Ashland is changing. New housing is going up. Long-vacant buildings are coming back to life. Businesses are investing. But most of us only see the finished project — not the years of planning, grant writing, cleanup, conversations and coordination that had to happen first.

On this episode of the Ashland Connected Podcast, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce sits down with Cameo Carey, Director of Grow Ashland, for a look behind the scenes at economic development in Ashland County. Cameo explains the role Grow Ashland plays and how public and private partnerships help turn opportunities into actual projects.

Cameo also shares why developers are paying attention to Ashland, why some economic-development projects have to remain confidential for months or even years, and how new housing and redevelopment are changing the community.

Takeaways

— Economic development happens long before the ribbon cutting. Major projects can take years of planning, funding, remediation and coordination before the public sees the results.

— Grant funding is helping Ashland reclaim properties that have sat vacant or abandoned. Demolition and brownfield grants have supported projects including the Pump House District, Frontier Building and several other properties.

— Developers are paying attention to Ashland. Affordability, quality of life and the community’s growth are helping attract outside investment.

— The Pump House District shows how dramatically redevelopment can change an area. Apartments, a hotel and other projects are transforming a block that once contained vacant and deteriorating property.

— The Frontier Building is moving toward a new life. Plans include a restaurant downstairs and apartments upstairs in one of downtown Ashland’s longest-vacant buildings.

— Workforce development starts before someone begins looking for a job. Programs like Manufacturing Day and Destination Career expose students to modern workplaces and career paths while they’re still in school.

— Supporting existing and startup businesses is part of the equation, too. Tax-abatement programs and the Erie Basin revolving loan fund are among the tools helping businesses invest and grow in the area.

Helpful Links:

Cameo Carey, Director, Grow Ashland: https://www.growashland.com

Amy Daubenspeck, President, Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce: https://ashlandoh.com/

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network