GFI Agrees to Reduced City Funding to Continue Economic Development Efforts
Ray De Winkle, President and CEO of GreaterFindlayInc. was formally introduced to Findlay City Council Tuesday night.
De Winkle addressed council prior to a discussion regarding the city's role in helping fund GFI’s economic development efforts. De Winkle noted that the public-private partnership of GreaterFindlayInc. eliminates duplicative management and allows leverage of marketing resources. This leverage allows Findlay and Hancock County to enjoy services of a well staffed economic development organization, seasoned executives and use of a sophisticated retention analysis tool.
GreaterFindlayInc. will voluntarily accept a reduction of funds from the City, taking a nearly 75% reduction compared to City department’s reductions of 9%. The final figure will be used to continue GFI’s relationship and provide economic development services to Findlay-Hancock County.
Although considerably less than current contributions, De Winkle said Findlay and Hancock County are not alone in belt-tightening.
With a mission to help the Greater Findlay region to grow and prosper, GFI’s De Winkle officially began his duties on Monday, and already is doing a selling job: (click to listen to the following podcasts)
De Winkle Hits the Ground Running
Council Opts for $50K GFI Contract
Community Task Force Formed to Keep Cooper in Findlay
The threat of our local Cooper Plant closing is something GreaterFindlayInc. and our community are taking very seriously. A Community Task Force led by GreaterFindlayInc. is working to do everything possible to retain the Cooper Plant here in Findlay.
Incoming GFI President and CEO Ray De Winkle is involved with the efforts, despite not taking office until November 17.
“As a newcomer to the area, I am impressed with the unified focus of both the public and the private sector,” said De Winkle.
The Community Task Force has representation from City/County Government, Regional and State Offices and a number of other profit and not-for-profit offices. This group of community leaders is working collaboratively to present a proposal to Cooper’s Corporate Office by Dec. 1.
“It is evident that Cooper Tire and this community have a long and strong history. The Task Force is very serious about retaining that relationship and we are all focused on presenting a proposal to the Cooper Corporate Office to protect that partnership,” said De Winkle.
Cooper Tire along with Marathon Oil and Whirlpool Corporations are the three major business cornerstones for Findlay/Hancock County.
GFI Chairman of the Board, Randy Lohoff assures, “The Community Task Force is doing everything reasonably possible to present a proposal that will allow the Findlay Cooper plant to stay here. We recognize the challenges in these rough economic times but our Committee is focused on presenting a strong case to keep this significant employer in Findlay.”
For questions, contact GreaterFindlayInc. at 419-422-3313. We appreciate your interest in this very critical matter.
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