ABOUT US
2007 Greater Findlay Economic Development Report
To Our Most Valued Member:
The GreaterFindlayInc. Board of Directors would like to extend a sincere thank you for your continuous support as we celebrate the success of GreaterFindlayInc.’s first year as a new, more efficient organization.
GreaterFindlayInc. has gotten off to a fast start. Our organization has provided the region with numerous opportunities while successfully implementing a new branding program and standards. As the chief sales and marketing arm for the Greater Findlay region, GFI has led valuable initiatives to advance member investments and further the region with a high level of job growth and investment.
Our organization also provided leadership when the community was devastated by August floodwaters. Through a variety of flood recovery efforts, GFI provided support and stood by the Greater Findlay region to rebuild the community.
As we enter our second year, GFI will continue to stand behind the needs of our members and our community. Through innovative, proactive measures, we will push the Greater Findlay region to be among the best micropolitan communities in the United States.
We are proud of our first-year accomplishments and look forward to your support as we move Greater Findlay forward to make what’s good, great!
Sincerely,
Douglass S. Peters, IOM, CCEO-AP
President and CEO
2007 Economic Development Report
The GreaterFindlayInc. Brand
- Succeeded in launch and implementation of Six Disciplines
- Experienced smooth transition from the Chamber and CDF to GreaterFindlayInc.
- Accomplished new branding program and standards for GreaterFindlayInc.
- Introduced balanced scorecard for measuring GFI efforts and success
- Launched 27-week GFI “Did You Know?” membership advertisement campaign with The Courier
- Developed 2007 Community Viewbook
- Introduced online podcasts of GFI programs on website
- Assisted development of Hancock County History Book
- Designed and developed new dynamic, state of the art GFI website for 2008
- Produced quarterly Member Reports
- Created bi-monthly GFI Electronic E-briefings
- Attracted local media coverage in Toledo Business Journal, FindlayNOW, Findlay Magazine, The Courier, The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Magazine, The Blade and others
- Created and introduced local events and retail advertising through Community Billboard Campaign
Greater Findlay Guests
- Organized the nomination and celebration of the Old Millstream Scenic Byway
- Supported the Findlay Balloon Fest
- Distributed 23,000 Visitors Guides to community members and visitors
GFI Member Advancement
- Presented 44th Annual GreaterFindlayInc. Small Business Awards to over 260 business professionals
- Organized Swing in to Spring Golf Outing
- Implemented 5 Business After Hours Networking Events
- Hosted GFI Annual Foundation Golf Tournament
- Promoted business outreach with JOBsolutions Career Expo
- Saved Findlay-Hancock County $214,916.99 through Safety Council program
- Conducted 33 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies held throughout the Greater Findlay area
- Presented monthly Fresh Brewed Business program to an average of 57 business professionals each month
- Created new Fresh Brewed Business sponsorship pricing structure, increasing members’ opportunity to showcase products and services
- Implemented monthly 5 Minute Networking Program for small business members
- Presented 12 Outstanding Customer Services Awards
- Awarded $3,000 in scholarships to 5 Greater Findlay high school students through the Agri-Business Committee of GreaterFindlayInc.
- Inducted 4 Greater Findlay farmers in to the Agriculture Hall of Fame
- Managed Old Millstream Farmers’ Market
Greater Findlay Leadership Development
- Hosted 2007 Hancock Leadership Symposium
- Participated in Public Safety Day
- Accepted 28 applicants to the 2008 Hancock Leadership class
- Enrolled 40 Greater Findlay students in the 2008 Hancock Youth Leadership Class
- Built $75,000 All Star Playground
- Organized the 15th Annual Gus Macker
- Assisted over 25 organizations by providing $135,000 in co-op funding
Flood Recovery
- Hosted flood recovery forum with First Federal Bank, SBA, FEMA and city officials
- Facilitated a $50,000 commercial flood victim relief fund with Grainger Insurance
- Administered Northwest Ohio Flood Mitigation Consortium
- Attracted community to downtown businesses through co-op underwrite of November Artwalk
- Played a lead role in assisting FEMA and SBA to locate, inform and assist the flood victims in the GreaterFindlay Region
- Launched NWOHIO Flood Consortium
- Lobbied representatives in Washington D.C. on long-term flood mitigation needs
Greater Findlay Capital & Job Growth
- Facilitated the creation of a Port Authority
- Attracted a mixed use development known as RiverPlace, a $90 million project
- Advised The RightThing Inc. with its investment in a new 40,000 sq. ft. facility valued at $6 million
- Supported Guardian Glass in its decision to build an 80,000 sq. ft. addition worth $2.5 million
- Encouraged the A. Schulman Company to locate an additional business unit in Findlay and construct a new 80,000 sq. ft. facility valued $18 million
- Aided JK-CO LLC with its decision to build an 18,000 sq. ft. rail car facility valued at $1.5 million
- Attracted Advanced Cerametrics Inc. and ACI Ohio to expand its operations with 12,000 sq. ft. of space for its spinning operation
- Assisted in the development of Rocket Ventures (regional early stage venture program) and serve on the board
- Collaborated with Fostoria in Ethanol Investment
Small Business Development
- Conducted the 2nd Annual Extreme Marketing Makeover in conjunction with The University of Findlay to supply marketing strategies to small businesses and experience to students
- Collaborated with The University of Findlay College of Business SWOT team to assist small businesses in improving the workplace
- Provided individual counseling assistance to 27 small business clients
- Educated 23 entrepreneurs in QuickBooks & web design during Small Business Seminar
- Positioned for 2008 launch of Center for Entrepreneurship
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