October 1, 2025
Over 100 investors attended the Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation’s State of the Vision, 41st Annual Meeting October 1. CIC Board Chairman Jeff Vance welcomed the crowd and thanked the membership for its ongoing investment in the organization’s economic development work.
“Partnerships are at an all-time high in the areas of economic development, business growth, innovation and investments,” Vance said. “We can only do this work because of you, our investors, who are helping build the economy day by day.”
Economic Development Director, Amy Sealts, shared CIC highlights for the past year, including supporting:
9 new businesses
6 business expansions
2 redevelopment projects
2 industrial buildings
2 financing partnerships
3 small business grants
176 new housing lots under development in five communities
130 new childcare spaces in three communities
11 marketing proposals for sites and communities
Sealts also recognized two outgoing CIC board members for their years of service, Barry Rosebrock and Sandy Roller. Annual awards were presented during the event.
Leipsic Earns Top Honor as 2025 Development Partner of the Year
The Village of Leipsic was announced as the 2025 Development Partner of the Year award at the Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation’s State of the Vision annual meeting October 1.
The Putnam County CIC presents the award annually in recognition of a community or business for excellence in economic and community development. It is the 30th year the award has been presented.
Infrastructure is the foundation for growth, and Leipsic made several key investments during the last year. It began a $3 million project to construct a new Mega Lift Station which will be completed this fall. The project replaces two aging lift stations and significantly increases sewer capacity in the industrial park area, paving the way for future development. Leipsic also continues to work with the Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation to improve and market the U.S. Midwest Triple Rail Site—over 320 acres with premier triple rail access served by AEP Ohio, making it one of the best-positioned rail sites in the Midwest.
Leipsic is also investing in creating more vibrant public spaces in the community. Over the past year, it invested approximately $1 million in Bennett Park upgrades with half the funding coming from an Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant. It also was successful winning a Transportation Alternatives grant from Ohio Dept. of Transportation. It’s proposal of a “South Main Multi-Use Trail” project was awarded $900,000 for a new accessible bike and walking trail connecting neighborhoods, both schools, and parks across the community. Leipsic will provide matching funds for the grant for a total project of $1.8 million.
Downtown is also seeing new momentum thanks to a federal Community Development Block Grant, three businesses will share the grant for building improvements in the coming year. On the housing front, a project led by Barry Rosebrock during the last year brought a much-needed new housing subdivision to Leipsic.
Each of these projects—whether infrastructure, industrial development or enhancing community amenities—represents a step forward and a testament to the work between local leaders, the community, state agencies and development partners.
Nelson Manufacturing is the Family Owned Business of the Year
For generations, Nelson Manufacturing has combined cutting edge technology, perseverance, and strong values to make a lasting impact in the aerospace sector, not just here but around the globe. Nelson’s is a leader in their industry and plays a tremendous role in aerospace technological advancements beyond what most people can comprehend. Their dedication to the pursuit of excellence sets a standard for businesses here and across Ohio. Nelson Manufacturing is an example of how passion, hard work, and values can create success that resonates far beyond the four walls of a business. Owners Tony Niese and Amy Niese accepted the award. Amy also serves on the board of the Leipsic Community Center and The Workforce Partnership of Putnam County. Tony and Amy are both active members of the Specialized Carrier & Rigging Association, and the Canadian Crane Rental Association, where Tony is a previous board member.
The Extra Mile Award presented to Zachary Buckland
This award recognizes someone who doesn’t just do their job—they go the extra mile – and then a few more. Zachary Buckland is the recipient of the Extra Mile Award. Whether it’s working with clients at his Edward Jones office in Glandorf, coaching third grade flag football, or volunteering with the Kiwanis Club, Zach is a community supporter with big goals and a never-stop work ethic. In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner, Zachary is also co-owner of Pendelton Plaza in Pandora which houses a number of local businesses.
Stan Oren receives The Legacy Award
Stan Oren began his military career as a cook in the United States Navy serving from 1969-1971. He had a 30 year career at Whirlpool and went onto to serve as a county American Legion commander, the District 1st, 2nd and 3rd Commander, and is currently State Commander of Ohio American Legion where he travels weekly throughout the State of Ohio and the country. Stan is a Life Member of The American Legion, serves on the American Legion Buckeye Boys State Board of Trustees, is Vice President of the Putnam County Veterans Service Commission, Board President for the Port Authority of Northwestern Ohio, and served 20 years as Presiding Judge for the Putnam County Board of Elections.
About: The Putnam County CIC is a 501c3 non-profit corporation dedicated to development, business retention, expansion, growth and attraction. The organization works with people, businesses and communities to unite vision, innovation and partnerships that power economic growth.
