GROW LICKING COUNTY CIC MEANS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

As Your Commissioner I am Pleased To Report Excellent Economic Development News For Our Community! Especially pleasing are the positive results from the work of Dan Evers, the Director of ‘Grow Licking County’, our Community Development Corporation for Economic Development. This CIC is a collaboration of the Greater Licking County Chamber of Commerce; The Newark, Heath, Licking County Port Authority; and Licking County Government. The good news includes job retention, new job creation and a declining unemployment rate…

ASCENA TO GROW AND EXPAND IN LICKING COUNTY

Ascena Retail Group, Incorporated expects to create 225 full-time positions, generating $6.7 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $10.2 million in existing payroll as a result of the company's expansion project in Etna Township (Licking County). Ascena Retail Group, Inc. is a leading national specialty retailer of apparel for women and tween girls, operating through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Justice, Lane Bryant, Maurices, Dressbarn, and Catherines brands. The Southwest Licking Local School District, the Licking County Commissioners and the State of Ohio approved a 60 percent, 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

MENLO LOGISTICS TO EXPAND IN ETNA

Menlo Logistics Incorporated expects to create 63 full-time positions, generating $2 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $714,000 in existing payroll as a result of the company's expansion project also in Etna Township (Licking County.) Menlo Logistics specializes in the integration of all functions across the supply chain, from sourcing of raw materials, through product manufacturing and distribution. The State approved a 45 percent, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

IMPROVING UNEMPLOYMENT PICTURE

It appears that more people are working in east central Ohio. According to County by County statistics released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Licking and all surrounding counties saw their unemployment rate drop from July to August. Licking County had a 6.1 percent rate last month, down from 6.6 percent in July. Though its rate dropped 8-tenths of a percent Coshocton County had the highest rate in the immediate area, at 9.2-percent. Ohio’s unemployment rate was 7.2 percent last month.

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

On Monday evening, October 1st, I had the honor of speaking at the County wide kick-off for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on the Square in downtown Newark. As a community reminder and a ‘beacon of hope’ – this entire month the tower of the Historic County Courthouse is bathed in pink illumination and the clock faces are pink as well. It is a visual reminder of the on going search of a cure and a reminder for those at risk to be proactive in their health care monitoring.

LICKING COUNTY'S ENERGY CONSERVATION PHASE TWO PROJECT UNDERWAY

State Air Quality Development Authority Approves Phase II of Licking County’s Energy Efficiency Overhaul of County Buildings… Licking County is proceeding with Phase 2 of its energy efficiency overhaul of ten county buildings following the authorization this past month of up to $2.2 million in financing by the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA). In September 2011, the county received $4.7 million in OAQDA financing for the first phase of the overall project. Under Phase 2, Licking County has contracted with Energy Systems Group for $794,900 in energy infrastructure upgrades at the Justice Center, and also with Johnson Controls for $1,168,311 in additional overhauls at the Administration Building, Domestic Courts Building, Parking Garage, Family Intervention Services, Historic Jail, Pataskala County Office, Litter and Recycling Building, Zerger Hall and the Title Office. Energy conservation measures at the Justice Center include building controls system renovations and heating system renovation/boiler replacements. Planned upgrades at the remaining nine buildings under the project include lighting retrofits; water conservation improvements; building envelope/insulation upgrades; heating, ventilation and air conditioning renovations; and building controls system renovations. Licking County will save more than $56,000 annually in energy costs for the Justice Center project, a figure which includes reduced operating costs and avoided future capital projects. In addition, the project will help avoid the annual emission of 212 tons of carbon dioxide, which is roughly equivalent to removing 42 cars from the road or greenhouse gas emissions from 19 homes. The project for the other nine buildings will save Licking County taxpayers more than $85,000 annually in reduced energy costs. Resulting greenhouse gas reductions will be 214 tons of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of removing 600 cars from the road or the emissions from 270 homes. “We are delighted to implement the second phase of our ongoing energy system improvements and upgrades at our county facilities. The QECB program is an ideal way to secure below-market-rate financing that might otherwise have been unavailable to us.”

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

The 64th annual Courthouse Holiday Lighting Campaign kicked-off its annual community fund raising campaign on September 26th. The annual holiday lighting of the Courthouse is the official start of the Christmas season in Licking County. This year’s 64th consecutive lighting continues a tradition that began in 1949. Generations of local families return every season for the annual lighting ceremony and to enjoy the warm glow of the holiday decorated Courthouse. This fund raising campaign has a community goal this year of $19,250. Sponsored by the Licking County Courthouse Lighting Committee this annual campaign raises monies for the installation, wiring and decorating of the Courthouse, Gazebo and the surrounding Courthouse Park. In addition, this year the Committee is continuing their efforts in the expensive conversion of the decorations and stringers from incandescent lights to more energy efficient and longer lasting LED lights. As in past years, the Lighting Committee will organize the traditional arrival of Santa and a musical program for the evening of Friday November 23rd at the Courthouse Square in downtown Newark. The Community Lighting Fundraising Campaign will run through Monday, October 15th. At the conclusion of the fund raising effort members of the Lighting Committee will determine to what extent the Courthouse and grounds will be decorated for this year’s celebration. Letters are being mailed asking area businesses, individuals and previous contributors asking for financial support for this important local tradition. Contributions are tax-deductible and may be sent to: Licking County Courthouse Lighting Committee, Post Office Box 292, Newark, Ohio 43058-0292.