OCIC recently hosted its 2nd Quarter Trustee Meeting at the Ottawa County Workforce Hub for Career Advancement, bringing together community leaders and stakeholders to hear updates on key economic and workforce development initiatives.
Attendees enjoyed lunch provided by Riverside Roost in Oak Harbor before hearing a presentation from Max Upton, Director of Economic Development with Bricker Graydon.
Special Presentation – Bricker Graydon Wyatt
Upton provided an in-depth overview of New Community Authorities (NCAs), a powerful economic development financing tool designed to encourage the orderly development of economically sound communities. The presentation covered NCA formation, implementation timelines, best practices, and how Community Development Charges can be utilized to support infrastructure and development projects. NCAs are often paired with Community Reinvestment Areas (CRAs) and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts as part of a comprehensive project financing strategy.
Strategic Plan Updates
Following the presentation, Executive Director Chris Singerling and OCIC staff provided an update on the organization’s Strategic Plan.
- Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Efforts – Continued outreach visits with local businesses in partnership with area chambers of commerce and the Regional Growth Partnership to strengthen relationships and address business needs.
- Workforce Hub Successes – A recap of the Ottawa County Workforce Hub’s Career Signing Day and Graduation ceremonies, highlighting student achievements, industry-recognized credentials, and workforce readiness outcomes.
- Experience Ottawa County – Preparations for this year’s event at the Erie-Ottawa International Airport, including sponsorship opportunities, vendor participation, and event activities.
- Industrial Park Infrastructure – Updates on utility and infrastructure capacity limitations and ongoing efforts to identify solutions that support business expansion.
Workforce Hub Tour
The meeting was intentionally held at the Workforce Hub to give Trustees and partners an opportunity to tour the facility and see firsthand the transformation of the building following the completion of renovations at the end of 2025. A tour was provided at the end of the meeting, and highlighted the classrooms and training labs that are helping prepare the next generation of skilled workers in Ottawa County.
