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2023 NORWALKECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT

NORWALKO u r t o w n o fTop 14%N a t i o n a l l y R a n k e dfor economic development among similar-sized communities2.5xt h e n a t i o n i n L e a d i n g I n d u s t r i e sManufacturing, construction, logistics, transportation &warehousing all have twice employment concentrationin Norwalk as the country 128N e w B u s i n e s s e sincorporated in the last 12 months in Norwalk Sarah RossExecutive DirectorKayla CrossEconomic Dev. AssistantAlissa FisherRISE Coordinator1D E A R N E D C I N V E S T O R S , We continue to be thankful, inspired, and held accountable by yourongoing investment in private economic development in Norwalk. It’sreassuring to know that our community is looking out for ourselvesand our future in this ever-changing economy. The region, state, andcountry are more competitive than ever for business and talent, andwe’re thankful to be investing in controlling our own destiny. It’sbeen an exciting year in economic development. New starts,groundbreakings, mergers and acquisitions, we’ve seen growthacross many company sizes and types here locally despite uncertainconditions and rising interest rates. At NEDC we welcomedEconomic Development Assistant Kayla Cross to our team andsecured new grant funding for innovative projects to meet differentneeds that you, our businesses, have shared with us. Please read onand keep in touch so we can continue to provide the best level ofservice.E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O RS a r a h R o s s

“Partners like Norwalk Economic Development are integral to ourcompany’s continued success. NEDC and the City of Norwalk’swork to foster a pro-business environment is invaluable.”Chief Executive Officer, Janotta & Herner, NEDC PresidentZACH JONES“At Don Tester Ford we are excited about Norwalk’s growth andfuture. The welcoming environment and team spirit of Norwalkmake it a great community for our employees to live, and give ourcustomers confidence in their experience and purchase with ourdealership.”General Manager, Don Tester Ford, NEDC Vice PresidentPETE LEPLEY“The City of Norwalk is proud to have amazing, dedicated staff,volunteers, residents, and partner organizations that makeNorwalk the best place to live, work, and worship. 20 years ago,we decided to enter into a progressive private-public partnershipfor economic development with NEDC and have not looked back.The seamless partnership brings many opportunities for Norwalkto expand our tax base and improve our quality of life.”Mayor of Norwalk, NEDC Board MemberDAVE LIGHT“As the county seat, Norwalk’s success means success for ourentire county. NEDC’s efforts in youth, workforce, andentrepreneurship development also support grassroots growththroughout all the small communities in Huron County and we’reproud to contribute to the public-private partnership.”Huron County Commissioner, NEDC Board Member SKIP WILDE2THE VOICES OF LOCAL LEADERS

Critical Connection B2BCritical Connection State or Local Letter of SupportProject ConsultResearchWorkforce - RecruitmentTargeted Outreachlocal site searches22projects closed4site visit secured1in incentivessecured whichretained 586 jobsand created 26 jobs$2,041,200employees atcompanies NEDCcompleted proactiveBusiness Retention &Expansion visits with1,465business attractionleads vetted68Full proposalssubmitted14BY THE NUMBERScompany/norwalknedc@NorwalkNEDC@norwalkeconomicdevelopment2858https://bit.ly/NEDCSignUp312%26%9%32%7%12%2%43points of assistancein these categories*Numbers reported January - October 2023OUR WORKWE CHAMPION PEOPLE AND ENABLE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE LOCAL ECONOMYProven results in workforce development will be highlighted including: Teacher manufacturing &business bootcamp, the Firelands Manufacturing Alliance 2-county Industry sector partnership, andcollaborative efforts with Firelands Forward. WE GENERATE WEALTH FOR OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTThis report will highlight success in connecting businesses of all sizes with tools, technical assistanceand resources through our programs and efforts such as business retention & expansion (BRE), businessattraction and RISE Regional Incubator for Sustainability & Entrepreneurship.WE STEWARD INSPIRED INVESTMENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY, LONGEVITY, AND AMPLIFICATIONWe partner with an abundance of organizations to impact more than business development. Read on tolearn about our partnerships in community and economic development.

a top 100 micropolitanNorwalk &4In 2023 Norwalk was named a “Top 100Micropolitan” in the U.S. for New & ExpandingFacilities by Site Selection Magazine. Thisachievement was recognized by GovernorMike DeWine and Ohio Department ofDevelopment who said, “Your commitmentand dedication to making a positivedifference have made your community, andOhio, a better place to live, work, and raise afamily.” Durable Corp celebrated its 100-yearanniversary and retirement of longtimeGeneral Manager Tom Secor whilecontinuing to solidify its presence inNorwalk with a warehouse expansion.Painted Cowgirl was awarded a JobsOhioInclusion Grant as a growing e-commercecompany as it invests in its distributioncapabilities. DURABLE CORPPAINTED COWGIRL WESTERN STORE Formerly CrazeWeld, this service-disabled veteranowned small business secured a JobsOhio InclusionGrant driven by growing its national customer base.Its rebrand also signifies the company’s industrialmechanical and service offerings.CW MECHANICALArmeton Engineering, a Slovenien company, not onlycelebrated its 30th anniversary, but tripled its UScustomer base and added a new line, doubling itsstaff in Norwalk. ARMETON ENGINEERING

In 2023, NEDC with support fromthe Huron County Chamber ofCommerce started a committeeand networking group for MainStreet Norwalk. The group meets bi-monthly at rotating mainstreet business locations.Attendees have enjoyedplanning promotions to bringpeople uptown. We look forwardto the future of this committee.NORWALK ARTS CENTERCOMMON GOOD COLLECTIVEOwner Courtney Winkler has shown tremendous growth andvision for her business and Main Street Norwalk sincepurchasing 36 Eleven a few years ago. This year Courtnerytook a leap of faith to further her vision to create a “homeand her” destination by adding “The Loft” at 36 Eleven.Norwalk City Council President and long-standing NEDCBoard member, Steve Euton has served on City Councilfor 30 years and continually advocated for Norwalk to bea business-driven community.With prior business experience, founder Paco Hernandezsaw a niche need in Norwalk and worked hard to create astrong business to fill the need. Mi Pueblo is located in theNorwalk Korner plaza and provides authentic ingredients forall of Norwalk’s residents.Ken Ganley Automotive Group is Ohio's largest autodealer serving 48 locations. Their 3-phase state of theart project in Norwalk is an over $15 million investmentin Norwalk.5Norwalk Arts Center continuesto make progress on therestoration and preservationof the theater. The marqueeis the largest in the state ofOhio of its kind.For Their Future opened theirstorefront, Common GoodCollective. This retail shop onMain Street Norwalk featuresmany local makers. They wereawarded an American Expressand Main Street USA SmallBusiness grant for their vision.CAUSE FOR RECOGNITION

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT2023 Huron County Teacher Business &Manufacturing BootcampHuron County BAC ispart of North PointESC’s four-countyregion whichreceived a 4-starexcellence ratingfrom the state Students look at IT careers in Huron County –inside the server room at Fisher TitusFacilitates the Huron County Business Advisory Council whichHosted the 2nd annual Teacher Business & ManufacturingBootcamp, supporting growth in 37 local teachers and4,000+ students, with over $9,000 leveraged from theState to support this effort.Hosted Student Days, introducing students to unknowncareer functions and companies based on their aptitudes -reaching 76 students in the first 2 days.Promotes training & upskilling incentives such as TechCred,Huron County OhioMeansJobs On the Job Training andIncumbent Worker Training funds. Serves on the Firelands Forward advisory board which works toalign our community around complex problems impactingworkforce development such as childcare, housing, andtransportation. Ask us about Share Mobility, the Firelands ERN,or customized childcare support for your company.Facilitates the Firelands Manufacturing Alliance – IndustrySector Partnership of Operations and HR leaders in Huron andErie Counties.NEDC believes that building a deeper pool of qualified workers iskey to fueling economic growth. NEDC works with many partners topromote talent retention, training, and upskilling. Notably, NEDC:Norwalk is a part of theGood Jobs ChallengeAs facilitators of the FirelandsManufacturing Alliance, NEDC willfunction as a critical service provideras part of a federal grant awarded tothe Ohio Manufacturers Associationfor a 3-year workforce development action plan focused on recruiting and upskillingmanufacturing workers across the state. We’repleased to partner with BGSU Firelands and FirelandsForward to train and retain 50 young people.6

The RISE Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, a joint partnership with Erie CountyEconomic Development Corporation and BGSU Firelands, continues to grow, supporting localentrepreneurs through start up and scale with professional business coaching and critical connections toresources. In its second year the BGSU Small Business Symposium attracted speakers from all over Ohioranging from keynote Andrea Flack Weatherald to Norwalk’s own Erin Lydy of Risen Path Consulting. 7ENTREPRENEURSHIP1-on-1 businessadvising sessions172Unique entrepreneursfrom 13 communities122Attendees at 13workshops & events347In 2023 RISE launched an initiative in youthentrepreneurship so that youth can understandand experience entrepreneurship as well asthe skills entrepreneurship teaches such ascreative problem solving, succinct expressionof ideas, self-confidence, critical thinking,overcoming adversity, etc. RISE conducted a“train the trainer” model, hosting 5 cohort callswith area teachers to help them implement thecurriculum with their students. Three schoolscompleted the program. Students participatingon final pitch day received advice and supportfrom the panel of local “judges” as well ascash prizes for winning pitches.Youth Pitch ChallengeStudents and judges at the 2023 Pitch ChallengeBrianna Miller, 2023 Pitch Challenge Finalist Thank you to the GeotracFoundation for making programs likethe Youth Pitch Challenge possible

8RISE Coordinator Alissa Fisher poseswith the 2023 Small BusinessSymposium keynote speaker AndreaFlack Wetherald, creator of MindfulImprov Thinking from the Akron area.Attendees of the 2023 Small Business Symposiumparticipated in several breakout sessions. Pictured here,participants of the Mindful Improv session play through animprovisation activity. 2023 SMALL BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM: TAKING CHARGE OF CHANGEChange is the only constant. Business leaders found tools, resources and community to take charge of change.CELEBRATING & SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS 27 attendees at the 2023 Introduction toQuickBooks Online Seminar listen to EHOVE’sQuickBooks instructor, Heather Kreischer. RISE Coordinator, Alissa Fisher, ED Assistant,Kayla Cross, visit Sarah Smith at her store,Common Good Collective, during National SmallBusiness Week (April 30th-May 6th 2023).

Regions have always led the way in economic development as corporate location decisions are based onregional markets. And as our lives and commuting patterns are becoming more and more regional, NEDC’sstrategies are as well. 9RAISING THE PROFILE OF THE REGION Norwalk is within a 500-mile radius of:of the US population(136,718,736 in 2022)41% of the US manufacturingemployment (7,451,093in 2022)48%of US buying power*(~$4.8 trillion in 2022)42%NEDC launched “CommunityDevelopment sectors”, a toolto improve quality of life byempowering residents tostimulate and create positivechange – i.e. the communityoutreach efforts of Mini MainSt, Monroeville.Tim Schneider from the Officeof U.S. Senator JD Vancepresents NEDC with acertificate recognizing NEDC’swork providing opportunitiesfor businesses and residents.NEDC and partners pose atBGSU Center for RegionalDevelopment’s State of theRegion conference andworkshop.U.S. Congressman Bob Lattaspeaks with the Plant Managerat Lakeside Book Company asNEDC hosted the congressmanto meet with top employers.Fisher Titus broke ground onthe Willard Health Center.

10NEDC enjoys working with many community partners andagencies to support economic development and communitygrowth. COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHuron County Land Bank is leading the way in bringing the full resourcesof the Ohio Department of Development to the community to achieveredevelopment goals. We’re thankful for their partnership in theredevelopment of 78 Benedict Ave.We worked with FirelandsForward workforcedevelopment collaborative togenerate a regional housingstudy. Huron County has ahousing gap of 1,699 units forrent and 2,094 units for sale ata variety of affordability levels. Have you seen the report? Visitfirelandsforward.com/regional-housing-studyCOMING IN 2024...Did you know Norwalk is in the ‘Path of Totality’ for the April 8, 2024total solar eclipse? The Huron County Chamber of Commerce isserving as the information and resource hub for this once in ageneration event which will bring thousands of visitors to.our area. Visit norwalkeclipse2024.com to learn moreor text huroncountyeclipse2024 to 69310 to sign upfor alerts. View NEDC’s eclipse business preparednesswebinars at norwalknedc.com/events/webinarrecap.

11CITY ON THE MOVEThe City of Norwalk is celebrating many great accomplishments in 2023. Most notably - the completion ofthe 2-mile multi-use path, assisting local businesses with economic development by selling sections of theunneeded railroad right-of-way and receiving a record $12 million in grant funds. There have been multipleinfrastructure projects to enhance economic growth along with major upgrades to the Ernsthausen AquaticCenter.Current and former City officials cut the ribbon atthe newly completed 10-foot-wide, 2 mile long paththat connects the Alex Waite Trail at the reservoiron Old State Road with the Ernsthausen RecreationCenter at 100 Republic St.MULTI-USE BIKE PATHThe City supported and worked hand in hand withthe dedicated volunteers from Restore Norwalk tocomplete the splash pad and mural at Suhr Park.SPLASH PADAnother group of committedvolunteers along with the City, thePaul Brown Birthplace Committeefurther enhanced Suhr Park whilehonoring Norwalk history as thebirthplace of Paul Brown.PAUL BROWN NEDC works hand in hand with theCity. We are proud to have a longstanding seamless partnershipwith the support of the Mayor, CityCouncil, and staff. Many of thesequality of life amenities help makeNorwalk an attractive place forcorporations and their employeesto grow. Learn more atnorwalknedc.com/movehome

12Norwalk RevitalizationCorporation forms,completes uptownrevival project1994NRC broadens its missionto become the leadeconomic developmentorganization for theNorwalk area,reincorporates as theNorwalk EconomicDevelopment Corporation2003NEDC brings SCOREBusiness mentorshipprogram to Norwalk2004NEDC’s BusinessAppreciation Week winsaward fromInternational EconomicDevelopment Council2008NEDC attracts BorgersGroup to Norwalk2015NEDC respondsto COVID-19with SmallBusinessStabilizationgrants2020NEDC helps securegrant funding forbrownfield remediationof Norwalk Foundry2006New Horizons Baking Coexpands, adds rail spur2009NEDC partners with ErieCounty EDC to host RISERegional Incubator forSustainability &Entrepreneurship 2018Thank you to our volunteer leaders:Bob Andrews Phillip Annarino Bill Bader, Jr.Trina BediakoAlex Beres Doug Berry Zach BleileKyle BundschuhDr. Brent BurkeyDenny Camp David Cataldi Rob Duncan Roger Endsley Diane Eschen Steve EutonJohn Evans Becky Fair Chyllaum Foster Steve FrankfatherHarold Freeman Steve Fries Chuck Furey Jim Gerken Jochen Harmeling Ellen Heinz Jeff Huber Augie Ingoglia Melissa James Donna Jenkins Zach Jones Dean Keesling Jessica KhalediDr. Andy Kurtz Jill Lantz John LendrumPete Lepley Sue LeschDave Light Jim LimbirdDel MacDonald Pat Makowski Pat Martin Erich Metzger Reyna Moore Tanya Morrow Harpak MozaffariJeff Myatt Derek Newell Tom OlakMike Porter Andy PrutsokJim Ramsey David ReedDeb Reed Jackie Reed Michelle Reeder Cindy Rich Ken Schafer Jason Schaffer Dan Schloemer Tom Secor Jill Slater Thomas Stoll Shawn Tappel David Tatro Albert Tegel Dwight Tkach Steve Trosley Kevin Wadsworth Ron Waite Sandi WeltlinLisa Whaley Tony Whitacre Peg Whitehurst Jim Wiedenheft Skip Wilde Holger Wissel Steve Zigo Board Members 2003 - 2023

13NEDC INVESTOR WINSBelow are a few select examples of companies that invest in NEDC as an investment in our community andeconomic growth. These are examples of their accomplishments in their own companies in 2023. Sheri’s is roasting their own coffee andredefining the modern coffeeexperience with electric roasting, fairtrade sourcing, and sustainablepackaging designed in collaborationwith the Norwalk Historical Society. Thisis truly Norwalk’s coffee!FIRELANDS COFFEE CO.Flickinger Insurance improved their Main Stbuilding’s façade with new paint, hardware,and design elements. FLICKINGER INSURANCEAt their 46th Annual Cornwell ToolsNight Under Fire, Summit MotorsportsPark celebrated their 60/50Anniversary.SUMMIT MOTORSPORTS PARKNorwalk Concrete Industries will have a record yearsupplying construction projects in Ohio. Above, employeesvisit a box culvert installation at the entrance to Lake ErieArms.NORWALK CONCRETE INDUSTRIESVacationLand Federal Credit Union opened a new 3,600 sqft.branch at 26 Executive Drive to better serve their growing HuronCounty membership.VACATIONLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONAfter the acquisition of the Borgers Automotive business in April2023, Autoneum is proceeding with the organizationalintegration of Borgers into the Business Groups Europe, NorthAmerica, and Asia.AUTONEUMTUFTEX Balloons by Maple City Rubber, held a conference inCleveland, the TUFTEX EXPERIENCE; almost 400 balloonartists and industry professionals participated in nightlysocials & classes.TUFTEX

14Thank You NEDC Investors Diamond $7,500+City of NorwalkCivista BankFisher-Titus HealthGeotrac FoundationHuron CountyPlatinum $5,000 AutoneumCroghan Colonial BankFamily Health ServicesFirelands Federal Credit UnionJanotta & Herner, Inc.New Horizons Baking CompanyNISSHA Medical TechnologiesPNC Foundation Silver $1,000Battles InsuranceContractors Design EngineeringDurable CorporationEvans Funeral HomeFirst National BankFlickinger InsuranceMark Schaffer Excavating & TruckingNorthern Ohio Truck Center, Inc.Oglesby Construction Inc.Riley Contracting, IncTusing Builders & Roofing Services Smith Paving & Excavating IncVacationLand FCUWheeling & Lake Erie RRWm Dauch Concrete Co. Bronze $500Bo Lacey ConstructionCW MechanicalCustom Metal WorksDave’s Food Mart Inc.Don Tester Ford LincolnEdward Jones-Thomas Schubert Great Lakes ElectricIntelliworks HT, LLCMaple City IceMithril Thrax (BellevueMfg.)Norwalk Area Visitors BureauPhil Leak Company R&D Equipment, Inc.Shaker Village Rental Communities LTDTuffman EquipmentWasniak Construction, Inc. Associate $250Bluto’s Hometown TavernBradford, Jason - Edward JonesBradford, Joe - Edward JonesCandace ChapinCatering by DesignChristian Roberts Salon, Inc. Davis, Bradley & Sarah - Edward Jones Fisher’s Transmission Howard Hanna-Norma Schaechterle Huber, Jeff & LaurieHoty EnterprisesHuron County Chamber of CommerceLepley, Andrea - Edward JonesMaple City RubberNobil’s Sports & TrophiesNorwalk Golf Properties (Eagle Creek)OHM AdvisorsPrime PlasticsRemax Frank VanDresserRJ Beck Protective Systems Inc.Sandy Ridge Winery, LLCSeitz Design & Construction, IncSheri’s Coffee HouseStein, Olsen & Stang LLCSommers Family DentistryThe Lonz Law Firm, LLCThe Norwalk Waste Materials Tucker Escrow & Title ServiceWalker Eastman Heydinger Funeral Home WestaffGold $2,500American Timber & SteelKeyBankLake Erie ConstructionPayne, Nickles & Company, CPAPloger TransportationSummit Motorsports ParkNorwalk Concrete IndustriesNorweco, Inc.Norwalk Custom Order Furniture

www.norwalknedc.com | 419-668-9858 | 12 Benedict Ave2023 Norwalk Economic Development Corporation Board of DirectorsZach Jones, Board President | CEO, Janotta & HernerPete Lepley, Board President Elect | VP/General Manager, Don Tester Ford Kyle Bundschuh, Board Treasurer | Payne, Nickles & Co.Tanya Morrow, Board Vice-President | President, Ploger Transportation Zach Bleile, Board Secretary | Estimator, Lake Erie ConstructionJohn Lendrum, Past Board President | President, Norwalk Concrete IndustriesDr. Brent Burkey | CEO, Fisher Titus Medical CenterSteve Euton |City Council President Chyllaum Foster | Director of Human Resources, New Horizons Baking Co. Jeff Huber | VP Commercial Lender, Civista Bank Jill Lantz | Human Resources Manager, NISSHA Medical Technologies Dave Light | Mayor, City of NorwalkHarpak Mozaffari | President/CEO, Borgers Ohio, Inc.Derek Newell | VP/Commercial Loans, Croghan Colonial BankJackie Reed | Branch Manager, KeyBankJason Schaffer | Mark Schaffer Excavating & Trucking, Inc.David Tatro | CEO, Family Health ServicesSandi Weltlin | Finance Director, City of NorwalkLisa Whaley | Branch Manager, Firelands Federal Credit Union Bruce (Skip) Wilde | Huron County Commissioner