Adams County Economic Development/Tourism Plan · A. SWOT Analysis B. Key Informant Interviews C....

Adams County Economic Development/Tourism Plan

History and NatureA Patch

work of

July 2015

A Patchwork of History and Nature 1

ADAMS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM PLAN

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ......................................................................... 1

Executive Summary ...................................................................... 1–8

Chapter 1. Background ................................................................ 1–4

Chapter 2. Current Conditions .................................................. 1–22

Chapter 3. Economy of Adams County ..................................... 1–12

Chapter 4. Economic Development Strategies .......................... 1–10

Chapter 5. Downtown Revitalization ......................................... 1–22

Chapter 6. Implementation .......................................................... 1–8

AppendixA. SWOT Analysis

B. Key Informant Interviews

C. Community Forums

D. Adams County Market Analysis

E. Adams Co. Full and Part-time Employment by Major Industries for the period 2003-2013

Maps

2.1 Transportation

2.2 Land Use/Land Cover

2.3 Natural Areas

2.4 Flood Plains

2.5 Prime Farmland

2.6 Hillsides

2.7 Ohio Appalachian Counties

2.8 US Appalachian Counties

3.1 OVRDC Service Area

5.1 Proposed Bike Plan and Rails to Trails

5.2 Ohio River waterfront Redevelopment From Broadway to Cemetery Avenue

5.3 Waterfront Plan from Broadway to Melody

5.4 Waterfront Plan from Melody to Stark

5.5 Waterfront Plan from Stark to Cemetery Avenue

5.6 Peebles Trail Connections

5.7 Seaman Trail Connections

5.8 West Union Trail Connections

5.9 Winchester Trail Connections

6.1 Proposed Development Areas

POGGEMEYER DESIGN GROUP • THE EDGE GROUP • BOULEVARD STRATEGIES

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Tables

2.1 National Register Properties and Sites

2.2 Adams County Population Figures for 1990-2010

2.3 Adams County and Adjacent Counties Population Projections

2.4 Age of Population

2.5 Household Data

2.6 Poverty Levels

2.7 Housing Occupancy

2.8 Housing Units

2.9 Age of Housing

3.1 Adams Co Workforce

3.2 Unemployment Rates 2001-2014

3.3 Educational Attainment

3.4 Commuting Patterns

3.5 Class of Workers

3.6 Occupations

3.7 Number of business 1999, 2002 and 2012

3.8 Number of Employees by Industry Type

3.9 Top Ten Employers

Graphics

2.1 Demographic Projections by Age Group

5.1 American Discovery Trail

5.2 North Country Trail

5.3 Buckeye Trail

5.4 Appalachian Discovery Birding and Heritage Trail

5.5 John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail

6.1 Proposed Adams County Wayfinding Signage

6.2 Economic Development Strategies

A Patchwork of History and Nature1

Acknow

ledgements

Consultants: Paul Tecpanecatl >

Tim Bockbrader >

Chris Boring >

Adams County CommissionersBrian Baldridge

Stephen Caraway

Paul Worley

Adams County Economic & Community Development Office

Holly Johnson, Director

Amanda Fraley, Office Administrator

Adams County Chamber of Commerce

Deana Swayne, Executive Director

Acknowledgements

On behalf of the project staff from Poggemeyer Design Group, the EDGE Group and Boulevard Strategies, we would like to thank the twenty-four member Planning Steering Committee for their interest, time, and work in meeting with us and providing pertinent county information. The members and their organizational affiliation are listed in Chapter One.

Additionally, we want to especially recognize the following individuals and agencies for their extraordinary effort and input towards the formulation of economic development and tourism strategies to help the county grow and prosper in the near and long term future. Lastly, we want to thank the Office of Strategic Business Investments of the Business Services Division of the Ohio Development Services Agency for the Local Government Innovation Fund (LGIF) Grant that made this plan possible.

Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau

Tom Cross, Executive Director

Adams County Regional Water District

Rick Adamson, General Manager

Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission

For mapping and access to applicable reports, studies and plans


Executive Summary

A Patchwork of History and Nature

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Adams County Economic Development/ Tourism PlanWith funding from a State of Ohio Local Government Innovative Fund (LGIF) Grant, Adams County commissioned an economic development/tourism plan. The consultants retained were Poggemeyer Design Group, the EDGE Group, and Boulevard Strategies. The county commissioners appointed a twenty-four member planning steering committee to work with the consultants and to provide input.

The eighteen month planning process included three community engagement activities:

1. SWOT analysis among the planning steering committee

2. Interviews with fifteen key individuals representing the various sectors of the county

3. five village forums

Numerous plans, reports and studies were reviewed for background information and for the preparation of an existing conditions analysis of the county. Goals, objectives and strategies were developed in conjunction with the planning steering committee. A draft of the plan was presented in March 2015 and the final draft in June 2015.

Adams County is part of Appalachia and located in southern Ohio along the Ohio River. It is a rural, somewhat isolated, and sparsely populated county with 28,500 people as of 2010. Founded in 1797 and named after John Adams, the second

president of the United States, the county boasts a rich prehistoric beginning dating

back over 11,000 years. It is believed that that the Fort Ancient inhabitants built the world famous earthwork

known as the Serpent Mound which still exists and located in the northeast part of the county. This archaeological

wonder was designated as a National Historic Landmark in October 1966 and in 2008 nominated and placed

on the United States World Heritage tentative list. The county also played important roles during the Civil War, including various activities

with the Underground Rail Road.

Adams County is the tenth largest county having 584 square miles of land of which 63% is forested and only

.81% developed for urban uses. The thirty mile length of the Ohio River, which makes up its southern border, adds to the

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closest commercial airports are in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky and Columbus. This lack of transportation access limits the type of development that the county can pursue.

County Utilities

∙The County has ample water and electric service.

∙Availability of natural gas is currently limited to the southern part of the county.

∙Sanitary sewer system is limited and at capacity. However, the county is currently exploring the possibility of expanding it regional water district to include sanitary sewer services.

∙The county has some access to broadband services and is looking to increase its availability throughout the county.

County Taxes Include:

∙ 7.25% sales tax

∙3% lodging tax

∙Conveyance fee of $4 per thousand

∙1% income tax assessed in Manchester and West Union

floodplain areas which constitute about 10% of

county land. Additionally, with about 368 square miles of

forested lands and hillsides that are mostly located in the eastern part of

the county, development is limited to the western and central parts of the county.

County Population

∙Increased by 12.5% between 1990 (25,371) and 2010 (28,550).

∙State of Ohio projections has the county population at 27,520 in 2040, a drop of 3.61%.

∙In following the national trend, the county is getting older with increases in the population 45 years and older and a decrease in the 25-34 year old age group.

∙The number of people at or below the federal poverty level has increased by 24% between 2000 and 2013 as well as the number of people receiving public assistance (by 34%).

Access To The County Has Some Limitations

∙Two east/west routes traverse the county, one on the north, SR 32 (the Appalachian Highway) and one on the south, U.S. Route 52. Access to the interstate takes about 45 minutes (to I-275/I-71).

∙There is no rail service through the county. Its east/west Norfolk Southern Rail line was scaled back a few years ago and recently part of the line was leased to a smaller carrier serving Clermont and Brown Counties.

∙The county airport is very small and has no commercial flights. The

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County Work Force

∙About 12,000 people in its civilian work force with about 8,200 employed.

∙The 2014 unemployment rate in Adams County was 9.1%, Ohio’s was 5.7% and the US’s was 6.2%.

∙In 2010, the county’s rate was 14.1%, Ohio’s 10.1% and the US’s 9.7%.

∙Educational attainment in Adams County was below its neighboring counties and the state.

∙From 2009-2013 American Community Survey figures, 23% of Adams County adults did not have a high school diploma compared to 13% for its neighboring counties

∙Only 11% of adults had a college degree compared to 24% in the adjoining counties.

County Occupations

∙The county had increases in the management/professional and related services and in the services industry.

∙It experienced decreases in sales and office, farming/fishing/forestry/construction/extraction/maintenance, and production/transportation/and material moving.

A key component of the economy in the county is tourism. Investing in this sector would greatly benefit the county. In 2014, the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau reported $31.8 million in sales, representing $12.3 million in wages, $4.5 million in local taxes and employment of 579 persons. This represents a 9% increase in sales from 2011.

The most prevalent industries in the county are:

∙Utilities

∙Retail

∙Healthcare

∙Finance & Insurance

The top industry clusters in the county are:

∙Healthcare

∙Retail

∙Manufacturing

∙Arts & entertainment/accommodations (tourism)

∙Construction

∙Utilities

∙Accommodations

The top five employers in the county are:

∙Dayton Power & Light

∙Ohio Valley Schools

∙General Electric

∙Adams County Regional Medical Center

∙Wal-Mart

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Adams County is within the twelve county service area of the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC) which is one of three regional districts in Ohio of the Federal Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). It is also the regional economic development district under the auspices of the Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA). OVRDC provides economic development planning, grantwriting and technical assistance to the twelve counties and is the conduit for funding community and economic development projects and activities under ARC and EDA. As of 2013, Adams County was designated as a “Distressed” community by OVRDC using ARC’s economic conditions criteria of unemployment (three year average), poverty level and per capita market income.

The county’s delivery mechanism for its community and economic development services is comprised of six entities:

∙The County’s Economic and Community Development Office

∙Adams County Chamber of Commerce

∙Adams County Community Improvement Corporation

∙Adams County Travel and Visitor’s Bureau

∙Adams Brown Community Action Partnership

∙OVRDC

These groups have done yeoman’s work giving their tight budgets and staffing. With additional resources to these groups, the county has the potential to more aggressively recruit new businesses, increase tourism and create more jobs.

As of 2013, Adams County was designated as a “Distressed” community by OVRDC using ARC’s economic conditions criteria of unemployment (three year average), poverty level and per capita market income.

Existing Adams County economic development strategies emanate from:

∙ The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) prepared by OVRDC

∙Goals from the county’s 2011 Land Use Plan

∙Economic Development/Tourism Plan

The Land Use Plan had four goals:

1. Support an economy that provides multi-skilled employment opportunities

2. Promote a quality of life enhanced by thriving businesses and an abundant labor market

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3. Respect and preserve Appalachian Culture and rural atmosphere by promoting tourism and the wise use of natural, agricultural, and economic resources

4. Create an environment that encourages, values and supports entrepreneurship

2012 CEDS Goals–Lead, collaborate and follow

The major goals included:

∙Improving the perception of Southern Ohio

∙Retaining and strengthening existing businesses

∙Identifying economic clusters to recruit compatible industries and suppliers

∙Creating small business support and nurturing emerging entrepreneurs

∙Working to make broadband services available throughout the region

∙Assisting communities with water/sewer/transportation and related infrastructure projects

∙Improving and upgrading the region’s transportation network

∙Assisting non-profit health care providers

∙Enhancing geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) services in the region.

These goals included many objectives and strategies as well. For Adams County, their prioritized CEDS objectives in 2012 were: the expansion of broadband services in the county; provision of natural gas in the northern part of the county; and roadway improvements along U.S Route 52 and SR 136.

The goals and strategies of the Economic Development/Tourism Plan include:

∙ Retention of existing businesses and industry through assistance with facility improvements, machinery and equipment (M&E) upgrades and/or expansions especially targeting those entities that make-up the county’s existing business clusters

∙Healthcare

∙Retail

∙Manufacturing

∙Utilities

∙Accommodations

Another goal was the recruitment of new businesses recruitment of new businesses that complement existing businesses and industry clusters and those identified by the market study findings that listed the need for more construction contractors, accounting firms, specialized freight truck transportation, healthcare, retail, agriculture/local foods, and higher education. The need for more worker education, job training and placement assistance was another stated goal. To spur development, the extension of natural gas service to the northern part of the county was deemed critical as well as the expansion of broadband services. To accommodate development, more sites need to be assembled by the CIC and marketed locally, regionally and statewide with various economic development agencies.

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In regards to transportation, the following projects and strategies were identified:

∙The need for improvements to US Route 52 and the intersection at SR 136

∙Intersection upgrades at SR 32 and SR 136, the reconstruction of Waggoner-Riffle Road, Wheat Ridge Road

∙The widening of SR 247, and the upgrade/expansion of the airport to accommodate more tourism

∙The development of the Norfolk Southern Railroad line into a rails to trail pathway connecting Winchester, Seaman and Peebles

∙The need to expand bike travel was seen as a major priority. The proposed bike trail connecting Winchester, West Union, Manchester and Peebles will also help strengthen connections to the Buckeye Trail, North Country Trail, American Discovery Trail and the Appalachian Discovery Birding and Heritage Trail. In this way, with more tourism, the villages can become stronger “Trail Towns” providing needed amenities to trail users, visitors, tourists and local residents. The villages can also become staging areas for those tourists staying overnight that are spending multiple days in the area.

Further assistance and resources to the Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau was seen as a priority since tourism is a key economic development component of the county. Increased advertising and marketing will bring more business to the county and strengthen the market for more restaurants and lodging. The distinctive and colorful Visitors Bureau’s Barn quilt logo and the various quilt icons that showcase all the amenities that the county has to offer have in a way established the identity and branding of Adams County as a place rich in history, folk art, eco-tourism, Appalachian and Amish cultures, rural character and outdoor adventure. This county identity and branding should continue to be used in all its marketing material, advertising and signage.

To revitalize the downtowns of the villages, the plan calls for the utilization of the Trail Town Redevelopment Strategies and the Main Street approach developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Trail Town initiatives are for communities that are on national trails that cater to the trail users by having well marked

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and secure connections to the

trail and offering local shops, restaurants, bike

racks, restrooms, lodging and parks for picnicking. The Main Street strategy uses a four point program consisting of Organization, Design, Economic Restructuring, and Promotion. This successful approach to downtown redevelopment has been used by hundreds of communities nation-wide. For these concepts to work, a county-wide organization like the CIC would be needed to coordinate the process and to help secure funding for the villages.

For Manchester, the county’s southwest gateway, the redevelopment of their downtown will be assisted by making the village more trail town friendly emphasizing its linkages to the Ohio River, the Ohio River Islands National Refuge, the Appalachian Discovery Birding and Heritage Trail, the nearby Buckeye/American Discovery Trails, the Hilltop Golf Course and Moyer’s Vineyards, Winery and Restaurant. Its turn of the century brick commercial buildings in its downtown, present a tremendous potential for redevelopment opportunities.

Peebles, the county’s northeastern outpost is centrally located to a myriad of attractions including the Tranquility State Wildlife Area, Brush Creek State Forest, Mineral Springs Lake, the Serpent Mound and the

Amish Region. It is also on the path of the Appalachian Discovery Birding and Heritage Trail, the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail and the American Discovery/Buckeye Trails. Peebles will also be linked with the proposed new rails to trails path from Winchester through Seaman and the proposed bikeway connecting it to West Union. The 7,000 acre GE Jet Engine Testing Facility is located southeast of Peebles. Strengthening its connections to the trails and bikepath will make Peebles a more conducive Trail Town and staging area for multiple day visits. Its close proximity to the Serpent Mound should help in its marketing efforts.

Seaman’s proximity to the fairly new 94,000 square foot medical center and the county’s largest industrial park provides it with great opportunities in the future, especially if natural gas can be provided. Seaman’s location is also near many county attractions such as the Tranquility State wildlife Area, the Amish region, Keim Family Amish Farm Market, the Appalachian Discovery Birding and Heritage Trail and near the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail. Additionally, Seaman will be a connector to the proposed Rails to Trails multi-purpose path from Winchester to Peebles. As a potential staging area for persons spending more than a day in the county, increased tourism will help revitalize its downtown with the need for more consumer goods and amenities desired by trail users.

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The true economic strength of the county lies with its natural amenities that include the Ohio River, the Serpent Mound, the various nature preserves, forests, Adams Lake, the trails and its Amish and Appalachian Cultures.

As the county seat, West Union is strategically located in the south central part of the county. It also has more developable land with utilities and recently lured Columbus Industries to relocate to its industrial park along SR 41. To the east and in close proximity are the 17,000 acre Edge of Appalachia Preserve,

Buzzards Roost Rock, lynx Prairie, the Wilderness Trail Preserve, Whipple State Nature Preserve and Adams Lake. Additionally, West Union is just north of the Buckeye/American Discovery Trail and the North Country Trail. The Appalachian Discovery Birding and Heritage Trail runs along SR 247 through the village and then proceeds northeast along SR 41 and eastward along SR 125. West Union is definitely a Trail Town and staging area for multi-day visits. Its downtown is highlighted by the county court house and square around it. Building renovations and streetscape work would greatly enhance the downtown.

The northwestern gateway to the county is the Village of Winchester and like Seaman was founded as a rail town. Situated along SR 32 and SR 136, it is the entry point to Adams County and an ideal place for a visitor’s center. The Norfolk Southern line railroad went through Winchester to Peebles then on to Portsmouth. This line has been closed and

a rails to trails alternative use would connect it to Peebles and to the other existing trails. The Red Barn Convention Center, a key attraction is located in Winchester along SR 32. The John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail goes through Winchester as well as the Appalachian Discovery Birding and Heritage Trail. A bikepath along SR 136 connecting Winchester to Manchester has been proposed under this plan to improve trail linkages and to offer another recreational activity in the county. Winchester’s downtown has experienced business losses which has resulted in higher than normal storefront vacancies. By enhancing it Trail Town location and amenities for trail users, the village has the opportunity to lure more activity and businesses to its downtown.

To protect the natural beauty of the county along with its historic attributes and unique Amish and Appalachian cultures, the county should consider adopting county-wide zoning after completion of a county comprehensive plan. With these regulatory land use policies and zoning laws in place, the county would be in a better position to guide and direct future development that will be sensitive to these assets. Additionally, for the health, safety and general welfare of the county it should consider adopting building codes. The true economic strength of the county lies with its natural amenities that include the Ohio River, the Serpent Mound, the various nature preserves, forests, Adams Lake, the trails and its Amish and Appalachian Cultures.


Chapter 1 Background


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In looking to assist the five largest Villages in Adams County– Manchester, Peebles, Seaman, West Union and Winchester with individualized community and economic revitalization strategies including their downtowns, the Adams County Office of Economic and Community Development approached Poggemeyer Design Group, Incorporated (PDG) in early 2012 for advice.

After an assessment of need and available resources by PDG, it was deemed more prudent and cost effective to aggregate these efforts into one county-wide approach. In this way, Adams County could take advantage of a new source of funding from the State for this undertaking. After a consultant procurement process held in August 2012, Adams County retained the services of PDG for grant-writing and community and economic development assistance.

In March 2013, Adams County applied for a Local Government Innovative Fund (LGIF) Grant from the State of Ohio through the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA). The grant was for the funding of a county-wide economic development/tourism plan. The LGIF Program was initiated by Governor Kasich and funded through HB 153 in June 2011. The initial program allocation was for $46 million, $9 million in grants and $36 million for loans. The purposes of the LGIF program are to promote efficiency, shared services, collaboration and mergers among local governments. Funded projects are expected to facilitate improved business environments and promote community attraction through more efficient and effective service delivery within the area.

In July 2013, Adams County was awarded a grant and in August contracted with PDG for the plan’s preparation. PDG teamed up with a marketing consultant, Boulevard Strategies and with an urban design firm, the EDGE Group - both out of Columbus to assist with this one and on-half year planning process.

Plan Elements

∙A current conditions analysis of the county including a brief history of its early development;

∙A description of the Adams County Economy and current economic development strategies;

∙Recommended strategies to attract new businesses and retain and assist existing ones;

∙Strategies to enhance the downtowns of Winchester, Seaman, Peebles, West Union and Manchester and to strengthen their connectivity to other Adams County assets, landmarks and trails;

∙Promotional program material, marketing and wayfinding mechanisms to strengthen tourism, including eco-tourism, heritage tourism and recreational opportunities;

∙Use of a unique identity/brand for Adams County;

∙Enhancement of the county’s economic development financial incentives to make it more competitive;

∙Development of an achievable work plan to undertake the plan’s recommendations; and the

∙Strengthening the county’s delivery system (organizational structures) to implement the plan.

Chapter 1 Background

In July 2013, Adams County was awarded an LGIF grant to prepare an economic development/tourism plan

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Community EngagementAs part of the community engagement process of the plan, the consultants facilitated a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis among the Planning Steering Committee to assess the economic conditions of the county. Additionally, fifteen county individuals representing area schools, businesses, industry, medical institutions and non-profit organizations were interviewed by the consultants to obtain their opinions regarding past, current and future economic conditions of the county. These fifteen individuals were chosen by the Planning Steering Committee. Both the SWOT analysis report and synopsis of the fifteen interviews are included in the appendix to this plan.

After the interviews, the consultants and the Planning Steering Committee convened five village forums in Manchester, Peebles, Seaman, West Union and Winchester. The purpose of these forums was to hear from the village residents and businesses firsthand what economic development issues were impacting the county and most importantly how these county circumstances were impacting their respective community. A write-up of the forums is included in the appendix.

Importance of Having an Economic Development Strategy

From the Report, entitled “Economic Development Strategy Guide” that was partially authored by Poggemeyer Design Group for the Redevelopment Ready Communities Program of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation:

“Most communities have a general concept of how they encourage economic development within their community far beyond the simplistic mantra “that

Project Planning Steering CommitteeTo oversee this project and assist with the planning process, a twenty-four member committee was appointed by the county commissioners. This group was representative of the wide spectrum of business, institutional, medical, utility, industry, non-profit and public interest groups within the county. It also included elected officials.

Steering Committee Members

∙Rick Adamson, Adams County Regional Water

∙Brain Baldridge, Adams County Commissioner

∙Karen Ballenger, Manchester Local Schools

∙Tonya Boldman, Fifth Third Bank

∙Stephen Caraway, Adams County Commissioner

∙Tom Cross, Adams County Travel and Tourism

∙Brian DeBruin, GE Peebles Test Operations

∙Bill Foster, Mayor- Village of Winchester

∙Ted Grooms, Mayor, Village of West Union

∙Tina Hageman, Ohio Valley School District

∙Rhonda Hamilton, Health Source Ohio

∙Craig Hockenberry, Manchester Local School District

∙David Hughes, Mayor, Village of Seaman

∙Troy Jolley, Mayor, Village of Manchester

∙Norman Newman, Mayor, Village of Peebles

∙Al Norris, Adams-Brown Economic Opportunities, Inc.

∙Mike Pell, First State Bank

∙Saundra Stevens, Adams County Regional Medical

∙Bill Swango, Adams County Rural Electric

∙Deanna Swayne, Adams County Chamber of Commerce

∙B.J. Thompson, Columbus Industries

∙Gary Tindall, Dayton, Power & Light, Inc./Generation Center

∙Rodney Wallace, Ohio Valley School District

∙Paul Worley, Adams County Commissioner

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the economy will get better”. Successful places have a clear defined strategy that describes how they intend to attract investment, build up their tax base and create job opportunities. The strategies are based on the economic assets, natural attributes, and the cultural and locational aspects of the community and region. These strategies may be enhanced by relevant community planning documents, market studies and land use policies that foster balanced growth and deliberate initiatives that encourage investment while eliminating obstacles.

An economic development strategy is a policy document that singularly expresses a vision and draws specific attention to opportunities. It is a way to articulate strategic and tactical steps to be taken to encourage

the private sector to make favorable development investment decisions. This includes measures to eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers

to new investment. Just as businesses compete for customers, communities compete for residents and investment since

people and capital can move easily to preferred places. In a sense, an economic development strategy might be thought of

as an expression of community “product development”. To some degree, existing and potential residents and businesses are consumers

with expectations, preferences and the ability to make choices. Paired with this, communities offer “products” that range from housing options, retail/service offerings, educational institutions, locational attributes, recreational amenities, cultural experiences, economic opportunities and so on. It is important to note, that no one community can offer everything to everyone in respect to economic development, but, a community with a well-defined and honed strategy that further develops their “product offerings” will be more successful than other places that don’t have one. The economic development strategy should therefore include the following elements.

Economic Development Strategy

∙Identification of assets, locational advantages, potential business clustering, workforce attributes and other placed-based characteristics

∙Key information that helps provide a compelling case for local development and redevelopment opportunities

∙Effective description of the community’s role in the region and regional opportunities

∙Highlighted opportunities for private capital investment that will build up the tax base and create jobs

“Most communities have a general concept of how they encourage economic development within their community far beyond the

simplistic mantra “that the economy will get better”

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∙Deliberative and planned implementation steps that include responsible parties, timeframes and performance objectives

∙An evaluation system with specific benchmarks to monitor progress and success

To gauge progress, an evaluation system should be put in place and include the following metrics:

∙Number of jobs created an/or retained

∙Dollar value of the development (new construction/renovation) and additional square footage of residential, commercial and industrial space added

∙New business formations

∙Population growth

∙Household/per capita income (compared with regional, state and national averages)

∙Unemployment rate”

The evaluation process will dictate whether the economic development strategies may need to be revised to accommodate market changes, economic conditions and/or unforeseen development opportunities. Economic development is an on-going process needing vigilant attention, focus, networking, and follow through.


Chapter 2 Current Conditions



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urrent Conditions

HistoryThe following narrative is excerpted from A Brief History of Adams County by Stephen Kelley.

Adams County, Ohio was established by proclamation on July 10, 1797. It was named in Honor of the incumbent president, John Adams. Adams County was carved out of what was then known as the “Territory North West of the River Ohio”, now referred to as the “old Northwest”. It is the third oldest county in Ohio, predating the formation of the state by more than five years.

The earliest known humans to inhabit this area were the Palaeo Indians. It is believed these people moved into the area about 11,000 years ago. One of the largest Palaeo Indian encampment sites discovered thus far in North America is near the Adams County Community of Sandy Springs on the Ohio River. Subsequent prehistoric groups making their homes in Adams County included the Adena and Hopewell Cultures who left behind a number of burial mounds and earthen enclosures, several of which can yet be seen. The Fort Ancient Culture was the last of the prehistoric inhabitants to live here. They left us one of the most intriguing and significant earthworks known in the New World- The Great Serpent Mound. This world class monument of the past is preserved in a park owned and operated by Ohio History Connections formerly the Ohio Historical Society.

When the first whites began exploring this region, they found it well occupied by the Shawnee Nation. They were among the most war-like of the eastern Indian tribes and put up a fierce resistance to the encroachment of white settlers. They relinquished their claims to southern Ohio only after their crushing defeat in 1794 at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in Northwest Ohio.

Chapter 2 Current Conditions

This Chapter provides a general overview and description of the county and includes:

∙Brief History of Its Early Development

∙Locational Attributes

∙Type of Geography and Terrain

∙Natural Features

∙Historic Properties

∙Available Utilities and Public Infrastructure

∙Demographic Trends

∙Housing Conditions and Available Schools


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urrent Conditions

One of the first “forters” to permanently settle outside Massie’s Station was Thomas Kirker (1760-1837), an Irish immigrant who later served two terms as Ohio’s second governor.

The first county seat was established at Manchester, but because of political differences, some of the judges named Adamsville (that

was sited near present day Rome) the county seat. To ease the tension between the Manchester and Adamsville factions, the

governor of the Territory, Arthur St. Clair, had a new seat of justice platted at the mouth of Ohio Brush Creek, named “Washington”, this pioneer log cabin settlement served as the county seat from 1798-1804.

In April 1803, only two months after Ohio was admitted to the Union, the new state’s legislature passed an act that provided for the “permanent establishment” of a county seat for Adams County. Three Commissioners were chosen to select the site for the new town. The land they chose was purchased and in the spring of 1804, the lots were surveyed and sold at public auction. Thomas Kirker, who was then serving as Speaker of the Ohio Senate, named the new seat of justice, “West Union”.

In 1796, Congress authorized the blazing of a road through the Northwest Territory from Wheeling, (West) Virginia to Limestone (Maysville), Kentucky. Work was begun in 1797 by Ebenezer Zane and his son-in-law, John McIntire. This was the first “official” road blazed in the territory and became known as “Zane’s Trace”. The trace passed through Adams County from the northeast to the southwest. Much of it followed an ancient buffalo trail and Indian path known by the Shawnee as “Alanant-O-Wamiowee”.

The first permanent white settlement in Adams County was a fortified community first known as “Massie’s Station” built on the banks of the Ohio River at “Three Islands”. Its founder, Nathaniel Massie (1763-1811), later became one of the largest landholders in Ohio and a prominent politician who helped pave the way for Ohio statehood. Built in the winter of 1790-1791, Massie’s Station is known today as Manchester and ranks among the oldest towns in Ohio.


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Zane’s Trace became the first mail road in Ohio and was a stagecoach route for several decades. Several historical figures traveled over this route through Adams County including General and President Andrew Jackson, statesman and Senator Henry Clay, Senator Thomas Hart Benton and General Santa Anna of Mexico.

For about three decades preceding the Civil War, there was much abolitionist activity in the county. Many residents, especially those of the various branches of the Presbyterian Church, became involved in the Underground Railroad. Many ministers such as William Williamson, John Graham and Dyer Burgess helped fan the flames of the ant-slavery movement throughout the region.

Following the outbreak of hostilities between the North and South in 1861, many companies of volunteers were raised in Adams County. Most of the 70th Ohio Volunteer Infantry regiment was composed of men from Adams and Brown Counties. They trained on the old fair grounds- renamed “Camp Hamer”—on the south side of West Union before marching south to the battlefields. Confederate General John Hunt Morgan, the “Thunderbolt of the Confederacy” and his raiders passed through much of the county in July of 1863, creating much fear and havoc.

Many Adams County homes, farms and businesses were looted and the raiders killed one civilian at Eckmansville during the daring excursion.

In 1910-1911, the county received much on-going (and unwanted) national attention when almost 2,000 Adams County voters were disenfranchised when one of the nation’s largest vote-buying scandals was exposed.

In September of 1957, the county received much better national publicity when it hosted the fifth World’s Conservation Exposition and Plowing Contests. Fourteen nations participated in this four day event that drew an estimated quarter million visitors.

LocationAdams County is located in southern Ohio along the Ohio River. It is bounded by Brown County to the west, Highland and Pike Counties to the north and Scioto County to the east. Across the River to the south in Northern Kentucky, it is bordered by Mason and Lewis Counties.

Adams County is 76 miles east of Cincinnati, 102 miles south of Columbus, 133 miles west of Parkersburg, West Virginia and 90 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky.

Adams County was carved out of what was then known as the “Territory North West of the River Ohio”, now referred to as the “old Northwest”.


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TransportationAir

The county is within two hours from three major airports: the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, the Port Columbus International Airport and the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Adams County also has a small publicly owned facility, the Alexander Salamon Airport located about four miles northwest of West Union just west of SR 247. This forty acre facility accommodates mostly small single engine aircraft. It has one runway that is 3,762 feet long and sixty-five feet wide. The airport is operated by the Adams County Airport Authority and was named after a Czechoslovakian refugee that settled in Seaman. The land for the airport was donated by Dr. Salamon.

Highway

The County is about a 45 minute drive to I-275 to the west with another 20 to 30 minutes to I-75 and I-71, Interstate I-64 is about an hour and one-half to the south and SR 23 is about a 30 minute drive to the east. Adams County has no direct access to these major highways and is served by two east/west roads; SR 32 (the Appalachian Highway) along the northern part of the county and SR 52 which runs parallel and adjacent to the Ohio River on the south.

Rail

There is one major railroad, the Norfolk Southern Line that traverses the county from east to west along the northern part of the county. This line connects Cincinnati to Portsmouth. It was formerly classified as a B Class carrier transporting from between 5 to 20 million tons of cargo per year. With the loss of manufacturing in

OVRDC Main Transportation Access–Map 2.1


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the region, usage of this line has greatly diminished. The segment of line through Adams County has been inactive for a few years, however, NS recently leased part of the rail line to a smaller carrier for runs between Williamsburg in Clermont County to Manchester. The unused line in Adams County would make an ideal east/west multi-use trail connecting to the existing north/south trails.

River

The Ohio River constitutes a thirty mile long linear southern boundary of the county separating it from Kentucky. There is considerable barge traffic along the Ohio River with many one thousand foot ships transporting coal, petroleum, gravel, chemicals, iron, steel and grain. The river is heavily used by pleasure boaters as well and is a passageway for many Riverboats transporting tourists eastward to Pittsburgh or westward to Cincinnati and the Mississippi River. There is no major marina or boat docking facilities along the Ohio River within Adams County.

Physiography, Geology, Relief and DrainageAdams County has three distinct land resource areas:1. The Northwest consists of gently sloping lands indigenous of the

Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plains,

2. The Central and southwestern area consist of rolling to steep lands of the Kentucky Bluegrass region, and the

3. The Eastern part of the county exemplifies the steep and very steep Western Allegheny Plateau Region.

Peach Mountain, located in the northeast part of the count and west of Mineral Springs is the highest point in the county with an elevation of 1,270 feet above sea level.

Ohio Brush Creek, Scioto Brush Creek, Eagle Creek and Three Mile Creek drain most of the county. Ohio Brush Creek generally drains the central part of the county flowing from the north and southward into the Ohio River. The eastern part of the county is generally drained by Scioto Brush Creek which flows into Scioto County. The southwestern part of the county is drained by East Fork/Eagle Creek and Three Mile Creek.

GroundwaterThe county is within Ohio EPA’s southeast district and the

Ohio River Stem Watershed. The Adams County Regional Water District (ACRWD) supplies water to Adams and Brown

Counties for approximately 18,000 people. The source for the water comes from eight deep wells that are approximately 75 feet

deep. These are drilled into the Ohio River Valley Aquifer which Oho EPA considers as groundwater. The Well field is located on the south side of U.S. route 52 just west of Wrightsville. In 2014, ACRWD pumped 788,105,000 gallons of water providing an average of 71 gallons of water per day per person.

The County consists of 584 square miles, the tenth largest in Ohio. Ashtabula County, in northeast Ohio, is the largest county with 702 square miles. Adams is very rural in nature with only 0.81% of land cover designated as urban (which includes residential/commercial, industrial and transportation uses). The remaining land coverage is comprised of forests (368 square miles) at 63.15%, followed by cropland (162 square miles) at 27.81%, pasture (43 square miles) at 7.39%, and mining (1.5 square miles) at 0.26%.


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Land Use and Land Cover –Map 2.2

With a 2010 population of 28,550, Adams County ranked 79th among Ohio Counties, well below Cuyahoga County, the most populous with 1,266,049 persons. Similarly, in regards to density, Adams County was 82nd out of 88 having 48.9 persons per square mile compared to Cuyahoga County with 2,800 persons per square mile.

The limited commercial areas are located along the major intersections along SR 32 near Winchester, Seaman and Peebles, along SR 41 southwest of West Union and along 52 near Manchester. The industrial areas are southeast of Peebles where the 7,000 acre GE Testing Facility is located,

Manchester, Seaman, West Union, Winchester and Wayne Township. The remainder of the county is unzoned.

Preserves and ForestsAdams County is blessed with eight nature preserves, a wildlife refuge, three state forests and a world famous archaeological site- the Serpent Mound. The Mound is a 1,348 foot long serpent effigy on a 60 acre site northeast of the county believed to be built by the Fort Ancient inhabitants between 1025 and 1215 A.D.

Hanson Aggregates (limestone extraction) at the Plum Run Quarry east of Peebles, an industrial park along SR 32 near Seaman, another industrial park along SR 41 southwest of West Union, and sites along SR 52 where the two Dayton Power & Light coal fired steam electric generating stations are located, specifically, in Aberdeen and Wrightsville. Additionally, the county’s water treatment plant is located along SR 52 just west of SR 247.

ZoningOnly five villages and one township have zoning ordinances: Cherry Fork,


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Natural Areas –Map 2.3

Adams County Nature Preserves 1.Adams Lake State Nature Preserve –a 47 acre area located northeast of

West Union2.Chaparral Prairie Nature Preserve –67 acres northwest of West Union and

west of SR 2473.Davis Memorial State Preserve –88 acres northeast of Mineral Springs Lake4.Edge of Appalachia Preserve and Buzzard Roost Rock –17,000 acres,

southeast of West Union5.Johnson Ridge State Nature Preserve –208 acres north of west Union

6.Lynx Prairie Nature Preserve –52 acres 7 miles east of West Union, south of SR 125

7.Shoemaker State Nature Preserve –22 acres east of Peebles8.Whipple State Nature Preserve –448 acres north of SR 52 and east of

SR 2479.Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge –the refuge has 22

scattered islands and three main tracts of land; it extends for 362 miles along the upper Ohio River along parts of Kentucky and all of West Virginia. A section of the Kentucky part encompasses the islands off the Village of Manchester.


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Adams County State Forests10. The Brush Creek State Forest –13,502 acres located northeast of the county11. The Scioto Land Company –3,621 acres of scrub forest land located along the eastern part of the county near Mineral Springs.

This land has historically been used for hunting12. Shawnee State Forest –63,000 acres along the southeastern part of the county13. Tranquility Wildlife Refuge –4,000 acres located in the north central part of the county

Historic Properties and SitesAs shown in Table 2.1, Adams County has sixteen properties/sites/districts on the National Register of Historic Places including one National Historic Landmark.

Table 2.1 National Register Properties/Sites

Sites/Properties/Districts Date Listed and National Reg. Location

Adams County Paleo-Indian District October 17, 1974 #74001389 North of US 52 near Sandy Springs/Green Township

Buckeye Station May 1, 1974 #74001388 East of Manchester off US 52, Monroe Township

Cockerill House November 21, 1978 #78001998 115 E. Main Street in West Union

Dayton Power & Light Co mound July 30, 1974 #74001391 On grounds of DP&L east of Wrightsville in Monroe Township

Harshaville Covered Bridge March 16, 1976 #76001357 Graces Run Road in Oliver Township

Kirker Covered Bridge October 29, 1975 75001309 SW of West Union off SR 136 in Liberty Township

Gov. Thomas Kirker Homestead November 3, 1975 75001310 SW of West Union off SR 136 in Liberty Township

Dr. A.C. Lewis House October 31, 1980 #80002931 103 South Street in Winchester

Serpent Mound October 15, 1966 #66000602, National Historic Landmark

5 miles NW of Locust Grove on SR 73 in Bratton Township

The Ridge October 8, 1992 #92001352 503 E. 8th Street in Manchester

Trebor Inn May 17, 1976 #76001358 5 miles NE of West Union on SR 41 in Tiffin Township

Wamsley Village Site July 30, 1974 #74001390 West of Stout near the mouth of Brush Creek in Monroe Township

West Union Presbyterian Church November 18, 1976 #76001359 108 S. 2nd Street in West Union

Wicherham Inn May 7, 1979 #79001778 NE of Peebles on SR 41 in Franklin Township

John T. Wilson Homestead April 11, 1977 #77001039 NE of Seaman on SR 770 in Scott Township

Tet Woods Building March 25, 1982 #82003536 307 Main Street in West Union

Source: National Register of Historic Places listing from the National Park Service as of May 29, 2015


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Flood Plains –Map 2.4

The majority of the flood plain areas lie along the thirty mile stretch of the Ohio River, and along some of the major creeks that include: Ohio Brush

Creek, Scioto Brush Creek, West Fork, East Fork/Eagle Creek, South Fork and Three Mile Creek.


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According to ODNR’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Adams County has about 101,400 acres of prime farmland mostly located in the western part of the county. Prime farmland, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the land that is best suited to food, feed, forage, fiber and

Prime Farm Land –Map 2.5

oilseed crops. It may be cultivated land, pasture, woodland, or other land but is not urban or built-up land or water areas. Prime farmland produces the highest yields with minimal expenditure of energy and economic resources, and farming it results in the least damage to the environment.


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The entire eastern side of the county is within the Western Allegheny Plateau Region which has very steep terrain resulting in land having slopes of 30% or higher. This additional constraint makes development more difficult and costlier. It is not at all conducive for manufacturing or for most other types of industry. This area includes the eastern parts of Franklin

Hillsides –Map 2.6

and Meigs Townships, most all of Jefferson Township, the eastern parts of Brush Creek Township and all of Green Township. In the southern and southwestern portions of the county, steep lands can be found along the southeast section of Sprigg Township and the northern part of Manchester Township.


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Electric, Telephone, Gas, Cable and BroadbandElectric Service in Adams County is provided by three carriers: Adams Rural Electric Cooperative, Columbus and Southern Power Company (AEP), and the South Central Power REA. Telephone service is provided by Verizon North and SBC Ohio. Gas is provided by Duke Energy formerly Cincinnati Gas & Electric. Because of the terrain, gas is currently available in the southwestern part of the county in Sprigg, Liberty, Tiffin and Manchester Townships and the Villages of West Union and Manchester. Over the past 10 years, broad band services have been developed to serve the most populous areas of the county. Funding, in part, has been provided by Connect Ohio and from grants from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) through the Connecting Appalachia Ohio Middle-Mile Consortium project. This project has provided broadband service to 34 counties in southern Ohio including Adams. Over 1,960 new miles of fiber optic lines have been installed along with 1,097 new miles of backbone fiber. Additional connections for business and institutional access are planned and underway. Currently, Adams County has access to mobile wireless, DSL, satellite, fixed wireless and cable services.

Water ServiceWater in the County is provided by two facilities: the Adams County Regional Water District (ACRWD) and the Village of Manchester Water

Treatment Plan. ACRWD was established in 1971 with a new plant built in 1997 and upgrades in 2001. As previously mentioned, the source

of water is from wells tapping into the Ohio River Valley Aquifer. The district has 5,800 service connections and 3,696,000 linear

feet of waterlines. The WTP capacity is 800 million gallons per day (GPD). Storage capacity through water towers

include 2.7 million gallons of water. The average daily flow is 1.9 million gallons, with peak daily flow at

2.3 million gallons. The Manchester water plant was built in 1980 with upgrades in 2004. Its

source of water is from 3 ground wells tapping into the Ohio River Valley Aquifer. The Manchester

Treatment Plan has 950 service connections, 10,000 linear feet of water lines and has a capacity of 936,000

gallons per day. It has storage capacity of 550,000 gallons through a tank system. The average daily flow is 200,000

gallons with peak daily flow at 230,000 gallons.

Waste Water Treatment Adams County is served by five facilities located in Manchester, Peebles, Seaman, West Union and Winchester. The Manchester Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) was built in 1969 and upgraded in 1998. It is an activated sludge treatment facility, has 880 connections and 12,000 linear feet of lines. The average daily flow is 100,000 gallons per day and the peak daily flow is 160,000 gallons per day. The Peebles WWTP was built in 1991 and upgraded in 2000. It is an activated sludge facility, has 745 connections and 79,000 linear feet of lines. The average daily flow is 276,000 gallons per day and the peak daily flow is 1.1 million gallons per day. The Seaman facility was built in 1959 and upgraded in 2002. It is a trickling filter type facility, has 485 connections and 52,800 linear feet of lines. The Average daily flow is 180,000 gallons per day and the peak Daily Flow is 250,000 gallons per day. The West Union WWTP was built in 1952, upgraded in 1980 and 1994. It is a trickling filter type facility, has 1,200 connections and 237,600 linear feet of lines. The Average Daily Flow is 325,000 gallons per day and the Peak Daily Flow is 1 million gallons per day. The Winchester facility was built in 1973 and upgraded


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in 2004. The WWTP is a lagoon/aeration type facility and has 450 connections. The Average Daily Flow is 70,000 gallons per day and the peak daily flow if 500,000 gallons per day. To accommodate growth, for better efficiency and economies of scale, the county is looking at adding sanitary sewer services to its regional water district.

Cultural HeritageAppalachian Heritage

Adams County is one of thirty-two counties in Ohio and one of 420 counties of the thirteen state Appalachian Region of the United States. This region extends from Mississippi to New York. Please see Maps 2.7 Ohio Appalachian Counties and 2.8 US Appalachian Counties. The Appalachian People consist of folks with unique backgrounds - Native American, Irish, English, Scotch, and descendants of German and Polish immigrants all blended together across the region. This heritage, though diverse, is prevalent in the county and personified through the arts and crafts, music, local folklore, and religion. Though still debated, some of the attributes of

the Appalachian culture stem

from the early

Ohio Appalachian Counties – Map 2.7


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rural farm nature of the Appalachian region, its past isolation (physically, socially and culturally), its early underfinanced subsistence economy and its predominant Celtic roots. From the book, Appalachian Values by Loyal Jones, the most identifiable characteristics of these inhabitants include individualism, independence, modesty, and a strong sense of religion.

Amish HeritageAdams County has an enclave of Amish predominantly in the Wheat Ridge area (northeast of West Union). Seven families came to Adams County from Melroy, Indiana in 1976 and began to farm and raise livestock. Since then, the Amish have expanded their work to include a variety of businesses, industries and various service enterprises. Today, there are over one hundred households and three parochial schools. Many visitors come annually to Adams County for the various festivals and special events and tour the Amish country to purchase furniture, baked goods, dairy products and crafts.

DemographicsAs shown in Table 2.2, Adams County has experienced modest growth between 1990 and 2010, going from 25,371 to 28,550. This represents a gain of 3,179 persons (12.53%) over this twenty year period. Growth occurred within the Villages of West Union and Winchester and in eleven townships: Bratton, Brush Creek, Jefferson, Liberty, Meigs, Oliver, Scott, Sprigg, Tiffin, Wayne and Winchester. The most significant growth occurred along a swath of land from Sprigg Township, in the southeastern part of the county northeasterly to Bratton Township in the north central part. Bratton experienced a 69% growth from 1990, Oliver Township 52%, Liberty Township 40% and Sprigg Township 24%. The only outlier was Winchester Township, in the far northeast corner of the county that experienced a 25% increase.

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Appalachian Region Counties – Map 2.8


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Table 2.2 Adams County Population Figures 1990-2010

1990 2000 2010 (change from 1990)

Adams County 25,371 27,330 28,550 +3,179 12.5%

Ohio 10,847,115 11,353,140 11,536,504 +689,389 6.3%

Cherry Fork Village 178 127 155 -23 -12.92%

Manchester Village 2,223 2,043 2,023 -200 -8.9%

Peebles Village 1,782 1,739 1,782 0 no change

Rome Village 99 117 94 -5 -5%

Seaman Village 1,013 1,039 944 -69 -6.8%

West Union Village 3,096 2,903 3,241 +145 4.6%

Winchester Village 978 1,025 1,051 +73 7.4%

Bratton Twp. 862 1,412 1,461 +599 69.4%

Brush Creek Twp. 1,195 1,231 1,236 +41 3.4%

Franklin Twp. 1,098 1,167 1,110 +12 1.09%

Green Twp. 704 782 651 -53 -7.5%

Jefferson Twp. 1,022 1,024 1,046 +24 2.3%

Liberty Twp. 1,400 1,816 1,965 +565 40.3%

Manchester Twp. 2,393 2,140 2,052 -341 -14.24%

Meigs Twp. 3,701 3,753 3,905 +204 5.5%

Monroe Twp. 657 735 686 +27 4.4%

Oliver Twp. 865 1,246 1,319 - +454 52.4%

Scott Twp. 1,920 2,053 2,180 +260 13.5%

Sprigg Twp. 1,499 1,639 1,867 +368 24.54%

Tiffin Twp. 5,144 5,075 5,560 +416 8.08%

Wayne Twp. 1,147 1,273 1,304 +157 13.6%

Winchester Twp. 1,764 1,984 2,208 +444 25.1%

Source: ODSA U.S. Census data


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State projections in Table 2.3, however, have the county decreasing in population through 2040. In comparison, only Highland and Pike Counties in Ohio and Mason County in Kentucky are projected to increase in population, though moderately.

Table 2.3 Adams Co and Adjacent Counties Population Projections

1990 2000 2010 2013 2020 2030 2040

Adams Co 25,371 27,330 28,550 28,105 28,380 28,100 27,520

Brown Co 34,966 42,285 44,846 44,264 45,850 45,630 44,090

Highland Co 35,728 40,875 43,589 43,299 44,320 44,720 44,030

Pike Co 22,249 27,695 28,709 28,367 29,000 29,420 29,970

Scioto Co 80,327 79,195 79,499 78,153 77,430 75,520 77,660

Lewis Co, KY 13,029 14,092 13,870 13,859 13,899 13,637 13,097

Mason Co, KY 16,666 16,800 17,490 17,278 18,419 19,031 19,265

Total 228,336 248,272 256,553 253,325 257,298 256,058 255,632

Source: ODSA population projections, and Kentucky Data Center projections.

Collectively, these seven counties experienced a 12.36% increase in population representing 28,217 people between 1990 and 2010. The 2040 projections from a starting base of 2010, have these counties losing 921 persons (0.36%), a modest decrease.


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Table 2.4 Age of Population

1990 2000 2010 Change (1990-2010)

Total Pop 25,371 27,330 28,550 +3,179 12.53%

Under 5 1,842 1,756 1,924 +82 4.45%

5-9 2,009 2.051 2,000 -9 -0.44%

10-14 1,695 (10-13) 2,120 1,980 N/A

15-19 1,806 (14-17) 1,979 1,964 N/A

20-24 2,450 (18-24) 1,681 1,527 N/a

25-34 3,662 3,571 3,152 -510 -13.92%

35-44 3,408 4,140 3,828 +420 12.32%

45-54 2,751 3,612 4,264 +1,513 54.99

55-59 1,157 1,481 1,977 +820 70.87%

60-64 1,156 1,296 1,704 +548 47.40%

65-74 1,971 2,030 2,451 +480 24.35%

75-84 1,077 1,201 1,331 +254 23.58%

85+ 387 412 448 +61 15.76%

Median Age 32.8 36.3 39.6 +6.8 20.73%

White 25,258 26,721 27,882 +2,624

Black 23 48 87 +64 278%

Hispanic 40 175 243 +203 507%

In Group Qtrs 366 342 338 -28 -7.65%

Institutionalized N/A 214 245 +31 14.48%

Non-institutionalized N/A 128 93 -35 -27.34% As depicted in Table 2.4, Adams County has experienced a 12.53% growth between 1990 and 2010. The most significant increase occurred with the 45-54 and 55-59 age groups at 55% and 71% respectively. This is also reflected in the 21% increase in the median age going from 32.8 in 1990 to 39.6 in 2010. The graph below shows the continuing trend of a growing senior population in the county.


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Household DataAs shown in Table 2.5, the number of households increased by only 3% between 1990 and 2010. The largest gain included those households that were female head with children 18 and under (29%), female head (22%), and those with persons 65 and older (17%).

2012 Demographic Projection Graph – Chart 2.1

Source: The Center for Community Solutions

Table 2.5 Adams County Household Data

2000 2010 2009-2013 (change from 2000)

Total households 10,501 11,147 10,816 +315 2.9%

Family households 7,616 7,793 7,729 +113 1.48%

With own children under 18 yrs of age 3,570 3,225 3,408 -162 -4.5%

Female head with no husband 1,095 1,349 1,337 +242 22.1%

With own children under 18 yrs of age 665 756 860 +195 29.32%

Households with individuals 65 and over living alone 1,159 1,248 1,302 +143 12.33%

Households with individuals 18 and over 3,891 3,735 3,777 -144 -2.92%

Households with individuals 65 and over 2,627 3,065 3,073 +466 16.97%

Average hshld size 2.57 2.53 2.59 0.02 0.77%

Average family size 3.03 3.01 3.09 0.06 1.9%


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Poverty- Individuals

As shown in Table 2.6, the number of individuals living at or below the poverty level increased by 1,983 or 42% between 2000 and 2013.

Table 2.6 Poverty- Individuals

2000 2009-2011 2013 (change from 2000)

4,687 (17.4%) 6,495 (23%) 6,670 (24.1%) +1,983 42.30%

Housing Occupancy

As shown in Table 2.7 below, throughout the years, Adams County has remained a predominantly owner-occupied community at 73%.

Table 2.7 Housing Occupancy

2000 2010 2009-2013 (change from 2000)

Total hsg units 11,822 12,978 12,867 +1,045 8.8%

Occupied units 10,501 11,147 10,816 +315 2.9%

Vacant Units 1,321 1,831 2,051 +730 55.26%

Vac-seasonal, recreational and/or occasional use 431 533 853 +422 97.9%

Tenure

Owner-Occupied 7,755 7,946 7,914 +159 2.05%

Renter-Occupied 2,746 3,201 2,902 +156 5.68%

Ave. Hshld size for owner-occupied 2.59 2.55 2.65 +0.06 2.3%

Ave. Hshld size for renter-occupied 2.52 2.49 2.45 -0.07 -2.7%

Median Hshld income $29,315 $32,791 $35,678 $6,363 21.7%

Median value owner-occupied home $67,400 $91,500 $92,900 $25,500 37.83%

Median monthly mortgage payment $673 $979 $984 +311 46.21%

Median monthly rent $381 $531 $518 +137 35.95%

Source: The Center for Community Solutions


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Housing Units

Most of the county’s housing stock is comprised of single-family structures. Please see Table 2.8. In 2013, there were 8,840 units representing 69% of the total number of units. Mobile homes make up 26% of the total units.

Table 2.8 Housing Units

2000 2010 2009-2013 (change from 2000)

Total units 11,822 12,999 12,867 +1,045 8.8%

1 unit detached 7,792 9,059 8,764 +972 12.47%

1 unit attached 54 81 76 +22 40.7%

Duplex 179 89 107 -72 -40.22%

3-4 units 201 226 219 +18 8.9%

5-9 units 100 119 121 +21 21%

10-19 units 210 38 23 -15 -39.47%

20 plus 210 177 157 -53 -25.23%

Mobile homes 3,162 3,173 3,378 +216 6.83%

Boat, RV, Van 86 37 22 -64 -74.41%

Lacking complete plumbing 294 49 56 -238 -80.95%

Lacking complete kitchen 200 93 85 -115 -57.50%

No phone service 857 514 448 -409 -47.42%

Age of Housing

In 2013, there were 6,787 structures that were built in 1979 or earlier. This represents about 53% of the counties total number of units. These homes are 36 years old and older and many are probably in need of mechanical and structural upgrades. For those houses built prior to 1978, there is also the likelihood that they may be contaminated with lead-based paint.


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Table 2.9 Age of Housing

2000 2010 2009-2013 (change from 2000)

2010 & later N/A N/A 46 N/A

2000-2009 N/A 1,187 1,336 +149 12.55%

1990-1999 2,460 2,701 2,691 +231 9.39%

1980-1989 1,926 1,887 2,007 +81 4.2%

1970-1979 2,375 2,333 2,254 -121 -5.09%

1960-1969 1,113 1,035 962 -151 -13.56%

1940-1959 1,536 1,717 1,450 -86 -5.59%

1939 & earlier 2,412 2,139 2,121 -291 -12.06%

Schools

Adams County has 10 schools with an enrollment of 5,057 students. There are two local school districts, Ohio Valley and Manchester. Ohio Valley has seven schools serving children from kindergarten to the twelfth grade. Current enrollment is 4,086. The schools include three high schools: North Adams, Peebles and West Union and three elementary schools: North Adams, Peebles and West Union. The district also has a vocational school, the Ohio Valley Career and Technical School in West Union.

Manchester Local has two schools, a high school and an elementary school with a total enrollment of 880. In 1997, with major funding from the Ohio School Facilities Commission, all four new high schools were built: North Adams, Peebles, West Union and Manchester.

The tenth school is the Adams County Christian School in West Union founded in 1981. This on-line school offers classes for K-12 grades and has a current enrollment of 91 students.

Taxes

Adams County has a 7.25% sales tax of which it keeps 1.50% of it. The real estate conveyance fee is $4.00 per thousand dollars of the sales price. It also has a 3% lodging tax. Of the five main villages, only Manchester and West Union have a 1% income tax.


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SummaryAdams County is located in the Appalachian region of Southern Ohio. It is rural, sparsely populated and somewhat isolated having no convenient access to an interstate. Its workforce lags behind its neighboring counties in educational attainment and income. It also has a higher number of people living at or below the federal poverty level and a higher number of people dependent on transfer payments (public assistance).

The County’s topography and terrain limits development to the central, north central, northwest and southwestern areas. Part of this is the result of limited water, sewer and gas service.

Despite some population growth that occurred between 1990 and 2010 in the central, north central, northwestern and southwestern areas of the county, demographic projections call for a continual decrease in population over the next twenty-five years.

The county’s assets, however, provide it with enormous opportunities and include the Ohio River, its Appalachian roots, Amish Culture and the abundant outdoor recreational amenities consisting of natural preserves, state forests, trails, historic sites and the Serpent Mound State Memorial. It is these assets that will help Adams County generate economic growth in the future.


Chapter 3 Economy of Adams County



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In this chapter, a description of the workforce, employment status, the types of industry, industry clusters, the county’s role in the region, and the existing economic development delivery mechanisms will be described.

Chapter 3 Economy of Adams County

at or below poverty level increased to 24% and the number of persons supported by transfer payments increased as well. In the appendix, a listing of the full and part-time employment figures by major industry for the county for the period from 2003 to 2013 can be found. From American Community Survey Data, the following table compares the Adams County workforce for the years 2000 and 2013.

Table 3.1 Adams County Workforce

Workforce 2000 2009-2013 (change from 2000)

Population over 16 yrs old 21,010 22,033 +1,023 4.86%

In labor force 12,237 12,014 -223 -1.82%

Civilian labor force 12,232 12,014 -218 -1.78%

Employed 11,297 10,159 -1,138 -10%

Unemployed 935 1,855 +920 +98.39%

Percent of civilian force 7.6% 15.44% Armed forces 5 0Not in labor force 8,773 10,019 +1,246 +14.20%

Poverty & Transfer PaymentsPersons at or below poverty 4,689 (16.4%) of total pop. 6,670 (24.1%) of total pop.Persons supported by transfer payments* 6,654 (24.4%) of total pop. 9,736 (34.7%) of total pop.

*social security, supplemental social security, retirement, other public assistance

Adams County WorkforceThe US Census describes the workforce as all individuals 16 years old and older. As shown in Table 3.1, in 2000, the county had 21,010 people that were 16 and over. Of those, 12,232 were in the civilian workforce with 11,297 employed and 935 (7.6%) unemployed. From the American Community Survey data for 20009-2013, the workforce population increased by almost 5%, however the civilian workforce decreased by a little under 2%. Unemployment, however spiked to 15.4%. Persons


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Table 3.2 Adams County Unemployment Rate from 2001–2014

Year Adams County Ohio United States2001 7.4% 4.4% 4.8%2002 9.6% 5.7% 5.8%2003 9.7% 6.2% 6.0%2004 9.3% 6.1% 5.6%2005 8.2% 5.0% 5.2%2006 7.5% 5.4% 4.7%2007 7.6% 5.6% 4.7%2008 9.3% 6.6% 5.8%2009 14.2% 10.1% 9.7%2010 14.1% 10.1% 9.7%2011 12.7% 8.8% 9.6%2012 12.6% 7.4% 8.1%2013 12.7% 7.5% 7.4%2014 9.1% 5.7% 6.2%

Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Educational attainment is one attribute that describes a community’s workforce. A workforce with a higher number of high school and college graduates will attract employers seeking a more skilled labor force. As seen in the chart below, the county has made great progress in all categories over the last ten years.

Unemployment RateAdams County has historically had a higher unemployment rate compared to the state and the country. Factors such as types and availability of businesses and industries in the area, the state, regional and national economy, skills and educational levels of the workforce, and locational attributes all play into the unemployment rate of a community. In Table 3.2 below, the unemployment rates of the county between 2001 and 2014 are shown and compared to the state and the US.

Table 3.3 Educational Attainment

Educational Attainment 2000* 2009-2013** (change from 2000)

Population over 25 years 17,775 19,141 +1,366 7.68%

Less than 9th grade 2,187 1,863 -324 -14.7%

9-12th grade no diploma 3,387 2,594 -793 -23.4%

HS or equivalency 7,899 8,438 +539 6.8%

Some college, no degree 2,208 3,032 +824 37.3$

Associate’s degree 808 1,189 +381 47.1%

Bachelor’s degree 786 1,052 +266 33.8%

Graduate/professional 500 973 +473 94.6%

Percent HS grad or higher 68.6% 76.7% +8.1% 11.8%

Percent bachelor’s or higher 7.2% 10.6% +3.4% 47.2%

*U.S. Census Data ** American Community Survey Data

However, in comparison to its neighboring counties, Adams County had 23% of adults without a high school diploma compared to 13% for its neighbors in Ohio and Kentucky. The number of people with college degrees was at 11% for Adams County and 24% for the other counties. In regards to the white collar workforce, Adams County had 47% compared to 58% for the bordering counties. Not having a community college or four year university within the county has hampered workforce development opportunities.


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Commuting to WorkThe workers in Adams County on average spend a little over one hour a day commuting to work and back. This is a little less than the 1 hour and 18 minutes spent by workers in neighboring counties. Additionally, 37% of Adams County workers commute to jobs outside the county.

Table 3.4 Adams County Commuting Patterns

2000* 2009-2013**(change from 2000)

Workers 16 yrs and over 11,133 9,981 -1,152 -10.4%

Car, truck, van drove alone 8,452 7,991 -461 -5.45%

Carpooled 1,162 1,108 -54 -4.6%

Public transportation 93 68 -25 -26.8%

Walked 331 168 -163 -49.2%

Other 128 147 +19 14.8%

Mean travel time 36.8 minutes 32.3 minutes -4.5 -12.2%

Employed civilian pop. over 16 11,297 10,159 -1,138 -10%

*U.S. Census Data **American Community Survey Data

Class of WorkerThe majority of workers are in the private wage and salaried category. In 2000, they made up 75.4% of all civilian workers with government workers making up 13.21% and the self-employed 11.38%. From ACS data

for 2009-2013, the percentage of private wage and salaried workers stayed the same at 75.1%, government employment

increased to 16.9%, and the self-employed dropped to 7.9%.

Table 3.5 Adams County Class of Workers

2000* 2009-2013**(change from 2000)

Civilian employed, 16 & over 11,297 10,159 -1,138 -10%

Private wage and salary 8,518 7,635 -883 -10.3%

Government worker 1,493 1,718 +225 15%

Self Employed

In own unincorporated Businesses 1,174 775 -399 -33.9%

Unpaid family workers 112 31 -81 -72.3%


OccupationsThe U.S. Census categorizes occupations by the following six employment areas. Within this 10-13 year period, the number of management and professional jobs increased by 557 representing a 24% hike. Service jobs increased by 195 for a 10.7% increase, and the combined category of farming, fishing, forestry, constructing, mining and maintenance dropped by 496 (25.7%) jobs.


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Employer By SectoraSource: The Center for Community Solutions

Table 3.6 Adams County Occupations

Occupations 2000* 2009-2013** (change from 2000)

Mgmt, professional and related 2,307 2,864 +557 24.1%

Service occupations 1,819 2,014 +195 10.7%

Sales and office 2,129 1,828 -301 -14.1%

Farming, fishing, and forestry 175 [combined with construction, extraction and maintenance]

(Farming, fishing and forestry category now combined with construction, extraction and maintenance)

Construction, extraction, and Maintenance 1,750 with the 175 jobs from above this number is now 1,925 1,429 -321 -16.6%

Production, transportation, and material moving 3,117 2,042 -1,075 -34.4%


IndustryTo classify the types of businesses and industries, the U.S. Census Bureau and most other federal agencies use the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). This system was developed in 1997 by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to replace the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) System. The NAICS system was developed jointly by the U.S. Economic Classification Policy Committee, Canada and Mexico as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In Table 3.7 below are the number of establishments by industrial category for Adams County for the years 1999, 2002 and 2012.


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Table 3.7 Adams County Businesses in 1999, 2002 and 2012

Number of Establishments 1999 2002 2012 (Change from 1999)

All Sectors 425 434 372 -53 12.47%

Forestry, fishing, hunting & agricultural support 3

Mining, quarry, oil & gas 1 4 2 +1 +100%

Utilities 3 3 4 +1 +33%

Construction 48 42 34 -14 -29%

Manufacturing 38 34 24 -14 -36%

Wholesale Trade 8 11 9 +1 +12.5%

Retail Trade 102 97 77 -25 -24.5%

Transportation & warehousing 14 15 13 -1 -7%

Information 7 6 8 +1 +14%

Finance and Insurance 25 27 22 -3 -12%

Real Estate, Rental and Leasing 10 15 8 -2 -20%

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 25 27 26 +1 +4%

Mgmt of companies 2 1 1 -1 -50%

Administrative & Support and waste mgmt. & remediation 5 10 4 -1 -20%

Education 1 2 6 +5 +500%

Healthcare and social Assistance 39 44 49 +10 +25.6%

Arts, Entertainment and Recreation 6 6 6 No change

Accommodation and Food Service 36 41 34 -2 -5.5%

Other except public administration 43 46 45 +2 +4.6%

Construction, manufacturing, and retail combined, experienced a loss of 53 establishments during this timeframe, while Education and Healthcare gained 15 new businesses.

From the NAICS county business pattern reports, the number of employees by each industrial category is listed below for the years 1999 and 2012.


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Table 3.8 Number of Employees by Business Type

1999 2012 (change from 1999)

Total Number of Employees 4,663 7,961 +3,298 +70.7%

Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting 6

Mining 67 1

Utilities 74 518 +444 +600%

Construction 212 478 +266 +125%

Manufacturing 1,047 657 -390 -37.24%

Wholesale trade 87 196 +109 +125%

Retail trade 1,001 1,293 +292 +29%

Transportation& warehousing 272

Information 50 90 +40 +80%

Finance and insurance 157 176 +19 +12%

Real Estate, Rental & Leasing 77 113 +36 +46.7%

Professional, scientific, administration and waste mgmt. 99 94 -5 -5%

Mgmt of companies 21

Adm & support & waste mgmt. & remediation 15 22 +7 +46%

Education 787

Healthcare and Social Ass’t 783 1,022 +239 +30.5%

Arts, entertainment and recreation 25 42 +17 +68%

Accommodation & Food Service 681 673 -8 -1.17%

Other services (except public administration) 116 559 +443 +381%

Public administration 811

The industries that gained the most employees included: Utilities with 444, the “Other” category with 443, Retail with 292 and Healthcare with 239. The industry with the most significant loss was manufacturing with a decrease of 390 jobs (37%). The loss of manufacturing was not just an

Adams County occurrence but a regional one as reported by the twelve county Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission. Between 2000 and 2006-2010 ACS estimates, the region lost 10,133 manufacturing jobs representing an 18.6% decrease.


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Adams County Top Ten Employers 2012

Table 3.9 Adams County Top Ten Employers

Name of Business Business Type Number of Employees

Dayton Power & Light Manufacturing 519

Ohio Valley Schools Education 447

General Electric Manufacturing 355

Adams Co Reg. Medical Center Healthcare and Social Assistance 307

Local Government Local Government 296

Wal-Mart Retail 275

COMMAC Foods Retail 150

Adams-Brown Econ. Opportunities, Inc. Service 149

Adams Co Manor Healthcare/Social Service 125

Manchester Local School District Education 99

Source: Adams County Economic and Community Development Office

Regional PerspectiveAdams County is one of twelve counties that belongs to the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC). OVRDC is a public regional planning commission created in 1967 under 713.21 of the Ohio Revised Code. OVRDC serves as the regional economic and community development agency coordinating federal, state, and local resources for twelve counties in southern Ohio. These counties include: Adams, Brown, Clermont, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton (please see map 3.1 OVRDC Service Area).

OVRDC is also the designated local development district for the Federal Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). ARC is a regional economic

development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. Created by an act of Congress in 1965, ARC is composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the president. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. ARC provides funding for projects that meet their current four strategic goals.

∙Increase job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia to reach parity with the nation

∙Strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy


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∙Develop and improve Appalachia’s infrastructure to make the region economically competitive

∙Build the Appalachian Development Highway System to reduce Appalachia’s isolation

For planning purposes, ARC uses an economic classification system based on three year unemployment rates, per capita market income and poverty rates. The classifications are Distressed, At-Risk, Transitional, Competitive and Attainment.

Economic Classifications ∙Distressed category are those counties ranked as the worst 10% of the nation’s counties.

∙At-Risk classification are those counties ranked between the worst 10% and 25% of nation’s counties.

∙Transitional category are those counties ranked between the worst 25% and best 25% of the nation’s counties.

∙Competitive counties are those ranked between the best 10% and 25% of the nation’s counties.

∙Those counties labeled as having reached Attainment, are those ranked as being within the best 10% of the nation’s counties.

In 2010, Adams County was classified as an At-Risk County and in 2013, as a Distressed one.

OVRDC is also the regional economic development district for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). EDA was established in 1965 under the Public Works and Economic Development Act. One of the primary factors used to provide assistance is the unemployment rate for the county or region. The emphasis of assistance is to finance the infrastructure needs of the private sector for the creation of jobs. To be eligible for EDA funding, a locale or region must prepare a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS is an economic development plan for the region that includes a thorough description of the economy including types of businesses, employment trends, community assets, workforce description,

demographic trends, utility and infrastructure needs, land use, industry clusters, and goals, strategies and objectives for future economic development. The CEDS also includes a set of prioritized projects for EDA funding consideration based on the full plan and subsequent annual plan updates.

In 2013, OVRDC initiated a planning effort to become a Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) under the auspices of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). As a designated RTPO, OVRDC will be able to work with ODOT and applicable Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), such as the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI), to help develop transportation plans and prioritize highway projects that incorporates the need of the 12 county OVRDC planning district.


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Economic Industry ClustersFrom the 2012 CEDS, the economic industry clusters for the region included the following five industries:

1.Agriculture Related Businesses

2.Healthcare Related Businesses

3.Wood Industry and related Businesses

4.Total Manufacturing

5.Freight and Related Businesses

From the 2012 OVRDC CEDS

“Economic clusters are businesses with some similarity in industry, operation, or technology. These businesses are generally located within a specific geographical area and may be part of the same supply chain or may even be direct competitors. The clustering of these businesses can be mutually beneficial through the training or development of a particular workforce with common skill sets, the creation of research institutions to serve these businesses or the location of support services specific to that cluster. Increased competition may lead firms to collaborate in ways not previously considered and may result in increased productivity, efficiency and creativity. Economic development practitioners believe that nurturing industry clusters is advantageous for regional economies because it leverages a region’s specialization in certain industries affecting output, suppliers, enhancing labor skills and most importantly creating more jobs.”

Adams County’s industry clusters include:1. Healthcare

2. Retail

3. Manufacturing

4. Utilities

5. Accommodations/Food service

Until recently, Adams County contributed heavily into the OVRDC Region’s first four clusters: Agriculture, Healthcare, Wood and manufacturing. Between 2000 and 2006-2010 ACS estimates, the region lost 10,133 manufacturing jobs representing an 18.5% loss. With the recent designation of the 18,000 acre Edge of Appalachia Nature Conservancy, Adams County lost hundreds of acres of forest lands that previously contributed to logging and wood related industries. During this same period, Adams County, lost 459 workers in the agriculture industry representing a 26% loss. The County’s Healthcare Industry remains robust increasing by 239 workers between 1999 and 2012, a 30.5% increase; during this same timeframe Utilities increased by 600% gaining 440 workers and Retail increased by 292 workers (29%).

TourismTourism in Adams County is hugely important and will continue to be so in the future. Given the county’s abundant outdoor recreational amenities and attractions and the surge of the outdoor recreation

economy in the United States, Adams County is poised to take advantage of this phenomena. In the United States, from 2012

figures (from the Outdoor Industry Association), the outdoor recreational economy was responsible for 6.1 million jobs,

had $646 billion in recreational spending, generated $39.9 billion in federal tax revenue and $39.7 billion in

state and local taxes. For Ohio, the number of jobs were 196,000, spending was at $17.4 billion,

salaries and wages accounted for $5.1 billion and state and local tax contributions

came to $1.3 billion. For 2014, The Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau

reported $31.8 million in tourism revenue, representing $12.3 million in wages, $4.5

million in taxes and employment of 549 workers. In 2011, the county had $29.1 million in tourist sales

that provided $7.5 million in wages, $3.7 million in taxes and employment for 475 workers. Now that the economy is


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on the rebound and with additional advertising and marketing resources, the potential exists for the county to exceed the 8.5% increase in tourist sales that it experienced over the three year period between 2011 and 2014.

The Economic Development Assistance Delivery Mechanisms in Adams CountyOne important factor that determines how successful a community has been and/or will continue to be in the future, in regards to nurturing existing businesses and recruiting new ones, is the delivery mechanism of relevant economic development resources (e.g. grants, loans, programs, services, and economic incentives). By this we mean the organizations that are currently handling these activities in the county and the caliber of their staffing. Assistance with economic development activities are provided by the following organizations in the county.

The County Economic and Community Development Office – This two person office provides assistance to existing businesses, recruits new businesses, administers small business loans, administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and related programs and services offered by the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) that include housing, downtown revitalization, infrastructure and job creation opportunities.

The Adams Brown Community Action Partnerships (ABCAP) – This community action agency, created in 1965 provides a variety of services in both Adams and Brown Counties. These services include: the Head

Start Program; Weatherization,

Microenterprise Small Business

Assistance, Job Training, Health Care, Senior

Services, Recycling and Housing Assistance. ABCAP employs

around 150 people and has ten offices in their two county service area.

Their headquarters are in Brown County in Georgetown, Ohio.

Adams County Chamber of Commerce – The chamber was established in 1989 and has seventy-five

members. It is staffed by a part-time director. In addition to the pre-requisite chamber activities, the office acts as an ombudsman to its members to access various local, regional, and state services and benefits. The Chamber was instrumental in the creation of the Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau.

Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau – this organization was created in September 1998 and is partially funded by a three percent (3%) lodging tax enacted by the county commissioners in February 1998. This source of revenue brings in between $36,000 to $40,000 annually to the organization. The visitor’s bureau, with two full time staff has done extraordinary work in promoting the county and dramatically increasing tourist dollars. Their unique and engaging website along with its regional television ads have helped bring over $31.8 million in sales to the county in 2014.

“Occupations over the years have increased in the management/professional and services fields”


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OVRDC Service Area –Map 3.1

The Adams County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) – This non-profit corporation was created in March 2001 to be a catalyst and conduit for job creating development in the county. It is staffed by the county’s Economic and Community Development Office. The CIC was instrumental in acquiring the needed land for the Columbus Industries manufacturing facility in West Union in 2004. Columbus Industries relocated to Adams County from Rock Hill, South Carolina, manufactures various kinds of air, paint and industrial filters, and has facilities worldwide. The West Union plant employs 100 workers.

Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC) – This regional planning commission is both the designated development district for the Federal Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the economic development district for the Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA). OVRDC has a ten member professional staff and serves as the conduit for various State and Federal grant and loan programs. For EDA funding, OVRDC maintains the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the twelve county area as well.

SummaryThe county has experienced slight but gradual decreases in its workforce since 2000 and has maintained its relative high unemployment rate compared to its adjacent counties and the state. This has resulted in more individuals living at or

below the federal poverty level and receiving public assistance. Educational attainment has improved over

the years but still lags behind its neighboring counties and the state as a whole.

Occupations over the years have increased in the management/professional and services fields. Decreases occurred in sales, forest

products, mining and production/transportation and material moving. From an industry perspective there have been losses in manufacturing


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Chapter 3

–Econom

y of Adam

s County

(but less than the region as a whole), mining (more than the region), forestry and fishing. Gains have occurred in healthcare, utilities, retail, construction and arts and entertainment.

The current regional economic clusters as reported by OVRDC include agriculture, healthcare, wood industry, freight/transportation and manufacturing. Adams County business clusters include healthcare, retail, manufacturing, utilities and accommodations/food service. For those clusters that pertain mostly for Adams County (utilities, retail and accommodations/food service) specific local strategies must continue to be strengthened and expanded for maximum effect.

Tourism is an integral economic development component for the county since it generates jobs, business activity and strengthens the market demand for more retail, lodging, restaurants and other related outdoor recreational offerings (biking, equestrian trails, etc.).

The County’s economic development delivery mechanism is lightly staffed and is somewhat indicative of the county’s rural nature and low population size. Additional resources to the county’s Economic and Community Development Office for training and more staffing would reap major benefits for the county in the long run.

Adams County Economic Development/Tourism Plan · A. SWOT Analysis B. Key Informant Interviews C....

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Transcript of Adams County Economic Development/Tourism Plan · A. SWOT Analysis B. Key Informant Interviews C....