Buckeye Hills Celebrates 40 Years of Service and Provides Annual Update - April 30, 2008
Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (BHHVRDD) celebrates 40 years of regional service in 2008. In four decades, Buckeye Hills has secured over $521 million for education, health care, infrastructure, training, social services and economic and community development projects across an eight-county region.
Nearly 150 representatives from the region and state and federal agencies attended the semi-annual General Policy Council meeting April 29 in
“Over the past year, the Development staff secured financing for various projects that have a positive impact on residential and commercial sectors,” said Executive Director Misty Casto. “These projects improve the quality of life for the people of the region. Total costs for projects exceeded $31 million, with local and private resources providing over $15 million.”
Buckeye Hills development programs work to enable businesses to create and retain jobs; to support education and training opportunities; to increase the quality and availability of water and sanitary sewer services; to repair and upgrade roads and bridges, and by increasing accessibility and availability of quality health care. As a key primary economic development tool serving small businesses in the region’s rural areas, the Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF) loaned over $615,000, creating 56 and retaining 30 jobs in the eight counties.
“We promoted the interests of the region and worked to secure grant funding for a variety of community projects benefiting the area’s 255,000 residents,” added Casto.
In the past year, more than 750 individuals participated in the PASSPORT program affording the opportunity to receive quality care and support services in the comfort of their own homes. The program makes better use of taxpayer dollars. Nearly five people will be cared for through state funds available through PASSPORT for the same cost of providing state-funded care for one person in a nursing facility.
The Area Agency on Aging funded 5,812 hours of personal care; 12,538 hours of homemaker service; 1,237 days of adult day care; 2,343 medical escort trips to medical appointments; over 42,000 congregate meals; and nearly 70,000 home-delivered meals with funding from a variety of sources.
“Ensuring safety, security and daily nutrition and well-being are critical to us,” said AAA8 Director Rick Hindman. “The Area Agency on Aging District 8 continued to research innovative programs and funding resources to provide a variety of services to the elderly in our region.”
In the past year, more than 750 individuals participated in the PASSPORT program affording the opportunity to receive quality care and support services in the comfort of their own homes. The program makes better use of taxpayer dollars. Nearly five people will be cared for through state funds available through PASSPORT for the same cost of providing state-funded care for one person in a nursing facility.
The Area Agency on Aging funded 5,812 hours of personal care; 12,538 hours of homemaker service; 1,237 days of adult day care; 2,343 medical escort trips to medical appointments; over 42,000 congregate meals; and nearly 70,000 home-delivered meals with funding from a variety of sources.
“Ensuring safety, security and daily nutrition and well-being are critical to us,” said AAA8 Director Rick Hindman. “The Area Agency on Aging District 8 continued to research innovative programs and funding resources to provide a variety of services to the elderly in our region.”
Press Release - March 10, 2008
Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District Revolving Loan Program Available to Morgan County Businesses
With support from The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), financing options through Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District's Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) are available to Morgan County businesses to help support job growth.
"We have resources to fund loans for businesses in Morgan County," said Buckeye Hills' Business Development Coordinator Tina Meunier. "If someone has a plan for a new business or is ready to take their existing business to the next level, the Revolving Loan Program may be the resource they need to make that plan a reality."
RLF loans fill the 'gap' between conventional bank financing, owner equity and the total amount necessary to complete a proposed business project. Eligible activities include: acquiring or improving land and buildings; construction; new machinery or equipment; and working or start-up capital needs.
Revolving loans include fixed interest rates and terms of 3-12 years, depending on the collateral used to secure the loan. In addition to ARC, the Revolving Loan program is also funded by the Economic Development Administration and Farmers Home Administration.
Because one full-time job equivalent (40 hours per week) must be created or retained for every $25,000 of Revolving Loan financing, these loans focus on creating jobs.
"Since the inception of the RLF Program, it has made 114 loans totaling $6.6 million. These loans have created over 700 jobs and retained over 760 jobs in the eight county region," said Executive Director Misty Casto. "The RLF program is one of the primary economic development tools serving small businesses in rural areas."
To request a brochure to learn more about terms, rates and the business requirements of Revolving Loan Fund programs, contact (740) 376-0360. Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District serves Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington Counties.
Press Release - March 3, 2008
Buckeye Hills’ Revolving Loan Program Available to Meigs County Businesses
With support from The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), financing options through Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) are available to Meigs County businesses to help support job growth.
“We have resources to fund loans for businesses in Meigs County,” said Buckeye Hills’ Business Development Coordinator Tina Meunier. “If someone has a plan for a new business or is ready to take their existing business to the next level, the Revolving Loan Program may be the resource they need to make that plan a reality.”
RLF loans fill the ‘gap’ between conventional bank financing, owner equity and the total amount necessary to complete a proposed business project. Eligible activities include: acquiring or improving land and buildings; construction; new machinery or equipment; and working or start-up capital needs.
Revolving loans include fixed interest rates and terms of 3-12 years, depending on the collateral used to secure the loan. In addition to ARC, the Revolving Loan program is also funded by the Economic Development Administration and Farmers Home Administration.
Because one full-time job equivalent (40 hours per week) must be created or retained for every $25,000 of Revolving Loan financing, these loans focus on creating jobs.
“Since the inception of the RLF Program, it has made 97 loans totaling $4.9 million. These loans have created over 700 jobs and retained over 760 jobs in the eight county region,” said Executive Director Misty Casto. “The RLF program is one of the primary economic development tools serving small businesses in rural areas.”
To request a brochure to learn more about terms, rates and the business requirements of Revolving Loan Fund programs, contact (740) 376-0360. Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District serves Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington Counties.
Press Release - March 3, 2008
District 18 - OPWC
Small Government COMMITTEE MEETING
A meeting of the District 18 Small Government Committee will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the HOLIDAY INN in Marietta, Ohio. The purpose of this meeting is to select ten small government eligible projects for submission to the Ohio Public Works Commission. The ten projects selected at this meeting will compete for small government funding with projects from throughout the state of Ohio.
If you have questions regarding this meeting, please contact Misty Casto or Michelle Hyer at (740) 374-9436.
Press Release - January 28, 2008
District 18 - OPWC
ROUND 22 SMALL GOVERNMENT APPLICATION DEADLINE
The District 18 Ohio Public Works Commission Liaison wishes to remind potential applicants and interested parties that the deadline for submission of Round 22 Small Government applications, is Friday, February 8, 2008.
Applications will be reviewed based on criteria provided by the Ohio Public Works Commission Small Government Committee, with ten applications from each of the 19 Public Works Districts being submitted to the State Committee to compete statewide for funding.
The State Small Government Program was created to assist communities with populations of less than 5000 in financing local public infrastructure improvements, including roads, guardrails, culverts, bridges, storm sewers, and water and sanitary sewer systems. Eligible applicants include villages and townships that meet the aforementioned population criteria.
Applications are to be submitted to the District 18 Liaison, Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District by Hand Delivery or Overnight Ship to 1400 Pike Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750, or by Postal Delivery to P.O. Box 520, Reno, OH 45773 no later than 5:00 P.M. on February 8th.
If you have questions regarding the application process or the deadline, please contact Misty Casto or Michelle Hyer at (740) 374-9436.
Press Release - January 29, 2008
District 18 - OPWC
Small Government Evaluation Review Session
A Small Government Evaluation Criteria Review session will be held Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the HOLIDAY INN in Marietta Ohio.
The purpose of this session is to review the Round 22 Small Government process and the rating criteria for any applicant wanting to complete for submission to the Ohio Public Works Small Government Committee.
If you plan on submitting an application you are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to attend the session on January 16th. Please RSVP no later than Janaury 15, 2008 to Jenny Myers at jmyers@buckeyehills.org or call 740-374-9436. If you have questions regarding this meeting, please contact Misty Casto or Michelle Hyer at 740-374-9436.
Project Update: Oct. 2007
Regional Advertisement to Appear in Nov. Site Selection Magazine with Ohio River Feature
Meigs, Monroe and Washington Counties partnered to place an advertisement in the Nov. Site Selection magazine with the editorial focusing on the Ohio River Corridor.
Press Release - Sept. 26
Thomas
The Trustees of the Appalachian Development Corporation and Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District dedicated the Thomas A. Closser Business Center Sept. 25 with federal, state and regional leaders joining the celebration.
The Center, located at 245 Millers Lane
(CR 9) in
“During his tenure, Closser was instrumental in acquiring federal and state funds for water systems, highways, jobs, economic development projects, schools, and health facilities in southeastern
Owned by The Appalachian Development Corporation, The Closser Business Center has 16 leasable offices ranging from 99-209 square feet and is conveniently located near SR 7 and I-77.
On-hand for The Business Center Dedication was Loretta Closser and her daughters Leslie and Cindy, as well as extended family members. Dan Neff of The Appalachian Regional Commission, Randy Hunt of The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Christi Mash of Governor Ted Strickland’s Office of Economic Development and Lou Gentile of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia participated. Ohio House Representative Jimmy Stewart (R-92nd District), Marietta Mayor Michael Mullen and regional representatives for U.S. Senator George Voinovich, U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson, Ohio Senator Joy Padgett were also present.
Members of The Appalachian Development Corporation present were President, Heber Piatt (
Press Release - Sept. 6
Regional Job Trend Analysis Completed
The Ohio Valley Employment Resource (OVER) program, in partnership with the Economic Development programs in
Survey targets included manufacturing, health care, retail, service, finance, construction, transportation, utility and selected government and educational institutions. More than 400 organizations were invited to participate in the survey and results were received from 131 of these businesses. The total workforce of full-time hourly and salaried personnel at all locations surveyed included 14,664.
In a five-year forecast of the
All but six businesses surveyed indicated they expect to hire new or replacement employees in full-time positions in the next five years. Regionally, there was the highest number of anticipated retirements in nursing and pipefitting jobs. Common regional hiring issues cited by employers included lack of specific training and skill sets, shift or weekend work expectations and no benefits or retirement plans.
To review the survey summary, visit http://jobsetc.net/employers.php and click on Employee Workforce Assessment Results. For county-by-county details contact the office of economic development or the OVER office at (740) 732-1441.
Press Release - August 9, 2007
Buckeye Hills Announces Changes in Leadership
Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District and the constituents it serves have had the pleasure of having the vision and leadership of Boyer Simcox at the helm for the past ten years. With his retirement at the end of July, Misty Casto will succeed Simcox as Executive Director. Casto has been serving as Co-Executive Director since April and has been the Assistant Executive Director since 2004. Simcox and Casto have worked together for 17 years.
Simcox joined Buckeye Hills 18 years ago but his career in public service began in 1969 when the concept of a development district was still relatively new. As the years have passed, the district has benefited from Simcox's proactive advocacy, the fostering of partnerships and from a variety of state and federal programs bringing resources to the region.
"I am eager now, to allow the next generation the opportunity to lead Buckeye Hills and the region for the future," said Simcox. "With a solid foundation and an experienced and educated staff and a dedicated volunteer leadership Board, Buckeye Hills is poised to continue its good work."
Casto began her career with Buckeye Hills in August of 1990 as a secretary, working part time while attending
Filling the Assistant Executive Director position and serving as the Director for the Area Agency on Aging District 8 is Rick Hindman. He has been with the district for 13 years. He started in the Buckeye Hills Development Department as a Development Specialist in February 1994. Prior to Buckeye Hills, Hindman was a community development liaison officer for the U.S. Army in
Melissa Zoller has been promoted to Director of Development. Zoller received her Bachelor of Science degree from
Buckeye Hills is organized as a voluntary organization of local government political subdivisions in
Founded in 1968, Buckeye Hills assists communities in identifying urgent needs and securing grant and loan dollars to improve their infrastructure and the overall quality of life for their residents. The staff provides communities technical assistance, grant writing, and project administration services. In addition, Buckeye Hills operates the region’s Area Agency on Aging. For further information, visit: www.buckeyehills.org.
Press Release - July 24
Village
of
The
“Amesville’s project will be the first publicly owned wastewater system to receive a permit for separate ‘cluster’ treatment facilities to discharge at multiple locations,” said Pejmaan Fallah, Engineering Section Supervisor for Ohio EPA’s Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance. “The Village of Amesville has become a model that other small communities can follow, showing how new systems with reduced construction costs can help allow affordable wastewater service to villages facing the high price tag for a traditional centralized system.”
Amesville Mayor Frank Hare explained that the community celebration was scheduled at the elementary school because it is the site of one of the discharge locations and must be completed prior to the children’s return to school in late August. The overall project will include 9,500 linear feet of sewer line with three discharge locations. TAM Construction of Lancaster is the contractor and began work the week of July 23.
“Construction of the project is finally underway,” said Mayor Hare. “This is a project that has been several years in the planning. Our village has received support from many organizations in securing funding.”
The EPA’s water pollution control loan fund designated Amesville as a “hardship” case providing its loan of over $424,000 at zero percent interest. Other funding sources include a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for $250,000; a Community Development Block Grant of $600,000; and a grant of $149,999 from the Ohio Public Works Commission. The project received grant writing support from the Great Lakes Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP). Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (BHHVRDD) will administer the grants throughout the construction phase.
“We are pleased that this region has received necessary grants and loans to make this project a reality,” said Buckeye Hills Co-Executive Director Misty Casto. “There are a range of monies from federal and state resources helping make the program cost-effective for the customers.”
Press Release
July 24
Buckeye Hills Provides
Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (BHHVRDD) was under contract with
From October through June, a total of $294,521 in grant funds was secured and an additional $316,367 in grants were filed pending notification. From a job creation perspective, because of the Buckeye Hills Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program a total of $1.13 million of public and private funds were invested in
Buckeye Hills coordinated grant applications for the Black Walnut Center Renovation. The project will improve the unoccupied 19,000 square-feet of a 22,500-square foot building to accommodate future investment by business prospects and potentially yield up to 40 new jobs. They also researched and developed a marketing plan with recommendations for The Black Walnut Center and
“We secured $209,641 from the Industrial Site Improvement Fund (ISIF), which provides grants to improve qualified commercial and industrial areas in the state,” said Buckeye Hills Co-Executive Director Misty Casto. “We were also able to meet the $69,880 local match with grant funds – something that is virtually unheard of these days.”
Buckeye Hills also completed the redesign and content overhaul of the
In conjunction with the Monroe County Jobs, Etc. office, Buckeye Hills coordinated
Survey targets included manufacturing, health care, retail, service, finance, construction, transportation, utility and selected government/educational institutions. Common hiring practice issues cited from the region included lack of training and skills, absenteeism, shift or weekend work expectations and no benefits or retirement plan. In a five-year forecast of the region’s future job opportunities, businesses surveyed included health care aides (with the largest number of projected openings); assembler/fabricators; registered nurses; pipefitters, welders, truck drivers (with CDLs); machine operators; salespeople and iron workers. Regionally, there was the highest number of anticipated retirements in the nursing and pipefitting professions.
Buckeye Hills was instrumental in accessing $15,000 in grant funds to support the region’s Higher Education Feasibility Study that was conducted in May and funded by
Development staff attended meetings for the ODOT feasibility study of the 120 mile 37/78 corridor which reaches from
Buckeye Hills organized a Business Incubator interest seminar and survey. The meeting provided an overview of business incubator trends and a discussion of needs from businesses and individuals present. A total of ten Business Incubator Surveys were received with the majority interested in commercial cooking or food preservation. Respondents indicated they would be willing to drive an average of 25 miles to use a facility; they would pay anywhere from $6-20 an hour to utilize the commercial space and would need an average of 10 hours a week. The next steps toward a business incubator will include establishing persons willing to be involved in the formation of a ‘non-profit’ organization and committee or board. The committee will then work with Buckeye Hills to develop a request for proposal to develop a feasibility study and business operating plan.
Monroe County Grant Writer Renee Wilde served from mid-January through June. The following grants were written and submitted to funding agencies: an Environmental Projection Agency Technical Brownfield Assistance Grant for Hannibal Ballfield Association’s Phase I environmental study; a Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant for Antioch Volunteer Fire Department tanker truck; an application for Clarington Volunteer Fire Department equipment; and a Community Development Grant for
Buckeye Hills marketed financing options available and provided business support to a variety of
In addition, Buckeye Hills organized a tour of the Morgan County Opera House (theater) for the Monroe Theater board of directors who is filing for nonprofit status to secure downtown revitalization grant funding for the Woodsfield Monroe Theater renovation.
Over the past several months, Buckeye Hills has been an active advocate on behalf of
“We had some difficulty filling the Director of Economic Development position due to the short-term nature of our contract with the county,” added Casto. “While that position remained unfilled during our service dates, we continued to forge ahead with a variety of tangible outcomes to the county.”
As of June 28, Buckeye Hills had spent $68,110 of the $174,189 budgeted economic development funds; these expenses included the grantwriter’s salary and benefits, office rent, utilities and supplies.
Casto also noted that they will continue to support
Press Release
June, 2007
West Malta Rural Water District Holds Groundbreaking Ceremonies
West Malta Rural Water District (WMRWD) hosted groundbreaking ceremonies at the future site of the booster station for a water distribution system to serve Penn and Malta Townships. The project involves the installation of the booster station, a 100,000-gallon elevated tank (to be located on Tridelphia Road) and approximately 21 miles of waterline. Serving 223 customers in Morgan County, the estimated daily demand will be over 37,000 gallons.
“The Board of Trustees of WMRWD is very pleased that the project is moving forward,” said Board President, Danny Ray. “It continues to be our goal to provide area residents with reliable public water resources.”
Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (BHHVRDD) supported the project with various grant applications in securing necessary funding. Buckeye Hills will also be administering the grants throughout the construction phase.
“Buckeye Hills helped us get the necessary funding for the project,” added Ray. “Without their hard work and efforts, this project would not be moving forward.”
"We are pleased that this region has received necessary grants and loans to make this project a reality,” said Buckeye Hills Co-Executive Director Misty Casto. “There are a range of monies from federal and state resources helping make the program cost-effective for the customers.”
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program provided $944,000 in loans and $1,079,000 in grants; The Ohio Department of Development Office of Housing & Community Partnerships provided $500,000 in CDBG grant funds; the Appalachian Regional Commission granted $300,000 to the project; and The Ohio Public Works Commission provided $1,198,611.
The pre-construction conference was held June 22 to determine construction timelines. The project was awarded to Glen James & Sons of Zanesville and Caldwell Tanks, Inc.
The WMWD Board of Trustees includes Harold French, Barb Greuey, Chris and Elvin Nichols, Danny Ray, Jack Riley, Terry Spears and Bonnie Wilson.
“Some of these board members have been working on this project for nearly 12 years,” said Ray. “I am pleased that they stuck with it and believed the project was possible.”
Press Release
June, 2007
State and Regional Government Representatives Tour Monroe County
Commissioners Lead Economic and Community Development Discussions
Representatives from the Governor’s Office on Appalachia (GOA), the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (BHHVRDD) and the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce gathered for a tour of Monroe County to discuss economic and community development.
Hosted by the Monroe County Commissioners Francis “Sonny” Block, John Pyles and Bill Thompson and Dean Gramlich, President of the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) a group of nearly 15 representatives from county and state government visited Ormet, Safe Auto, the GMN Broadband Center, Monroe Central High School and the Black Walnut Center facilities June 13.
“We wanted to showcase what has been accomplished in Monroe County because of economic development yet share the issues that continue to face our county,” said Commissioner Sonny Block.
Fred Deel, Director of the GOA, and Christi Mash, Region 11 Director (which includes Monroe) for the Ohio Department of Development, discussed issues facing the region including broadband access, education funding, transportation infrastructure, potential development sites and buildings, as well as how economic development is funded. Also in attendance was Ranelle DePaulis, a regional caseworker from Congressman Charlie Wilson’s office (OH 6th District).
Dick Sulsberger, President of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce and Larry Ullman of the Monroe County Economic Development Committee shared perspectives on the higher education feasibility study and the county’s school funding formula and issues facing the Switzerland of Ohio Local School District. Commissioner Pyles provided an overview on the recent community forums held regarding school facilities.
Representatives from ODJFS included Jane Forrest Redfern, the state’s Rural Policy Coordinator. She noted that it is her responsibility to advise the state director on issues impacting Ohio’s rural communities. From the Monroe County department, Director Debbie Haney and Assistant Director Jeannette Harter joined the group. From a workforce development perspective, Taten Ayers, Contract Specialist for the OVER program and WIA Director Janet Henthorn were present.
While at Ormet, Bob Cox, Rod Room General Supervisor and Interim Utility General Supervisor, led guests on a step-by-step overview of the aluminum making process. In addition, staffing needs of the Hannibal plant were provided by Vice President/General Manager of Human Resources, Industrial and Public Relations Lisa Riedel and the new Vice President of Operations Mike Griffin.
Ormet received nearly 2,000 applicants for the close to 800 labor positions filled (approximately 400 of those live in Monroe County). They continue to work toward adding production of the final potline by September when the plant will be at full capacity. There is still a need for electricians and skilled craftsmen; future needs may include machinists.
Guests were provided an update on the plans for and recent grants secured to complete the Black Walnut Center building. From there, a tour of the Safe Auto facility in the Monroe County Commerce Park provided guests with an overview of the local partnership with public and private resources for job training when a new company locates in Monroe County.
“We have over 150 employees at the Monroe County Call Center and we continue to maintain a hiring pool,” said Trudy Pyles, Senior Manager of Customer Service for Safe Auto. “We shared details on the dollars we received initially and how they opened full-time job opportunities with benefits for area residents.” Safe Auto is headquartered in Ohio and markets insurance in thirteen states.
Press Release
June, 2007
Buckeye Hills Hosts Regional Economic and Community Development Discussion
In Partnership with the Ohio Conference of Community Development
Representatives from the Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District(BHHVRDD) including Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and WashingtonCounties gathered in Marietta with representatives from state and federal government to discuss economic and community development issues.
Sponsored by the Ohio Conference of Community Development and hosted by Buckeye Hills, representatives from the region's county and local governments discussed factors critical in the region from infrastructure and workforce development to downtown revitalization and tax incentives. Also in attendance were regional contacts from Governor Ted Strickland and Senator Sherrod Brown. Representatives from the Athens/Hocking County region were Bill Rinehart of the Hocking County Community Improvement Corporation; Mike Walsh, Mayor of Logan; and Jerry Hutton from the Hocking College Energy Institute.
"We are hopeful that the new Ohio administration will understand that one size doesn't fit all in economic development initiatives and community support," said Buckeye Hills Co-Executive Director Misty Casto. "These roundtable meetings are an important tool because we can provide a collective overview with individualized issues impacting our region of the state."
On behalf of the Athens/Hocking region, representatives shared progress in the areas of alternative energy and grants secured for the Hocking College Alternative Energy program. They discussed the need for improved coordination with the Ohio Department of Transportation; an emphasis on affordable workforce development programs to meet the gaps in skilled labor jobs; a need for attracting young people into science, technology, math and engineering careers; and a continued emphasis for expanding access to reliable cellular phone service and broadband internet access in the region.
The information gathered will be presented to the Ohio Department of Development leadership as part of Governor Strickland's "Turn Around Ohio Plan."
Press Release
May 3, 2007
Buckeye Hills to Provides Training on ARC Grant Process
Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (BHHVRDD) is committed to assisting the counties in its region with securing grant funding for projects. One important grant funding agency is The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
Typically, ARC grants are awarded to state and local agencies and governmental entities, local governing boards (such as county councils), and nonprofit organizations (such as vocational schools and hospitals). Program grants are also made to nonprofit organizations. Representatives from these organizations may draw from the expertise and assistance available from Buckeye Hills to navigate the 2008 ARC grant process.
Buckeye Hills will be accepting pre-applications for 2008 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grants as well as provide a training session on the process. The free session will be hosted at the Holiday Inn in Marietta May 17. To receive a pre-application packet of information, or to register for the free seminar, please contact (740) 374-9436. Pre-applications are due to Buckeye Hills no later than 5p.m. on June 18.
The ARC Grants program has a series of strategic goal areas for project work emphasis that include: increasing job opportunities and per capita income in the region; strengthening the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy; developing and improving Appalachia's infrastructure to make the region economically competitive and building the Appalachian highway system to reduce the region’s isolation.
In 2008, projects may be prioritized with the following goals in mind: to create and/or retain private sector jobs; to extend or upgrade public infrastructure; to provide quality health care or to provide job skills training.
“Buckeye Hills is committed to helping organizations in the counties we serve to access possible ARC grants for local projects,” said Development Specialist III, Melissa Zoller. “The pre-application is an important step in completing the grant request I urge representatives to attend the free training or contact our office with questions.”
For answers on questions regarding the ARC grant process call Melissa Zoller at (740) 374-9436.
Press Release
May 1, 2007
Buckeye Hills Provides Annual Update and Plans for Leadership Succession
Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (BHHVRDD) serving Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington Counties hosted its semi-annual General Policy Council meeting April 24 in Marietta. Over a hundred representatives from the region and state and federal agencies attended.
Leaders from Buckeye Hills and its Area Agency on Aging provided annual updates on programs in the region. In addition, the Buckeye Hills Board of Directors voted unanimously to accept a succession plan for the current Executive Director, Boyer Simcox.
“The Board accepted a plan to appoint Misty Casto as Co-Executive Director,” said Simcox. “They had the courage to approve this innovative approach to ensuring a plan for a seamless transition in the leadership of Buckeye Hills when I retire. Misty will immediately begin to play a larger role in the day-to-day leadership of Buckeye Hills until the time of my retirement.”
Simcox began his career in public service in 1969 and has served Buckeye Hills for 18 years, ten as Executive Director. Casto began her career with the organization in 1990 as a secretary and has worked in a variety of development roles including as Director of Development and as the current Assistant Executive Director. She is a graduate of Marietta High School and holds an Associates Degree in Accounting from Washington State Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Ohio Valley University.
“We have been considering the succession plan for a few months and have given it much thought,” said Ron Moore a representative from Morgan County, Board Vice President and member of the Personnel Committee now in his ninth year of volunteer service. “We all agree that this plan is progressive and a win for the team at Buckeye Hills, for the board and for the area we serve. Misty Casto is from Appalachia and understands the people and the region’s needs. She also knows the Buckeye Hills organization front to back,” said Moore.
In addition to the leadership announcement, updates were provided on the proactive advocacy efforts defending funding for Economic Development and encouraging increased funds for aging programs.
“Over the past year, the Development staff secured financing for various projects that have a positive impact on residential and commercial sectors,” said Assistant Executive Director Misty Casto. “These projects improve the quality of life for the people of the region. Total costs for projects exceeded $31 million, with local and private resources providing over $15 million.”
Buckeye Hills development programs work to enable businesses to create and retain jobs; to support education and training opportunities; to increase the quality and availability of water and sanitary sewer services; to repair and upgrade roads and bridges, and by increasing accessibility and availability of quality health care.
“We promoted the interests of the region and worked to secure grant funding for a variety of community projects benefiting the area’s 255,000 residents,” added Casto. As a key primary econ