PIKETON – The Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO) has reached a milestone in its campaign to support economic development in its four counties.
Since 2013, with the support of Fluor-BWXT (FBP), the organization has generated more than $1 billion in economic development by supporting local businesses in Pike, Scioto, Ross and Jackson counties. The goal is to create and retain jobs for a sustainable and strong economy.
“We are very proud of this milestone,” said Sam Brady, executive director of the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership (JCEDP), in a news release. “These businesses continue to thrive and grow, which can only benefit growth in their communities by creating more jobs and keeping local dollars local.”
Over the past 11 years, the group has provided support to major economic development projects, including:
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Meridian Automotive Remediation and Redevelopment (Jackson County) – $192,500
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Speyside Bourbon Cooperage (Jackson County) – $50,000
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Buckeye Commercial Center (Jackson County) – $50,000
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Herr Foods Jackson & Chillicothe (Jackson & Ross) – $100,000
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Rural King Distribution Center (Pike County) – $100,000
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Scioto Valley Woodworking (Pike County) – $50,000
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Pike County Airport (Pike County) – $50,000
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Kirchoff Automotive (Pike County) – $32,000
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Canal Park at Preservation Hall (Ross County) – $130,000
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Pap’s Hilltop Distillery (Ross County) – $50,000
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Nier River Road Spec Building (Ross County) – $50,000
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Evans Food Group (Scioto County) – $50,000
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SOAR Industrial Park Specification Building (Scioto County) – $50,000
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Haverhill Wastewater Study and Engineering (Scioto County) – $90,000
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Federal Supply Services International (Scioto County) – $40,000
“This is just a small portion of the support we have provided over the years,” said Tim Poe, chairman of the FBP Community Commitment Committee. “But with every contribution you feel a sense of pride, knowing that it is making a difference and will continue to make a difference for years to come.”
In addition to grants, JEDISO also provides assistance in creating new jobs through location assistance, marketing opportunities and incentives to support companies starting, relocating or expanding operations in the area.
“The underlying force here is getting resources into each of the counties we represent,” said Tammy Eallonardo, director of Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development. “This localizes our approach to growth in our region, while still allowing us to share resources across the four provinces to drive job creation and retention.”
Since its inception, JEDISO has mobilized more than $3.3 million in grants to spur regional capital investments. Annual funding from the Fluor-BWXT Opportunity Fund has led to the creation of 2,777 new jobs and the retention of 13,289 jobs.
This article originally appeared in Chillicothe Gazette: JEDISO reaches economic development milestone in 4-county region
