Stay Updated
This page offers blog posts, news articles and events surrounding Athens County economic and community development efforts.
NEW!!! Help for Companies Impacted by Foreign Competition
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) is the only federal program specifically designed to help American manufacturers that have been hurt by foreign competition. Firms can qualify for up to $75,000 of matching funds to implement critical business improvements. The Great Lakes Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (GLTAAC) administers the program in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. GLTAAC […]
Read MoreFree Training Event for Area Companies
Are you struggling to attract talent and retain your workforce? Is your Company having trouble meeting demand due to a lack of available talent? We hear your frustration and concerns. Join Ohio Valley Employment Resource for a FREE four-part virtual training series on best practices for Human Resources to help your organization attract and retain skilled employees. […]
Read MoreEmployee Retention Credit and Paid Leave Credit Programs to Become Available Through the American Rescue Plan
An essential program to small businesses will soon be available. Up to $7,000 in Tax Credits per Employee per Quarter and $5,000 per Quarter for paid Covid leave will be available to small businesses. EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT AND PAID LEAVE CREDIT PROGRAMS In addition to the SSBCI, the American Rescue Plan extends a number of […]
Read MoreJanuary TechCred Round Funds Nearly 5,000 credentials, Program Updates Announced
Next application period opens April 1st Athens County businesses can contact Laurie McKnight at: lmcknight@athensoh.org On March 16, 2021, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced the results of the January round of TechCred, which will provide the opportunity for Ohioans to earn nearly 5,000 technology-focused […]
Read MoreThe Athens County Economic Development Council is Hiring!
The Athens County Economic Development is looking for an Administrative Assistant to join our team! The preferred candidate is highly organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, a multi-tasker, and can be a team player! To learn more about this job posting, click the below link! All questions and application materials can be sent to Kate Perani at kate@athenscountyohedc.com […]
Read MoreShuttered Venue Grants
The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants […]
Read MoreImproving eye, vision care in Appalachian Ohio is focus for optometrists, nonprofit groups
March 8, 2021 By Céilí Doyle, The Columbus Dispatch Dr. Shane Foster remembers growing up in Athens County and wearing glasses from an early age. The southeastern Ohio optometrist understands the unique challenges of being a kid in Appalachia and the gaping need for vision care. And as president of the Ohio Optometric Foundation, a statewide vision advocacy organization, he’s seen how […]
Read MoreTechGROWTH Ohio announces investment in Ohio University spinout OsteoDx, Inc.
February 24, 2021 By Hardika Singh, the Voinovich School at Ohio University TechGROWTH Ohio(opens in a new window) Fund, the Ohio Third Frontier-Ohio University investment fund focusing on early-stage technology companies, announces its investment in OsteoDX, Inc.(f/k/a AEIOU Scientific)(opens in a new window). OsteoDx is developing and commercializing its pioneering Cortical Bone Mechanics Technology (CBMT), which non-invasively assesses […]
Read MoreFunded by record liquor sales, JobsOhio spent more than $200 million on coronavirus programs in 2020
March 1, 2021 By Andrew J. Tobias, Cleveland.com COLUMBUS, Ohio — Fueled by exploding liquor sales during the coronavirus pandemic, JobsOhio used the extra money it made last year to fund more than $200 million in pandemic relief programs, according to the state economic development nonprofit’s new annual report. The pandemic-relief spending, which JobsOhio officials said […]
Read MoreInnovation Center Welcomes Area 14 Workforce Development Board
By the Innovation Center: “The Innovation Center is excited to announce our newest anchor tenant, the Area 14 Workforce Development Board! The board manages several programs that focus on improving our region’s workforce through career and job search-related services, assistance to employers, training, employer incentives, and education. Director Laurie McKnight said, “Area 14 is very […]
Read MoreSam Miller Joins Buckeye Hills Regional Council as Development Director
Buckeye Hills Regional Council is pleased to welcome Sam Miller to its team as Development Director. In her new role, Miller will lead the Community & Economic Development team in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and projects within BHRC’s eight-county region. Miller will work with state, local and federal officials to ensure community and economic […]
Read MoreAthens-Meigs ESC Project RISE: Upcoming Events
Athens-Meigs ESC Project RISE is currently offering a series of upcoming events to allow students to be engaged and learn about local opportunities. The below links have more information about these events: Career Fair Planning and Preparation Sessions, February 22nd at 12 pm or February 23rd at 4 pm OH-ZONE Virtual Career Fair for Athens, […]
Read MoreVoinovich School receives $2.2 million USEDA grant for economic development in Appalachia
February 11, 2021 By Anna Millar, the Post A $2.2 million grant was awarded to Ohio University’s Voinovich School in January by the U.S. Economic Development Administration to help fund economic acceleration and new industry in the surrounding Appalachian region. Read the full article at the Post: https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2021/02/useda-grant-voinovich-school-economic-development-appalachia Favorite
Read MoreGovernor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted Unveil Plan of More than $1 Billion Targeted to Strengthen and Grow Ohio Communities and Businesses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2021 MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957 Pete LuPiba, OBM: 614-949-8584 Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted Unveil Plan of More than $1 Billion Targeted to Strengthen and Grow Ohio Communities and Businesses (COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today unveiled their Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2022 […]
Read MoreCharter Communications Launches New Multiyear, Multibillion-Dollar Initiative To Expand Broadband Availability To Over 1 Million New Customer Locations
February 1, 2021 By PRNewswire The $5 billion investment will include $1.2 billion in rural digital opportunity funding to expand broadband network to unserved communities. Charter plans to hire more than 2,000 employees and contractors to support the 24-State RDOF broadband deployment. Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) today announced the launch of a multiyear, multibillion-dollar […]
Read MoreSoutheast Ohio Businesses Hosting OH ZONE: A Virtual Career Fair
To aid the local businesses as they work to reopen and stay open, Ohio Southeast is hosting OH ZONE, a Virtual Career Fair, on February 24, 2021 from 10am to 2pm on brazen.com The goal is to help Ohioans, especially those who have been impacted by COVID-19, find employment while helping regional employers build a […]
Read MoreRocky Brands, Inc. To Acquire Leading Brand Portfolio From Honeywell Including The Original Muck Boot Company and XTRATUF
January 25, 2021 By Business Wire, www.businesswire.com Acquisition will significantly advance Rocky’s leadership position in high-quality performance footwear. Expected to be immediately accretive to gross margins and earnings per share. NELSONVILLE, Ohio–Rocky Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCKY) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the performance and lifestyle footwear business of […]
Read MoreSoutheast Ohio Regional Prosperity Plan Update
The planning process for the Prosperity Plan (the regional economic development strategic plan for 25 counties in southern and eastern Ohio) began two years ago. The goal of the Prosperity Plan was to create a roadmap to grow the private sector business economy of the region. Read more about OhioSE’s plan for continued prosperity in […]
Read MoreEvening Custom Welding Training Offered by Tri-County Career Center
Tri-County Career Center is offering a 60-hour welding training that is open to all skill levels and will prepare individuals for projects ranging from art projects to hobby welding. Tri-County’s well-equipped lab and knowledgeable instructor will provide individuals with the resources necessary to succeed. Skills taught include basic stick, mig, oxyfuel, and plasma cutting. […]
Read MoreHere’s where Athens County residents can get their COVID-19 vaccine
January 15, 2021 By Ben Peters, the Athens News The Ohio Department of Health made available on Friday a list of all locations across Athens County where residents can schedule appointments for a COVID-19 vaccine. As part of Phase 1B of the state’s vaccine distribution plan, Athens County residents age 80 or older can receive their first […]
Read MoreGrant Program Available to Athens County Businesses
Athens County Businesses – Main Streem America is now offering its “At Your Side: small business grant program, which supports brick-and-mortar small businesses in designated historic districts. Eligible expenses include those incurred to prepare for/address COVID-19 re-opening guidelines/requirements, as well as other expenses such as payroll, rent, operational expenses, business plan modifications, etc. Applications will […]
Read MoreCity Council: Funding received for Athens businesses, repair project for The Ridges discussed
January 12, 2021 By Kyra Leckrone The Athens County Economic Development Council reported that it secured over $4 million in funding throughout 2020 meant to increase economic opportunity in Athens during the Monday City Council meeting. Read the full article at the Post: https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2021/01/city-council-business-funding-ridges-restoration Favorite
Read MoreU.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.2 Million to Boost Economic Diversification Efforts in Ohio’s 18-County Appalachian Region
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085 Date: January 7, 2021 Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.2 million grant to Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, to provide technical assistance to accelerate the economic transition to new industries in 18 counties in Appalachian Ohio. […]
Read MoreCOVID-19 Vaccine Storage and Distribution Boosts Business for Athens Based Manufacturer
December 29, 2020 By Carrie Ghose An Appalachian Ohio company that makes portable ultra-low-temperature freezers with lower energy demands than other models is a crucial link in the Covid-19 vaccine distribution chain. Read the complete article at Columbus Business First: Covid-19 vaccine distribution helps triple sales for Athens’ Stirling Ultracold – Columbus Business First (bizjournals.com) […]
Read MoreAthens County Small Business Relief Fund awards over $250,000 in business grants
In October, the Athens County Board of Commissioners appropriated a portion of its CARES Act funding to a Small Business Relief Fund (SBRF) for the purpose of alleviating businesses of economic burdens resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic business closures. As of Dec. 18, a total of $256,092.93 has been awarded to 30 Athens County businesses […]
Read More
