State of the Vision recognizes record year

BUCYRUS, OHIO – Friday, March 15, 2024 – The Crawford Partnership’s 2024 Annual Meeting, better known as State of the Vision, was a success, with an estimated 320 attendees celebrating the county’s progress in economic, community, and workforce development. The evening included reviews of operations, workforce development, and economic development from 2023, followed by the Annual Address that shared the progress on the vision plans.

Cindy Wood, Chair of the Partnership’s Board of Directors, commented on the evening,
“When we look back on 2023 and the $65 million in investment, 178 new jobs created, and potential tax revenues of $4.3 million as well as ranking in the top 3% for economic development projects, these numbers are evidence of the alliance and collaboration of both private and public entities working together.”

The highlight of the evening were the awards presented to businesses, partners, and change agents in Crawford County. They included:

• Teacher Manufacturing Bootcamp receiving the Workforce Development Award for the collaborative and impactful program exposing teachers to businesses in Crawford County allowing them to bring it into the classroom.
• The Village of Crestline’s Wastewater Treatment Plant received the Community Development Award for their new wastewater treatment plant financed by an EPA loan and solar project.
• Joseph Shadeed was awarded the Community Leadership Award for his service to a variety of boards as well as his philanthropic impact.
• Wurm’s Woodworking Company (WWC) was awarded the Economic Development Award for their recent expansion that included 20,000 square feet and machinery and equipment totaling $2.1M.
• Todd Boyer received the President’s Award for his dedication to the Partnership as well as the other nonprofits and organizations that he serves in Crawford County.

Kim Winkle, Vice Chair of the Crawford Partnership Board of Directors, shared her enthusiasm for Crawford County by saying, “As Vice Chair of the Board, witnessing the celebration of economic, workforce, and community development, with over 300 attendees, was not just a moment of pride, but a testament to our collective dedication and the power of collaboration to pave the path towards sustainability and growth in Crawford County.”

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About the Crawford Partnership

Started in 2006, the Crawford Partnership for Education and Economic Development is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving collaborative economic, community and workforce development in Bucyrus, Galion, Crestline, New Washington, and all of Crawford County, Ohio. This year, the county ranked in the top three percent nationally for economic development and is pursuing an aggressive, strategic, and comprehensive agenda to become a community of choice for business and residents. To learn more about the Crawford Partnership, please visit us at crawfordpartnership.org

Disclaimer: While the Crawford Partnership issues press releases on economic, community, and workforce development projects, resources, assets, advantages, and activities in Crawford County, Ohio, to strengthen the community’s image and to promote additional development, publication of such announcements does not imply direct assistance from The Partnership unless specified.