Norm Blanchard Provides Economic Encouragement
“We have a good team that tries to bring businesses here,” said Norm Blanchard, director of economic development, to the Cambridge Lions Club. “We look for ways to present a competitive package. Companies shop around in different states to get the best deal.”
Blanchard discussed the impact of recent changes in corporate taxes under that Taft administration. The changes were designed to make Ohio more competitive with other states. Private investment has grown significantly since changing from corporate income and inventory taxes to the corporate activities tax.
“I want to get the negative things out of the way,” Blanchard said in discussing the impact of the recent closing of the Plastech plant in Byesville, the closing of the Appalachian Behavioral Health Care Center, and the uncertainties related to the recent sale of Advantage Bank.
“I want to emphasize the positive things that are going on in the county,” said Blanchard. “We have upgraded Gander Road making more industrial building sites available. We are working to get other businesses to move into the Plastech facility. We have the building and a trained work force and railroad access.”
“We are trying to get another group to use the buildings at the former Appalachian Behavioral Health Care Center. There is nothing definite yet.”
Blanchard discussed recent additions and planned additions to Ridgid Tools, Island Aseptics, BSI and other businesses and the potential for increased future employment. “We are trying to get a business for the former Ames True Temper building,” Blanchard said.
“One of the problems in trying to get businesses to locate here is the lack of acreage for building sites, said Blanchard. “It’s hard to find a place that doesn’t have an old mine under it. Trying to build on an old strip mine area requires extra soil compaction. That increases building costs.”
“Another problem in our area is our Cambridge school board situation and the inability to get a levy passed in Rolling Hills,” said Blanchard. “Businesses look at the school systems when they consider relocating. Their employees want to have a good school system for their children.”
Guests of the club included John and Margaret Patton from the Weirton Lions Club and Fred Shimp.
Blanchard discussed the impact of recent changes in corporate taxes under that Taft administration. The changes were designed to make Ohio more competitive with other states. Private investment has grown significantly since changing from corporate income and inventory taxes to the corporate activities tax.
“I want to get the negative things out of the way,” Blanchard said in discussing the impact of the recent closing of the Plastech plant in Byesville, the closing of the Appalachian Behavioral Health Care Center, and the uncertainties related to the recent sale of Advantage Bank.
“I want to emphasize the positive things that are going on in the county,” said Blanchard. “We have upgraded Gander Road making more industrial building sites available. We are working to get other businesses to move into the Plastech facility. We have the building and a trained work force and railroad access.”
“We are trying to get another group to use the buildings at the former Appalachian Behavioral Health Care Center. There is nothing definite yet.”
Blanchard discussed recent additions and planned additions to Ridgid Tools, Island Aseptics, BSI and other businesses and the potential for increased future employment. “We are trying to get a business for the former Ames True Temper building,” Blanchard said.
“One of the problems in trying to get businesses to locate here is the lack of acreage for building sites, said Blanchard. “It’s hard to find a place that doesn’t have an old mine under it. Trying to build on an old strip mine area requires extra soil compaction. That increases building costs.”
“Another problem in our area is our Cambridge school board situation and the inability to get a levy passed in Rolling Hills,” said Blanchard. “Businesses look at the school systems when they consider relocating. Their employees want to have a good school system for their children.”
Guests of the club included John and Margaret Patton from the Weirton Lions Club and Fred Shimp.
Labels: Economic Development, Guernsey County Ohio
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