Growth Force goal is to retain Tri-State jobs

CINCINNATI - When Peter Wenzel decided to expand General Data Company in Clermont County, he expected some serious challenges.

One thing the labeling firm’s President/CEO did not expect was a visit from the county’s Economic Development Team, led by Andy Kuchta.

“They came out and interviewed us and asked what we needed to succeed,” Wenzel said. “That was very positive.”

The result was General Data’s connection to state programs and incentives which would help grow the business.

“It’s not all gimmes,” said Wenzel. “We had to commit to a specific number of jobs and there are strict guidelines in the program, so it’s not like this is a corporate welfare.”

That’s the type of pro-active approach that chambers of commerce and economic development departments in Southwestern Ohio are taking right now.

It’s part of the Growth Force business expansion and retention initiative designed to accelerate the growth of regional businesses.

“The goal is very clear,” said Julia Muntel, Director of Investor Relations and Business Retention for the Cincinnati USA Regional Partnership.

Growth Force is up and running in Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren Counties with a goal of 300 company visits by the end of June.

The program will be expanded in July to include all 15 Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana counties in the region.

“It is as tough economy. It’s a competitive environment,” said Muntel. “That’s why we want to be out talking with local companies and our goal is to keep them here.”

In Sharonville, Tosca Ltd. wanted to expand, but couldn’t find qualified production and maintenance workers.

The company cleans and sterilizes containers used by meat distributors to send product to Kroger and other grocery stores.

Sharonville’s Economic Development Specialist Tammy Riddle heard about the problem and quickly called Plant Manager Todd Schott.

The result was a connection to the Great Oaks Career Center and the hiring of additional employees.

“It’s actually been very helpful,” Schott said. “Periodically we need an overflow for warehousing, so she’s helped us with that as well.”

Riddle said businesses she’s approached are happy to have the assistance.

“Our goal is to let them know we’re a resource to navigate through all the noise and all the benefits out there that can help do business better and more efficiently,” she said.

Wenzel is among executives somewhat surprised at the outreach.

“To actually have a government agency come to me saying -- ‘What can we do to help? We’re here to listen. What are your issues? – and then come up with some actual concrete solutions was very refreshing,” he said.