With a new economic development manager in place, Plain City officials are determined to maintain the small-town character of the community as they plan for growth in the area.
Economic Development Manager Jason Stanford shared an update with council during its work session Wednesday regarding the progress that has been made since he was hired to the new position nearly six months ago.
“I’m super excited about where we’re going and knowing that we have somebody that has our backs first,” Council member Kerri Ferguson said.
Stanford emphasized that Plain City is uniquely positioned because the village can “look at our neighbors as examples” and learn what to do and “what to avoid like the plague.”
Since being hired by the village, Stanford said he has focused largely on connecting with local business owners.
In conversations with them, he said their two biggest concerns are a perceived lack of communication from the village in the past and fears surrounding the pace of growth.
He listed a number of initiatives being undertaken to strengthen relationships with business owners and demonstrate that officials are focused not only on new businesses, but the “mom and pop shops” that are staples of the village.
He said Plain City partnered with Bowling Green State University to complete a business satisfaction survey that will uncover gaps and concerns, and guide economic development in the future.
A report detailing the results of the survey is in progress and will likely be ready for council to review in early 2023, Stanford said.
He said he is also developing a business retention and expansion program that will revolve around on-going meetings with local businesses. While the program is currently more informal, Stanford said it will eventually develop into a community task force with more regular meetings.
The village also intends to host a business roundtable meeting in late February 2023. Stanford said the annual roundtable will allow officials to review accomplishments from the previous year and unveil goals for the upcoming year.
Aside from bolstering current businesses, Stanford highlighted a variety of work underway to plan for new commercial and industrial development.
In response to a question from Council member Frank Reed, Stanford said he feels it is “absolutely” possible to develop economically while maintaining the “small-town charm” on which many Plain City residents pride themselves.
Although he said he doesn’t foresee heavy manufacturing coming to the village, he said he feels there are opportunities to attract certain “light” industries.
Stanford said he also hears of residents who would like fast food restaurants or grocery stores to locate locally, so he sees opportunities to meet that need.
Ultimately, he said the village needs to position itself to be proactive and draw the type of growth it desires instead of reacting to development after it comes to Plain City.
To do so, Stanford said the village hired a consultant to launch a study in 2023 to complete an economic development strategy. The study, which will cost $45,000, will provide a five-year plan that will identify opportunities for economic growth, identify infrastructure gaps and analyze development sites.
Additionally, Stanford said a U.S. 42 and Route 161 corridor study will be completed as part of the economic development strategy or shortly after.
He noted that he expects demand along the corridor from developers to increase given the potential for water and sewer expansion. Anticipating the demand and planning for development will allow the village “to make sure we’re growing properly,” Stanford said.
A recently completed rebranding initiative will also help to solidify the village’s identity as the area grows, Stanford added.
A new logo, which features an updated image of the clock tower, will be gradually integrated into the village’s print materials, signage, vehicle decals and online presence beginning Jan. 1.
Stanford also said he expects a redesign of the Plain City website to be completed at the end of March.
He said the project will be completed by Revize, a company that has created over 2,500 government websites, over the next 16 weeks.
Village Administrator Haley Lupton noted that the $17,700 cost includes a “refresh” of the site in four years, along with 24/7 support and training for staff members.
Aside from the work already underway, Stanford told council he also aims to update the village’s Land Use Map, create an enterprise zone, develop an economic incentive policy and explore the potential to form a Community Improvement Corporation.
Overall, Stanford said he hopes to “build upon that Plain City spirit” as the community pursues different economic development opportunities.
Council members told Stanford they appreciate his vision for the future and commitment to stay true to the heritage of the village.
“If I didn’t live here, I would want to visit Plain City,” Reed told Stanford of his work.