Each year the Partnership presents awards to individuals, groups, projects, initiatives, or companies to celebrate those who have taken concrete action to create a brighter future for our county!
2023’s winner of the President’s Award is Gary Frankhouse, the previous Executive and Economic Director of the Crawford Partnership. Gary joined the partnership in October 2014 as the economic development coordinator and was later unanimously selected by the board of directors to assume the executive director duties after the retirement of Dave Williamson in July 2015.
During Gary’s tenure at the partnership, the organization has added staff to guide its efforts, created and participated in local, regional, and state economic development efforts, and pursued grants, initiatives, and programs offered through JobsOhio.
Gary’s leadership has also led to the creation of local opportunity zones, a transportation improvement district, a comprehensive economic development strategy, a SiteOhio authenticated site at Ohio Crossroads Industrial Center, a housing study, and the development of the multi-purpose Freese Center in Galion.
Gary has also championed the “Crawford: 2030 Vision” strategic plan, which will guide regional economic development efforts for the next decade.