Washington County, with a population in excess of 60,000, occupies 640 square miles along the upper reaches of the Ohio River. It is part of a two state Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) comprising more than 150,000 people.
Washington County has a diverse economy with foundations in traditional manufacturing as well as contemporary technology. A trained and reliable work force, geographical advantages, a unique natural and historical ambience and vital entrepreneurial atmosphere complement hundreds of millions of dollars in public infrastructure investments as permanent testaments to the vitality and promise of the community.
Business leaders throughout Washington County have agreed that a coordinated effort with strong private-sector leadership will create a strong economic development engine for our area.
After many meetings, both pubic and private, it was clear that there was consensus for economic development efforts to be undertaken within a framework involving both the private and public sectors in a collaborative and team-focused manner.
The goal of the SeOPA is to create an economic development initiative focused on four primary goals:
- Retain and expand existing businesses;
- Attract new businesses;
- Market the region;
- Measure performance and results.
Structure
To create a strong economic development engine, the following steps have been completed:
- Establishment of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority (SeOPA) as the lead agency;
- Reformatting the SeOPA Board to include representation from both the private and public sectors.
- Board positions represent various geographic and economic sectors of Washington County.
- Hire a full-time economic development professional who acts as a county leader for economic development;
- Develop a financial plan and secure funding for this initiative.
The creation of a county-wide, dynamic economic development force serves as a vehicle to improve the performance and collaboration of our entire multi-unit economic development system. Using performance-based measurements such as business investment in facilities and equipment, annual payroll and tax revenues, economic efforts are measured. A focused and sustainable effort supported by both public and private sector with a dynamic leader is setting the stage for new relationships and partnerships. In turn, this is leading to greater involvement and commitment to developing Washington County as a highly recognized and respected leader in regional economic development.
Economic development efforts are monitored and measured in terms of progress, effectiveness and impact. Key metrics include:
- Economic Development initiatives
- Marketing and Outreach
- Workforce/education
- Sites and Buildings
- Technology Infrastructure
- Transportation Infrastructure
These activities are being measured across the various economic sectors, including small to mid-size manufacturing, agribusiness, distribution/logistics, technology ventures, tourism, and healthcare. Other measurements include job growth in terms of number of jobs and average salaries/wages, tax revenue growth, number of business openings and closings, business capital investment, housing starts, etc.
Southeastern Ohio Port Authority
710 Colegate Drive
Marietta, OH 45750
740-568-1958
Southeastern Ohio Port Authority Board of Directors
Dave Archer
Pioneer Pipe Inc.
Jim Black
Business Consultant
Mark Bradley
Peoples Bancorp Inc
Ron Cooley
The Peoples Savings Bank
Dave Haas
Morrison Inc.
Jack Haessly
Haessley Hardwood Lumber
Dr. Charlotte Hatfield
Washington State Community College
Nancy Putnam Hollister
former Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Ohio;
Bobby Poage
NOVA Chemicals USA LLC
Larry Unroe
Marietta Memorial Hospital
Tom Webster
McCauley Webster and Emrick
