EDC amending wage guidelines for EDIT grant eligibility

Economic development officials have agreed to be more flexible when considering grants for prospective businesses and heard a new slogan that could help recruit employers and workers.

Wage guidelines

At its Dec. 10 meeting, Wayne County’s Economic Development Corp. board learned a couple of projects have prompted questions about current grant guidelines.

To recruit and retain employers, Wayne County offers cash Economic Development Income Tax grants for business investments for land, construction, utilities, equipment, training or similar needs.

To receive a grant, businesses must meet several qualifications. Currently, all new or retained jobs must pay a starting wage of at least $18 per hour, excluding benefits. That matches Richmond’s requirements for tax abatements.

However, EDC President Valerie Shaffer noted a favorable prospect offers many jobs above $18 per hour — some at $33 — but currently plans to pay some clerical positions less than $18. No additional information was provided about the company.

Another question involved a local business offering apprenticeship programs below $18 hourly, but its other wages are above. Noting that the business is providing education, board members agreed those wages could be lower than the required minimum. 

Board members voted to amend the guidelines, noting that members have discretion to consider a project’s merits and could deviate from the requirements.

Branding

EDC unveiled its plans to refresh its Home in Wayne website and photography.

The new branding campaign’s slogan is “From Here I Can!”

Materials from Hagerstown’s IronGate Creative note Wayne County is a place where opportunity meets belonging.

During an extensive analysis, EDC and IronGate determined key attributes defining what makes the area special: empowerment to succeed, warmth of a tight-knit community and potential to live a life with purpose.

IronGate will receive $18,000 for the refresh.

In other business

• Demolition of 44 blighted homes has begun through an EDC-led initiative. Homes are down in Cambridge City and Centerville. Towns/cities are being reimbursed.
• Citing benefits for prospective additional industry and housing, EDC contributed half ($143,000) of the local match needed toward Centerville’s electrical system upgrade. The town secured a $744,633.68 federal grant.
• Incoming 2025 officers are Jim Tanner, chair; Peggy Cenova, vice chair; Mike Gaddis, secretary; and Jim King, treasurer. Peter Zaleski, Kyle Turner and Chad Bolser are departing the board. Rodger Smith is joining.
• EDC and City of Richmond completed Vandor Corp.’s purchase of the 1400 Industries Road office for management and a product showroom. Vandor leased a floor to Merchants Bank for back-office operations. Shaffer’s pleased it’s returning to private ownership.
• EDC approved Reynolds Service Tech’s bid to demolish a barn at Round Barn and Gaar Jackson roads in Midwest Industrial Park for $22,905.60. EDC manages the property for Richmond, which will pay. Concrete, asphalt and steel will be recycled.
• Through the Make My Move initiative, two more remote workers and their families have moved to Wayne County since last month. Seven movers have been in the county for one year and plan to remain. Two more are in the process of relocating; two have accepted an offer to move; and four offers have been made and await acceptance.