Business Expansion Efforts

We are reintroducing you to GROW Licking County every Monday to share the many aspects of our agency and economic development. We hope you’re enjoying following along!

2020 was an unpredictable year however our pipeline has remained robust with existing businesses looking for ways to pivot and grow their reach. Existing businesses tell us that our position in the Midwest, adjacent to I-70 contributes to why their businesses flourish here.

Many local businesses have long standing relationships with our education partners such as C-TEC and COTC, providing individualized training programs resulting in a steady stream of ready, reliable and skilled workforce.

In early 2020, after the initial effects of Covid, C-TEC created a much-needed training program to upskill those suddenly out of work. Aligning with Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority as an early funder, the first C-TEC EDGE training was created. This 6-week FREE training provides pre-employment training programs that incorporate hands-on training and industry recognized credentials. Our local manufacturers have been involved, offering tours and hiring students once they’ve completed EDGE. After six cohorts, C-TEC plans to hold additional cohorts beginning in February. Trainings continue to be free, with funding provided by the Licking County Commissioners.

Among those existing businesses that expanded in 2020, Meyer Shank Racing committed to building an expanded facility, retaining and hiring new workforce. Other existing companies that have committed to expanding in Licking County include Amazon, Packaging Corporation of America, Anomatic, Velvet Ice Cream and Hope Timber are among the companies that expanded in Licking County. Read more on these expansions projects on our local successes page.

Remember to check back next Monday to learn more about GROW!