Building Momentum: WEDCO’s 2024 Annual Report Reflects Growth, Collaboration, and Community Impact
- Ashley Epling
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
As we reflect on 2024, one thing is clear: Williams County is moving forward—with purpose.
WEDCO’s 2024 Annual Report captures a year of measurable growth, powerful partnerships, and strategic progress across the county. From major business expansions to meaningful workforce initiatives, this year was about more than individual wins—it was about shared momentum.
🔍 By the Numbers
This year’s impact speaks for itself:
55 Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) visits
$525,000 in grant funding awarded
4 major projects announced totaling over $14 million in new investment
173 new jobs created and 2,049 jobs retained
$43 million in capital investment reported by 11 businesses and community partners
These figures aren’t just economic stats—they’re building blocks of community strength. They represent opportunity, stability, and confidence in Williams County as a place to grow and thrive.
🏗️ Workforce Development: Planting Seeds for the Future
We continued to bridge the gap between business and education with a variety of impactful programs:
Teacher Bootcamps
Student industry tours
School-to-work programs
County-wide career fairs
By exposing students and educators to real opportunities, we’re not just preparing the next generation—we’re making sure they know they can build successful, high-paying careers right here at home.
We’re also seeing more employers take advantage of Ohio’s TechCred program to upskill their teams and meet today’s evolving workforce needs.
🏡 Housing & Infrastructure
Through partnerships with the Williams County Port Authority, we’re making strides in workforce housing—starting with duplex construction and working toward full subdivision development. Because where talent wants to live, business will follow.
🏆 Recognizing Excellence
We proudly honored the following during our 2024 Annual Meeting:
Community of the Year: Village of Edgerton
Business of the Year: Advanced Rehabilitation Technology
New Business of the Year: Millcreek Coffee & Cones
Member of the Year: Derek Schultz
Special Recognition: Lew Hilkert, for 26 years of service
These recipients reflect the leadership, innovation, and commitment that define Williams County.
🚀 Looking Ahead to 2025
Our goals remain ambitious and focused:
Advance site development and infrastructure
Support housing and childcare initiatives
Strengthen BR&E and workforce engagement
Continue collaboration between communities, businesses, and schools
🙌 Thank You
To our members, partners, and sponsors—thank you for investing in the future of Williams County. Your support helps us continue to build a stronger, more resilient local economy.
Read the full 2024 Annual Report [here] and see what we’re building—together.
コメント