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The Insider Newsletter

July 2026

AboutNewsContact

Featured Articles

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Apply for Leadership Sandusky County

Leadership Sandusky County, a program of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation, is accepting applications for the Class of 2027 until July 31st.


This 9‑month program is designed for emerging and current leaders who live or work in Sandusky County. Participants meet once a month from September through May for full‑day sessions focused on leadership development and a deeper understanding of our community.


Last year, LSC graduated 18 individuals from the following companies:

  • Croghan Colonial Bank

  • Crown Battery

  • First National Bank

  • Great Lakes Community Action Partnership

  • Kuns Northcoast Security

  • Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialities

  • Mosser Construction

  • ProMedica Memorial Hospital

  • Sandco Industries

  • Sandusky County Board of Developmental Disabilities

  • Terra State Community College

  • Whirlpool Corporation


Throughout the program, class members:

  • Build practical leadership skills, including communication, emotional intelligence, and time management

  • Connect with peers and established leaders across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, construction, education, nonprofit, and local government

  • Visit key sites across Sandusky County to learn how our economy, institutions, and community resources work together

Leadership Sandusky County is a strong professional development investment for employers as well. Sponsoring a participant helps your organization grow confident leaders who are better equipped to lead teams, solve problems, and engage with the broader community.


Tuition for the Class of 2027 is $850 per participant, with a discounted rate of $725 for SCEDC investors. A limited scholarship is available for nonprofit employees. Apply today!


Learn More & Apply

Save the Date

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RSVP Today!
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WELCOME NEW SCEDC INVESTOR

Vernon Nagel, Inc.


The SCEDC is pleased to welcome Vernon Nagel, Inc. as one of our newest investors. Founded in 1947 and now led by President Scott Nagel and Vice President Morgan Montgomery, the company has grown from its start in agricultural work into a trusted leader in road construction, bridges, underground utilities, and site development. Guided by a mission to forge a dependable future and a vision of building stronger, smarter, and safer communities, Vernon Nagel, Inc. is known for lean, efficient construction teams, a strong safety culture, and high-quality infrastructure work across northwest Ohio and beyond. The company chose to invest in the SCEDC because of its deep roots in our community. Not only does the company complete many projects in Sandusky County, but their Vice President, Morgan Nagel, is also a 2007 graduate of Clyde High School.


We thank Vernon Nagel, Inc. and all of our investors for their commitment to building a stronger economic future for Sandusky County.

Learn More
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Site Selection Magazine Ranks Sandusky County Among America's Best

The SCEDC is proud to share that Sandusky County was recently featured in Site Selection Magazine’s America’s Best Counties of 2026, where Northwest Ohio stands out as a national leader in economic development. The article highlights that three Northwest Ohio counties, Defiance (#9), Sandusky (#14), and Wyandot (#20), all ranked in the top 20 U.S. counties on a per-capita basis from January - March 2026. Together, these counties attracted 22 corporate facility projects, $1.65 billion in capital investment, and 1,990 new jobs between 2025 and early 2026, underscoring the strength and momentum of our region.


For Sandusky County, the article highlights major wins like Autokiniton’s $313 million expansion in Bellevue, which will add 215,000 square feet, create 97 new jobs, and retain 400 existing positions. According to Autokiniton, they chose our county because of our skilled workforce, strong transportation and rail access, proximity to customers and suppliers, and a supportive business climate.


As Beth shared in the article: “We are, bar none, a manufacturing county. We do it, we preach it and we welcome more manufacturers.” She also emphasized the spirit that defines Northwest Ohio: while our counties compete for projects, “at the end of the day, everyone is willing to help each other win in Northwest Ohio.”


Read the Full Article

Sandusky County Business Connect

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How It Works

Sandusky County Business Connect is a program that connects local business owners looking to transition out of their ventures with entrepreneurs eager to take on new opportunities. Our program simplifies the process, acting as a bridge for seamless transitions to keep our local businesses local. 

For Entrepreneurs:

  1. View opportunities on our website.

  2. Fill out the prospective buyer form.

  3. Your details will be verified and you may be contacted for further details.

  4. Once verified, the business owner will receive your contact information and they will reach out to discuss a deal.

For Current Business Owners

  1. Complete the business sale form.

  2. We will review details and reach out with any additional questions.

  3. Your project is announced anonymously under a code name (unless you want the information public).

  4. Our team will send you pre-verified interested buyers, and the rest is up to you!

Current Opportunities

Project Snowproof

A long-standing auto repair shop in Fremont is for sale. For $300,000, it includes equipment but not real estate, which can be leased. The owner offers a year of consultation to aid transition.

Learn More

Local, Regional, & State News

GoBus Now Serving Fremont with Affordable, Statewide Connections

A new GoBus stop is now available in Fremont, expanding affordable transportation options for residents, workers, and students. GoBus is a non‑profit, grant-funded rural–intercity bus service that connects smaller communities to major cities across Ohio and beyond. Buses run 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and now stop in Fremont at the YMCA, 1000 North St. From Fremont, riders can travel to destinations including Toledo, Sandusky, Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and more, with connections to other bus carriers and airports in Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky.

GoBus is designed to be budget-friendly and easy to use. One-way fares start at just $5 and are capped at $40, depending on distance (for example, Fremont to Toledo is $5 one-way; Fremont to Cleveland is $15 one-way, plus taxes and fees). Riders can:

  • View schedules anytime at RideGoBus.com or by calling 888-954-6287 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.)

  • Buy tickets online at RideGoBus.com, through the RideGoBus mobile app, by phone, or with cash from the driver (if seats are available)

For questions or help planning a trip, visit RideGoBus.com or call 888-954-6287.

Free Transportation & Commute Options with Gohio

Gohio Mobility and Gohio Commute are two free tools that help Ohio residents find transportation and commuting options that fit their needs and budgets.


Gohio Mobility is a statewide website that helps riders find transportation services, including options for people who need wheelchair-accessible vehicles or extra assistance. Users enter their starting point, where they need to go, and any special needs (such as wheelchair accessibility, curb-to-curb, or door-to-door service). The site then lists transportation providers in their area that match those criteria. There is no cost to use the website; riders only pay the fare charged by the transportation provider. Learn more at: https://gohiocommute.com/#/mobility


Gohio Commute is a free, interactive platform that helps people choose more affordable and sustainable ways to get to work or school, such as carpooling, vanpooling, transit, biking, walking, or telecommuting. Users can plan trips, match with carpool or vanpool partners, find transit routes and bike paths, and see estimates of cost, emissions, and calories burned for each option. Commuters who log at least five “sustainable” trips per month can earn discounts at local and national businesses. Employers, schools, and universities can also use Gohio Commute to reduce parking demand, support employee retention, and organize shared rides (such as SchoolPools). There is no cost to use the app; any costs are arranged directly between carpool partners.


Because carpooling and ridesharing are done at your own risk, ODOT encourages users to exercise good judgment—such as meeting potential carpool partners in a public place first and, when possible, riding with people from your own workplace. As gas prices rise, these tools can be especially helpful for saving money, reducing stress, and expanding transportation options in our region.

Learn More

EXIM Expands 'Make More in America' Initiative to Unlock Private Capital for U.S. Manufacturers

The Export-Import Bank of the United States has expanded its Make More in America Initiative to make it easier for U.S. small and medium-sized manufacturers to finance the equipment they need to grow. Under this expansion, EXIM will now guarantee up to 90% of equipment loans and operating leases made by private lenders. This stronger guarantee reduces risk for banks, which can lead to more available financing, lower borrowing costs, and faster approvals for manufacturers looking to invest in new machinery or expand production.


For manufacturers, this means better access to capital to modernize facilities, increase capacity, and compete more effectively in global markets. For lenders, it opens the door to participate more confidently in equipment financing backed by a federal partner. This effort builds on EXIM’s work with the Small Business Administration to improve financing options and working capital support for small manufacturers, helping drive job growth and strengthen America’s industrial base.

Learn More

New OMA Video Highlights Good Jobs Challenge Results

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association has released a new video showcasing the statewide impact of the Good Jobs Challenge and the employer-led workforce partnerships powering its success.

 

The results are significant. Through the Good Jobs Challenge, more than 900 employers have been engaged and more than 4,200 individuals have been connected to manufacturing careers across Ohio. The video pairs those numbers with individual success stories, showing how coordinated support and employer leadership are creating real pathways into the industry.

 

“This is what happens when employers lead and Ohio’s workforce system aligns around results,” said Lindsey Short, OMA managing director of energy and advocacy services. “OMA did not just help deliver a grant. We helped build a statewide workforce infrastructure that is connecting people to life-changing careers and giving manufacturers a stronger, more reliable talent pipeline. These results are not theoretical. They are happening in communities across Ohio.”

 

The video underscores that the Good Jobs Challenge is about more than short-term outcomes. It reflects lasting partnerships, proven regional models and employer-led strategies that will continue strengthening Ohio’s manufacturing workforce for years to come.

Watch the Video

ODA & Indigo Ag Partner to Expand Conservation Opportunities Through H2Ohio


The Ohio Department of Agriculture is partnering with Indigo Ag to offer extra financial support to farmers who are already using conservation practices through the state’s H2Ohio water quality program. More than 3,200 Ohio farmers are using proven best management practices to reduce fertilizer runoff and protect local streams, rivers, and lakes. Many of these “regenerative” practices also pull carbon out of the atmosphere and store it in the soil.


With this new partnership, farmers enrolled in H2Ohio can earn additional payments for the conservation work they are already doing. Indigo Ag measures how much carbon is stored in the soil and turns that into carbon credits that companies buy to meet their environmental goals. The money from those purchases goes back to farmers, helping cover the cost of conservation and making it easier to keep using these practices long term. State leaders say this is a strong example of how government, farmers, and private companies can work together to improve water quality, support healthy soils, and strengthen rural communities.

Read the Full Article

USDA Launches $125 Million Annual Program to Modernize Agricultural Research Facilities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened a new funding opportunity that will provide $125 million per year to modernize agricultural research facilities across the country. Funded through President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts, this long-term investment is aimed at helping land-grant universities repair, upgrade, and expand aging research buildings so they can continue supporting farmers, ranchers, and producers with cutting-edge science and innovation.


The program is run by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and offers competitive grants for planning, renovations, mid‑scale expansions, and large new research complexes. Awards range from $100,000 up to $30 million, and applicants must provide a dollar‑for‑dollar non-federal cash match. USDA leaders say this initiative will strengthen America’s agricultural research capacity, speed new technologies from the lab to the field, and help secure the nation’s food supply. Applications are due July 17, 2026.

Learn More

Discounted SCHRMA Memberships Now Available

The Sandusky County Human Resource Management Association, a local affiliate chapter of SHRM, is offering discounted memberships for the remainder of 2026. SCHRMA supports anyone in Sandusky County who handles HR responsibilities—whether they are full-time HR professionals or managers, office administrators, and business leaders in small and mid-sized organizations where HR is just one part of the job. Through SCHRMA, local employers can access monthly educational programs, legal and regulatory updates, and a network of peers facing similar workplace challenges.


  • Meeting schedule: 2nd Wednesday of each month, September through June

  • Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

  • Location: Terra State Community College (unless otherwise noted)

  • What’s included: Educational programs, networking, and lunch at each meeting

Discounted membership rates for the remainder of 2026:

  • National SHRM members: $100 (regularly $200)

  • Non-National SHRM members: $125 (regularly $250)


To learn more, visit schrma.ohioshrm.org or email [email protected].

Read the Full Article

Small Business Programs & Resources

Small Business Highlight

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Business: Lotycz & Sons Floor Covering

Location: 702 N. Stone St., Fremont

Founded: 1976


Founded in 1976, Lotycz & Sons Floor Covering has been a Fremont staple for 50 years, offering all types of flooring with the kind of personal, family-oriented service that keeps customers coming back. Owners Paul and his son John are on-site and hands-on, greeting customers, answering questions, and coordinating every project from start to finish.


Rooted in Fremont’s Polish neighborhood, Lotycz & Sons began as a leap of faith after Paul’s father lost his job and started selling flooring out of the family home. Today, the business still reflects that same grit, gratitude, and commitment to quality. In addition to flooring, they also offer countertops, blinds, bathroom tile, and backsplashes, working with trusted partners to complete full projects. To learn more, call the store at 419-332-5288!

Sign Up for Our Small Business Blitz Program

Are you a small business owner looking to gain more visibility in our community? The Small Biz Blitz is designed to offer quick, impactful visits to small businesses in our community. Our team will engage with you and your staff, discuss your business journey, and take a group photo to celebrate your hard work and achievements.


Why Participate?

  • Completely Free: Enjoy the benefits of this program at no cost to you.

  • Increased Exposure: We'll promote your business on our social media platforms, boosting your visibility in the community.

  • Meaningful Connections: Build relationships with our team and other local businesses.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your success and connect with the community. Sign up for the "Small Biz Blitz" today—we can't wait to celebrate your business with you!

Visit My Business Next!

FREE EVENT

2026 Small Business Basics Schedule

A free 2-hour seminar that will answer your questions about starting, buying or expanding a small business.

View the 2026 Schedule
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Miranda Hoffman

Small Business Development Center Director

Upcoming SBA Trainings

Introduction to Selling to the Federal Government

Friday, July 10, 2026

10:00 a.m.

Should I Get an LLC?

Thursday, July 16, 2026

12:00 p.m.

Small Business Orientation

Thursday, July 30, 2026

5:30 p.m.

How Do You Get an SBA Loan?

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

10:00 a.m.

SCEDC Offerings

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Buildings & Sites

Find the latest building & site listings on our full database

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Leadership Sandusky County

Join LSC to enhance your leadership skills, expand your network, and deepen your understanding of our community. 

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Local Incentives

Sandusky County has a wide range of incentives available to assist new and expanding businesses

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State Incentives

SCEDC works closely with JobsOhio to offer grant funding and tax credits to new and expanding businesses. 

Want to Know More?

Learn more about the SCEDC and why Sandusky County is a great place to live, work and raise families.

Visit Our Website

Contact Us!

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Beth Hannam | Executive Director

419.332.2882

[email protected]

Office

2511 Countryside Drive, Suite C

Fremont, Ohio 43420

8:30 am - 4:30 pm (Meetings by appointment)

Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation 

2511 Countryside Drive, Suite C , Fremont, Ohio 43420

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