Norwalk Economic Development Corporation Accepts Award
Norwalk, Ohio named a “Top 100 Micropolitan” by Site Selection Magazine, recognized by Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development
The Recognition
Each year, Site Selection Magazine ranks micropolitan statistical areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, based on project attraction. The publication tallies corporate facility investment. Historically, Ohio has performed very well in the top micropolitan rankings, and Findlay has ranked no. 1 for nine years in a row. This past year, twenty-two Ohio micros combined to amass 115 qualifying projects, more than twice as many as the next state.
Defined as having an urban cluster with a population between 10,000 and 49,999, micropolitan sometimes can be virtually synonymous with entire counties, as is the case with Norwalk Micropolitan Statical Area and Huron County (2020 Census information & Map here).
Site Selection Magazine
Site Selection magazine is an internationally circulated business publication covering corporate real estate and economic development. Site Selection’s editorial mission is to publish information for expansion planning decision-makers — CEOs, corporate real estate executives and facility planners, human resource managers and consultants to corporations. The publication’s goal is to help the expansion planner do a better job.
Site Selection Magazine is published by Conway Data. Conway Data is the world’s only full-service agency in the global corporate investment industry, with a nearly 70-year-old publications division, a 50-year-old association management division, a site selection consulting division, a marketing division, and decades of event management expertise.
Visit from Ohio Department of Development
Norwalk Economic Development was pleased to submit two qualifying projects for consideration and earn its ranking in the top 100 out of 543 across the US. To recognize this ranking the Ohio Department of Development’s Chief of Community Engagement, Scott Ryan, recently visited Norwalk.
Mr. Ryan, Norwalk Mayor Dave Light, and Norwalk Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Sarah Ross visited Norwalk Furniture to share a glimpse into Norwalk’s local industry with the Department. With a history in Norwalk dating back to 1919, Norwalk Furniture highlight the advantages and disadvantages of being a modern manufacturer in a small, legacy city. Norwalk Furniture operation in a 440,000 square foot factory that employees 225 craftspeople, many of whom are second and third generation artisans. This team creates over 40,000 pieces each year, one at a time, by hand, with each piece built to the specifications of our dealer partners for their customers.
Following the visit to Norwalk Furniture, Mr. Ryan from the Ohio Department of Development participated in a business roundtable which included representatives from: City of Norwalk Mayor Dave LIght, Ditz Design, Don Tester Ford, Durable Corporation, Family Health Services, Firelands Forward Workforce Development Collaborative, Huron County Chamber of Commerce, Huron County Commissioner Terry Boose, Huron County Development Council, Huron County Land Bank, Janotta & Herner, Key Bank, New Horizons Baking Company, Norwalk City Council, Norwalk Concrete Industries , Norwalk Economic Development Corporation.
The group discussed a wide array of topics, opportunities, and challenges related to Norwalk as an attractive place to do business and its plans for future growth ranging from housing to population growth, to utilities, tourism, and especially a continued effort to build Norwalk and Huron County’s relationship with the state to meet development goals.
The certificate from the State of Ohio reads:
In the name and by the Authority of The State of Ohio Mike DeWine and Jon Husted Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Ohio do hereby officially recognize Norwalk, Ohio upon being recognized as a top 100 micropolitan community in the U.S. for New & Expanding Facilities.
On behalf of the State of Ohio, we congratulate Norwalk, Ohio as they are named a top 100 micropolitan community in the United States for economic development by Site Selection magazine. Your commitment and dedication to making a positive difference have made your community, and Ohio, a better place to live, work, and raise a family. We commend you upon receiving this tremendous recognition and we extend our best wishes for continued success.
Norwalk Economic Development Corporation
NEDC is striving to make next year’s top 100 list as well. With six corporate expansion projects logged this year, Norwalk may even move up the list. NEDC is a public private partnership that strives to grow the Norwalk area’s business base. With the six areas of focus – workforce development, business retention & expansion, new business, small business development, partnership, and organizational sustainability & marketing – NEDC:
- generates wealth for our community through Business Development
- champions people and enable their contribution to the local economy
- Stewards inspired investments for sustainability, longevity, and amplification
If you’re interested in locating or expanding in Norwalk, contact Sarah at director@norwalknedc.com or 419-668-9858. Click here to learn more about availability in the North Central Ohio Industrial Park.
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