Economic Development
Economic Development:
Progress through Partnership
The term Economic Development is used widely and sometimes serves as an unexciting catch-all for work that has something to do with growing business. However, economic development – at its best – is anything but dull. The collaborative nature of true economic development in today’s business climate makes the process dynamic and forward-looking with a focus on community investment and growth through job creation.
In Clinton County and all around the country, today’s economic development efforts are multi-tier, multi-partner processes which require shared vision to be successful.
Currently the county is seeing signs of growth on multiple fronts. Existing companies continue to grow and invest, and investment from new companies signifies recognition and market validation of the value that a Clinton County location provides. Beth Huber, with the Clinton County Port Authority, remarks there is an increasing employment diversity in the local economy, as well. “We are fortunate that incoming business ventures will require both skilled labor as well as entry level. It’s also a real plus that we can offer increased training and educational opportunities for tech-related employment throughout the county.”
A record number of entrepreneurs and first-time business owners, along with established corporations, have chosen the Wilmington area to stake a claim in the market, grow businesses, and raise families. Clinton County is thriving once again thanks to the efforts of many groups and individuals who believe in this community we call home.
Economic Development Partners
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Our historic downtown is home to locally owned businesses of all kinds, and Main Street Wilmington works to promote those existing businesses and to open the doors to new opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish a downtown home. We also organize community events and work on beautification projects to make our downtown an inviting and vibrant place to be.
Trevor Shoemaker, President - Board of Directors
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The Clinton County Port Authority is a special purpose government formed to operate transportation infrastructure and lead economic development efforts. Designated by the County, the City of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Community Improvement Corporation as the lead Economic Development agency for Clinton County, it coordinates with the Dayton Development Coalition and JobsOhio to attract jobs to, and retain jobs in, the area. It owns and operates the Wilmington Air Park, an integrated aviation and logistics business park located on 1,900 acres with nearly three million square feet of industrial, office, and hangar space. It is the highest volume cargo airport in Ohio, is ranked 25th in the U.S., and was named Best Airport in Ohio in 2020 and 2021. Learn more about the Port Authority at ChooseClintonCountyOH.org.
Alex Beres, Executive Director
aberes@ccportauthority.com,
937-655-7007
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The Clinton County Regional Planning Commission strives to be an agent of regional cooperation and a guardian for the future and efficient utilization of resources. Serving Clinton County for nearly 50 years, the Commission is the most diverse in the County and charged with the “physical, social and economic development” of the Clinton County area.
This Commission is tasked with preparing plans on long range programming; promoting understanding of and recommending administrative and regulatory measures to implement plans; contracting if needed to facilitate planning activities; reviewing, evaluating and making comments on amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and zoning amendments; providing planning assistance to other units of local government; and, administering the County Subdivision Regulations.
Connor Rigney, Executive Director
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The Clinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau plays a big part in the economic growth in Clinton County. We have many amenities and pertinent information regarding all facets of local attractions (our Visitor Guide is distributed all over Ohio and beyond), and the employees of the CCCVB attend expos, seminars, and events to promote Clinton County.
The CCCVB also strategically invests funds into community-based organizations and events to promote our county. These efforts are to draw new and repeat visitors to our area to create short- term and long-term internal and external revenue to our organizations, businesses, hotels, restaurants, recreational, shopping, etc.
We continue to build, organize, and promote top-notch nationally and regionally known entertainment to enhance events that will draw larger crowds from further distances!
Susan Valentine-Scott, Executive Director
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Info coming soon!
Local Resources:
Questions about Economic Development in Clinton County? Make sure to check out our economic development partners above, or contact us at 937-382-2737 or info@wccchamber.com.
In need of FREE and CONFIDENTIAL technical business consultation? The Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Miami Regionals advises tenants, local existing business owners, and other entrepreneurs in the community on strategic planning, marketing, and gaining access to financial capital. The SBDC offers free and confidential consultation services in Clinton County through a partnership with the Clinton County Port Authority.
Contact our local Clinton County SBDC representative, Jim Buckner, today to set up a meeting: 513-727-3686 or bucknejd@miamioh.edu.