Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Oregon Economic Development Foundation was represented by key members and associates at the latest city council meeting on Jan. 27 to discuss some key projects and accomplishments of the OEDF over the years after recent concern about how the OEDF operates.
The discussion in particular was a continued response into questions about the OEDF’s recent financial history to which the organization provided a report of all transactions from Jan. 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2024 at this month’s first council meeting on Jan. 13.
Perhaps the most in-depth presentation came from Gary Thompson, a related party with vested interest in the OEDF and a past director who still works in the economic development field at the Regional Growth Partnership in Northwest Ohio.
Thompson spoke on the foundation’s past successes: the creation of Pearson Park North and fundraising for improvements there, namely the Johlin Cabin; the attraction of Spartan Development to Oregon’s Cedar Point Industrial Park, which resulted in eight new industrial buildings and approximately 1,200 associated jobs plus tax revenue for the city; site work for Oregon Clean Energy, which included four years of prep work and is a project that provides Oregon schools with $1 million per year; the attraction of Buffalo Wild Wings, the Edep Park Development and Buffalo Rock Brewery to the area; and the addition of a Sheetz gas station to Navarre Ave.
In regard to Sheetz, Thompson said that the OEDF took the initial interest call and worked with the company to help them understand the zoning process and building code in Oregon, as well as the community’s wishes. He also said that this particular Sheetz will have a fresh food kitchen 24/7, which is a great feature for the neighboring hospital with workers coming in and out at all hours of the day and night.
Stephanie Kuhlman, President of the NAI Harmon Group, spoke on behalf of Ed Harmon and their relationship with the OEDF. The Harmon’s have invested over $50 million in Oregon. They have eight buildings in the community, in large part due to the OEDF that helped him get started 20 years ago. They also have multiple other potential programs in the works right now.
Scott Hayes, who has been affiliated with the OEDF since 2007 and is currently its secretary, spoke on the importance of the OEDF being available for potential investors who want to learn what it’s like to do business in the city of Oregon. Dean Monske, President/CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership in NW Ohio, added that the OEDF helps develop those relationships confidentially, as well.
Other items
Aside from approving the Flock camera system, the city council also officially designated Oregon as an America 250 city, which makes the town eligible to apply for grants, which could benefit the dog park and potentially other areas for improvements ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2026.
The council also recognized the appointments of Michael Halka as a part-time recruit in the fire department and Ryan Shaffer as a firefighter 2 (paramedic).
