productive use. It’s a great project for our community. It eliminates a severe safety and health nuisance for the community and will retain and create jobs.”
 
Of TIS, he said, “It’s been a pleasure working with them. They’ve been an excellent partner to work with.”
​

​Recently, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the administration, in partnership with the General Assembly, developed a package of more than $419.5 million CARES Act funding to help Ohioans.
 
The package includes $125 million in CARES Act funding to provide grants to small businesses with no more than 25 employees. The grant funding will help businesses pay for a variety of expenses, including mortgage or rent payments; utility payments; salaries, wages, or compensation for employees and contractors; business supplies or equipment; and other costs.
 
Each business that meets the criteria and submits a complete application will be eligible for a grant of $10,000 in accordance with the following guidelines:

• $44 million of the grant funds will be set aside to ensure businesses in all 88 counties receive funding. 50 businesses will be funded in each county.
• As applications are approved on a first-come, first-served basis, grants will be awarded first from each county’s allocation.
• When a county’s allocation is depleted, grants will be awarded from the remainder of funding on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of the business’ location in Ohio.
• If Development does not receive eligible applications sufficient to award all 50 grants to businesses in each county within the first 21 days after the application is opened, the remaining funds allocated to that county will be available to businesses regardless of their location in Ohio.

​Applications and grant guidelines are available here: 
www.champaignworks.com/CARESGrantChampaignCounty 

Application deadline is November 13, 2020 at 5:00 pm. Due to the short application period, we recommend you apply as soon as possible.  In order to assist you, please send your questions to [email protected].
​
Businesses are also encouraged to visit https://businesshelp.ohio.gov for additional assistance.  Governor DeWine announced CARES Act funding through the State of Ohio for small business and others that have been impacted financially by the pandemic

By: Jenna Lawson, WHIO
View video of the announcement on WHIO's website
There were many points in the last five years that community partners thought ‘Legacy Place’ might never happen.

It took time to capture nearly $13 million in funding sources, including historic tax credits – not to mention delays due to the pandemic. But on Thursday, partners announced the funds were released and they are able to move forward with the project. It’s possible construction could start within the next week.

‘Legacy Place’ transforms the Douglas Inn in downtown Urbana and two former elementary schools (North & South) into affordable senior housing. 51 units will be created for those 55 and older, with six of them being devoted to people with disabilities.

“It’s just a real renaissance for Urbana,” Mayor Bill Bean told News Center 7′s Jenna Lawson.

Duane Miller, with development company Flaherty & Collins and also president of F & C Legacy Place, said the project accomplishes two goals: turning three vacant properties into useful properties and filling the need for affordable senior housing in Urbana.

“I love to jump into the skin of a community that’s looking for help and looking for opportunities to spur on their own development,” he said.

The Douglas has been vacant since 2004 and has long been a large eyesore on the southwest corner of Monument Square. The building has somewhat deteriorated and was the target of multiple arson fires in 2019.

The former owner of the property, John Doss, has done work to stabilize the structure. The elementary schools, despite being about 100 years old, are in solid shape, partners said.

The timeline for the project will move quickly. Developers estimate about six months to complete both elementary schools and a little over a year to finish the Douglas. Partners are hopeful that the project will have a positive domino effect on other aspects of Urbana living including neighboring businesses and housing.

“We may see some of those seniors who may move in here and now their single family homes are available for a new families to move in,” said director of the Champaign Economic Partnership, Marcia Bailey.

Bailey added that this solution also preserves the history of all three buildings for the community to enjoy for decades to come. “Having these buildings standing as they are and being repurposed is a huge win for our community,” she said.

Other partners in the project include the City of Urbana, Urbana City Schools and Resident Supports and Services, Inc., which provides housing for seniors and adults with developmental disabilities.