Tallmadge’s newly installed director of economic development, in her first full month on the job, told council on May 22 that regional partnerships and state programs are supporting local business growth and retention.

Miss Pool said the city has participated in JobsOhio and Team NEO events and is coordinating with county partners to support businesses. She highlighted a recent visit to Glazing Systems, which received a $50,000 small-business grant to help purchase a $500,000 machine. "This grant was a small business grant where Glazing Systems was fortunate to receive $50,000 grant money to invest in a $500,000 machine. We got to see this machine firsthand in production. This is increasing the company's productivity by 10%. As a result of that grant, the idea was to have them grow from 12 people to 15. However now they are at 25 people. Their business has grown from $2,000,000 to $6,000,000," she said.

Why it matters: City officials said targeted grants and business outreach are helping manufacturers scale locally, retain clients and add jobs. Pool also recounted visits to other firms — including Kent Displays, Industrial Tube and Steel, and Store Tech — and cited regional economic development outreach as a tool for retaining and attracting employers.

Discussion vs. decision: The presentation was informational; no formal council action was taken. Pool encouraged continued collaboration with county and state economic development partners and with the Tallmadge Chamber of Commerce.

Next steps: Economic development staff will continue business outreach, attend regional meetings and work with partners to replicate successful grant-assisted growth stories locally.