KNOX COUNTY OH IO ROADMAP FOR GROWTH WWW.CO.KNOX.OH.US
KNOX COUNTY, OH AT A GLANCE KNOX COUNTY, OH WHAT: A county focused on expanding housing, industrial development, and workforce programs to support economic growth WHERE: C entral Ohio WEBSITE: www.co.knox.oh.us ROADMAP FOR GROWT HOUSING, INDUSTRY, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TAKE CENTER STAGE FOR THIS DYNAMIC COUNTY 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
TH Knox County, Ohio, is a rich blend of history and innovation stretching out over two centuries. Located in the heart of the Buckeye State, the county is named after Henry Knox, a Revolutionary War general and the first Secretary of War under George Washington. “The county was founded in 1803, right after Ohio became a state,” explains Jeff Gottke, President of the Knox County Area Development 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
Foundation. “Mount Vernon, our county seat, came along in 1805 and was named after Washington’s estate.” Throughout its history, Knox County has evolved from a small farming settlement into a region rich with educational institutions and industrial prowess. One of the county’s most distinctive institutions, Kenyon College, the state’s oldest private college. Is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, Gottke points out.“But, we’re lucky to have not just Kenyon, but also Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a campus of Central Ohio Technical College.” Industry has long been a backbone of Knox County’s economy. Its industrial history began in 1833 with Charles and Elias Cooper’s iron foundry in Mount Vernon, which evolved into Cooper-Bessemer, the largest diesel engine manufacturer in the U.S.“They were known for producing large power generation systems,” notes Gottke. Ariel Corporation, founded locally in the 1960s, is now a global leader in natural gas compressors. “Chances are, natural gas in your house has gone through an Ariel compressor,” says Gottke. The region also pioneered glassmaking with Pittsburgh Plate Glass and the innovative “Pennvernon process.” WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Knox County’s approach to economic growth isn’t just about attracting new businesses; it’s equally focused on preparing the local workforce to meet the needs of critical industries. The Area Development Foundation, a nonprofit tasked with spearheading economic development, plays a central role in these efforts. One of its most significant initiatives revolves around partnerships with local educational institutions for workforce development. According to Gottke, the major focus is to steer students toward careers in manufacturing and healthcare—two sectors that employ a substantial portion of the local population. “Manufacturing accounts for about 22% of our employment, and healthcare is around 17%,” he explains. “Those are significant economic driving sectors here.” Knox County embeds workforce development professionals directly in schools to guide students toward local job opportunities. “One individual is dedicated to working with Mount Vernon City Schools, another with all other county high schools, and a third focuses on career exploration for K-8 students,” says Gottke. These professionals are pivotal, especially for high school seniors. “Every graduating senior participates in a meeting regarding post-high school plans which often leads to guiding them toward opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare.” This early engagement helps combat 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 KNOX COUNTY, OH
sustaining a competitive economy as well. The county is home to three distinct higher education institutions, each contributing in its own way to the local talent pipeline. Gottke emphasizes how the diversity among these colleges creates unique opportunities without pitting them against one another. “Kenyon is a four-year liberal arts college with a national draw. Its focus is broad learning. Most of its graduates move into fields like nonprofit work, research, finance or go on to grad school,” he explains. outdated perceptions of manufacturing.“There’s still that stigma... but the reality is very different today,” Gottke notes, highlighting modern manufacturing’s meaningful work, clean environment and healthy wages. HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE INTEGRATION Knox County’s partnership between local colleges and workforce development efforts is vital to 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
On the other hand, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) has more of a regional draw, offering a Christian-centered education. Meanwhile, Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) plays a pivotal role in workforce development. “COTC is our technical college, and we work closely with them to provide in-demand technical programs, like nursing, here in Knox County,” says Gottke, highlighting a crucial partnership for industries like manufacturing and healthcare, which are always looking for skilled workers. COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES IN KNOX COUNTY While Knox County’s industrial roots run deep, its approach to commercial development is rapidly evolving to attract new business and diversify the local economy. The county’s land bank plays a crucial role in this growth. “We manage the Knox County Land Bank, which is the real estate arm for local government,” Gottke explains. One of the most significant properties under the land bank’s control is an expansive 47-acre site with over 700,000 square feet of space across ten buildings, called Heartland Commerce Park (HCP).. “We own that facility and are marketing it for manufacturing and commercial opportunities,” he adds. Its close proximity to the Columbus market, and location in the middle of Mount Vernon, make it a sought-after property. HCP is being positioned to continue supporting industry. “It’s really built for manufacturing,” Gottke says, although he notes that some spaces within the complex could be repurposed for commercial use or even potentially nonprofit organizations.The county is also investing in the site, by building a new transit center there. “This will become a workforce and transportation hub,” he points out, further enhancing the appeal for businesses looking to tap into the local labor force. ADDRESSING THE HOUSING SHORTAGE Like many regions across the country, Knox County faces a housing shortage, exacerbated by growing demand and a lack of new development over the past two decades.“The city has 1,500 housing units 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 KNOX COUNTY, OH
UMD Automated Systems is owned and operated by Don and Laura Rogers of Fredericktown, Ohio. Their dream became a reality in 1996 as they started their business in a small building with just 4 employees. Don and Laura have continued to develop the business by relocating and increasing staffing to more than 80 employees, which include both of their sons, Nick Rogers and Mike Rogers. UMD has continuously grown and recently completed their fourth expansion which increased the manufacturing facility by another 30,000 sq ft, for an overall facility that totals more than110,000 sq feet. They credit their success and growth to their incredible employees who are like family. For over twenty-eight years, UMD Automated Systems has provided custom solutions to their clients around the world. Through the years, UMD has become an industry leading supplier of material handling solutions for the Tire & Rubber and Tier 1 Automotive industries. The material handling systems provided by UMD are proudly engineered, manufactured, and shipped from their location in Fredericktown, Ohio. UMDAUTOMATEDSYSTEMS.COM Rubber Millroom Equipment Component Preparation Equipment Engineered Solutions Tire Build & Green Tire Equipment Cured/Finished Tire & Warehouse Equipment A Value-Driven Leader in all areas of Tire & Rubber Material Handling Solutions 9855 Salem Road, Fredericktown, OH 43019 Ph: 740-694-8614
in the pipeline that should be built between now and 2027,” Gottke says. With various housing options planned, from market-rate apartments to singlefamily homes, the county aims to alleviate the strain on housing availability and attract diverse residents. “Most of the new development is focused on marketrate apartments,” explains Gottke. However, that’s not everything.“There is also about 350 owner-occupied homes in the works, including single-family homes, patio homes, townhouses, and some senior living options.”This variety in housing types is a deliberate strategy to accommodate various needs, from young professionals to retirees. Knox County’s growth strategy aims to balance residential, commercial, and industrial development. “The 1,500 units are really just meeting pent-up demand from the past decade,” says Gottke. The county needs about 2,500 new housing units by 2030, following a “retail follows rooftops” model—focusing on housing first to attract retail and commercial growth.This push is driven by local employers’ needs. “There’s a huge demand for housing and workers,” Gottke notes, emphasizing that the goal is to provide options for local talent rather than solely attracting outsiders. BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GROWTH Knox County is laying the groundwork for future expansion without requiring extensive overhauls to its core utilities.“We’re fortunate that our municipal water and sewer systems currently have the capacity for growth,” Gottke says, highlighting that large-scale infrastructure upgrades, like water treatment plant expansions, aren’t necessary right now. However, the county’s infrastructure efforts are concentrated on transportation, with projects underway to improve We’re in the middle of it all. Our students come to Gambier, Ohio, from every region of the country and corner of the globe to engage with different viewpoints and focus on very big things in a small, wide-open space. KENYON.EDU 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 KNOX COUNTY, OH
healthcare, or shopping destinations,” says Gottke. This system doesn’t involve trains but will rely entirely on buses, which are more practical for the county’s needs.The new transit hub will also include park-and-ride facilities, making it easy for residents to leave their cars behind and hop on a bus. TAPPING INTO RECREATION AND TOURISM Knox County’s parks and outdoor amenities serve as both a local treasure and a key draw for visitors, blending recreation with a growing focus on tourism. “There are three recreation trails in the county that all connect as part of the Ohio to Erie Trail network,” Gottke explains.This means cyclists can travel from the Ohio River to Lake Erie, passing directly through Knox County—a unique feature that positions the area as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. At the heart of the county’s outdoor offerings is Ariel-Foundation Park. “It is the crown jewel of our parks,” Gottke says, referring to the 250-acre park that has transformed a former industrial site into a access for residents and the workforce. At the center of these efforts is a new transit facility, which marks a significant upgrade for public transportation in the county.“The new transit facility for our public transit entity will be their new operations center, but more importantly, it’s the first time we’ll have fixed locations where people can go and catch the bus,” explains Gottke. This hub will serve as a cornerstone for improving access to key areas in the community, particularly for those without easy transportation options. The primary focus of the transit system is to connect residents with essential services and employment opportunities.“It’s designed to take people to work, Presents A Premier Independent Senior Living Community Knox County’s Only Continuous Care Retirement Community oeshome.org/pine-hill Opening in January 2025 Coming in 2025 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
sprawling community resource. Once home to the Pittsburgh Plate Glass plant, the park now serves as a hub for recreation, with two of the county’s main bike trails converging there. The park’s industrial history, combined with its modern amenities, provides a distinct mix of the old and the new, making it a standout feature for residents and visitors. Beyond biking, the county boasts a variety of other outdoor assets, including two state-designated scenic rivers and several recreation lakes. “We’ve got at least half a dozen county parks and two or three recreation lakes,” adds Gottke, noting that these natural resources draw tourists for activities like fishing, camping, birdwatching, and boating. While Knox County may not be home to state or national parks, its local parks offer a rich outdoor experience that appeals to tourists seeking scenic views and tranquil settings. PRIORITIES FOR GROWTH As Knox County looks toward the future, its leadership has a clear set of priorities focused on sustainable growth across multiple fronts.“Our priorities would be to continue to attract housing to the county,” says Gottke, identifying the need to expand residential development beyond Mount Vernon and into the county’s smaller villages. The goal is to distribute growth evenly, ensuring that all corners of Knox County benefit from the surge in housing demand, without sprawling into the countryside and losing its rural character.. Simultaneously, industrial development remains a key focus.“We need to identify and develop more shovelready industrial sites,” Gottke states, recognizing that Knox County’s future depends on filling current demand and preparing for new opportunities. With a strong foundation in manufacturing and growing transportation infrastructure, the county is positioning itself to attract businesses that require immediate access to well-prepared, fully-equipped sites. Another top priority over the next 18 months invest in a new adventure? Discover the unexpected that Knox County has to offer to your business, family and next adventure. Something new is waiting for you... 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 KNOX COUNTY, OH
centers on talent. “We’re going to continue our talent attraction and workforce development efforts,” Gottke says. With local employers eager to fill open positions, the Foundation is prioritizing initiatives that prepare and retain local talent and draw in new workers to meet the needs of industries like healthcare and manufacturing. These efforts are key to ensuring that the county’s economy remains competitive and can sustain long-term growth. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n UMD Automated Systems www.umdautomatedsystems.com UMD has extensive experience in developing material handling solutions for the tire & rubber and tier 1 automotive industries. We offer comprehensive services to all customers that require material handling and conveyor system solutions. We don’t offer a single solution, we offer a commitment to growth. KNOX COMMUNITY HOSPITAL PROVIDES HIGH-QUALITY OUTPATIENT, INPATIENT, PRIMARY, LIFE-SAVING CARE AND TREATMENT, ADVANCED IMAGING, AND WELLNESS SERVICES TO THE GREATER KNOX COUNTY AREA. We are committed to bringing the patient-centered care needed to our community so that those services are conveniently close for improved healing for you and your family. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our providers and services, please visit us at www.kch.org. COMMUNITY CONVENIENTLY CLOSE HEALTHCARE n Kenyon College www.kenyon.edu Located in Gambier, Ohio, Kenyon College is known internationally for its academic excellence. With a curriculum rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, Kenyon builds strong foundations for lives of purpose and consequence. The College supports this mission through experiential learning opportunities, partnering with community organizations and companies in central Ohio and beyond. n Ohio Eastern Star Home www.oeshome.org The Ohio Eastern Star Home has transformed, expanded and is a vital part of senior care in Knox County. We believe that Community is the antidote to institutionalization and all seniors are entitled to self-determination at EVERY stage of their journey. Our Continuing Care Retirement Community ensures that you will never have to worry about your future healthcare needs. We are proud to be the Premier Senior Living experience in Knox County. n Knox Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitknoxohio.org Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau is the destination marketing organization responsible for promoting Knox County as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work n Knox Community Hospital www.kch.org Knox Community Hospital is a 99-bed, Joint Commission-accredited, community hospital based in Mount Vernon, Ohio, approximately 40 miles northeast of Columbus, with additional services in Centerburg and Fredericktown. Our experienced medical staff represent a wide range of specialties and our teams are committed to providing personalized, highquality care. The hospital is independent and not-for-profit, dedicated to improving the health of our community. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
WWW.CO.KNOX.OH.US WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Knox County OH
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