Fulton County, Ohio

Building Opportunity in Rural America

Rooted in Agriculture with an eye to future development

Fulton County, Ohio, is peaceful, beautiful and mainly rural community is driving economic growth by attracting new industries and continually enhancing the quality of life for its 43,000 residents. The county is celebrated for its agricultural heritage, expanding manufacturing sector, and community-focused development as part of the Toledo Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Strategic initiatives, a robust infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment have helped establish the county as a thriving destination for industry, community life, and tourism. Julie Brink, Director of the Fulton County Visitors Bureau, highlights, “We offer a great area where it’s easy to get around and generally safe. Transportation is easy, and we’re close enough to urban centers for convenience but far enough away to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle.”

The county’s approach to development is comprehensive, blending economic opportunity with community-focused amenities. “Agriculture is our number one economic driver, followed by manufacturing,” remarks Matt Gilroy, Executive Director of the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation. “We’re building on these strengths, leveraging our assets to attract businesses that benefit from our infrastructure and skilled workforce.”

Industrial expansion and cluster development

Fulton County’s commitment to fostering industry clusters that bring growth and resilience to the local economy is integral to its economic success. Companies such as Northstar BlueScope Steel, Worthington Steel, and Nova Steel have established or expanded facilities in the area, creating job opportunities and enhancing the county’s industrial footprint.

The Northstar BlueScope Steel facility recently completed a $750 million expansion, adding 200 new jobs. Based in Montreal, Canada, Nova Steel invested over $100 million to open a new plant in Fulton County’s Village of Delta. Gilroy highlights, “We’re fortunate to have robust manufacturing clusters in steel and wood products. These clusters bring mutually beneficial growth to our local economy.”

Sauder Woodworking, a prominent wood product industry player, has deep roots in the county and remains an anchor. By strategically cultivating such clusters, Fulton County has created a business environment that promotes long-term stability and growth. “Clustering allows us to bring in businesses that serve as customers or suppliers to existing companies, creating a synergy that drives collective growth,” Gilroy adds.

The county’s infrastructure supports its ambitious development goals. Fulton County is served by the Ohio Turnpike and Norfolk Southern Railroad, providing companies easy access to transportation routes from Chicago to Cleveland. “We have a substantial amount of electric and water utility infrastructure that allows us to offer resources that many communities our size simply cannot,” Gilroy emphasizes, noting the role of infrastructure in attracting businesses that depend on consistent power and water resources.

Local business support and economic partnerships

The Fulton County Economic Development Corporation collaborates with partners such as JobsOhio and the Regional Growth Partnership to support small businesses, ensuring new and existing companies can access financing and incentives. Local funds, including community and county loan programs, enable small businesses to grow and expand. “Our tax incentive programs and loan funds help companies invest locally, strengthening the entire community,” Gilroy notes.

A key attribute of Fulton County’s economic strategy involves partnerships with organizations that foster collaboration and business growth. Through these alliances, the county creates an environment that welcomes new businesses and helps them integrate into the local economy. Gilroy observes, “We align new businesses with the needs of our existing industries, allowing for mutual benefit across sectors.”

Expanding housing to meet growing demand

A housing study conducted by DeSalvo Development Advisors revealed the need for new residential developments, which the county is actively pursuing. Current projects include 112 new single-family homes in Delta and additional developments in Wauseon, where a Tru by Hilton hotel is set to open, developing the area’s appeal to residents and travelers. “Housing demand is high, and we’re thrilled to work with developers to meet that need as our population grows,” Gilroy shares.

The county’s commitment to residential growth reflects its understanding that housing is essential to sustaining a growing workforce. Unlike many neighboring areas, Fulton County experienced a population increase between 2010 and 2020, a trend that Gilroy attributes to the county’s economic opportunities. “One thing leads to another,” he explains. “When there are business opportunities, people are naturally drawn to the area, and the demand for housing follows.”

Quality of life and recreational appeal

For Fulton County residents, quality of life extends beyond economic opportunity, encompassing various recreational amenities and community resources. The county’s extensive park system includes the scenic 63-mile Wabash Cannonball Trail, a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. “Our trails and parks offer something for everyone, from playgrounds to extensive hiking trails,” notes Brink. In addition to outdoor spaces, Harrison Lake State Park and the Maumee State Forest provide ample camping and hiking opportunities, making Fulton County a destination for nature lovers.

Adding to the area’s recreational appeal is the Bracy Gold Bison Ranch, a one-of-a-kind destination where visitors can experience the majesty of American bison up close. The unique ranch provides a glimpse into Fulton County’s agricultural heritage, allowing visitors to connect with the land and learn about sustainable ranching practices—a memorable experience for residents and tourists.

The Fulton County Fairgrounds is a focal point of community life, hosting the annual Fulton County Fair, one of Ohio’s largest fairs. “The fair draws a crowd close to doubling our county’s population in a single day,” Brink highlights. “It’s a true celebration of agriculture and community.” The fairgrounds host events year-round, from car shows and motorcycle swaps to horse shows and other attractions, adding to the county’s lively community spirit.

Fulton County also features two major cultural attractions: Sauder Village Living History Museum and the Fulton County Senior Center. Sauder Village offers a unique glimpse into Ohio’s history, with interpreters in period attire demonstrating traditional crafts. “Sauder Village attracts 300,000 visitors annually,” Brink shares, “and it brings the past to life for residents and tourists.”

The arts and local artisan businesses

In addition to its historical and recreational attractions, Fulton County is home to a thriving arts community led by the Black Swamp Arts Council, which provides arts programming for residents of all ages. “The Black Swamp Arts Council is highly active in promoting creativity in our community,” Brink highlights. Local artisans also contribute to Fulton County’s unique identity. Turkeyfoot Creek Creamery produces handcrafted cheeses, and Windfall Woodworks creates art pieces from fallen trees. “Fulton County is fortunate to have so many talented artisans who add richness to our community,” Brink remarks, noting the availability of pottery studios and artisan goods that appeal to locals and visitors.

Craft beverages are another specialty in the county, with local wineries and breweries such as American Winery & Brewery and Red Rambler Coffees drawing regular crowds. These establishments frequently offer live music and community events, creating vibrant social hubs. “For a rural area, we are so fortunate to have such a variety of breweries, wineries, and entertainment options,” Brink adds.

A Vision for sustainable growth

Looking to the future, Fulton County’s land resources provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth. The county is assembling land for future residential and industrial projects through its land bank initiative. Kate Huiskens, Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives at the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation, describes this approach as “smart land assembly.” Huiskens highlights, “The greatest resource we have is land; through strategic planning, we can make Fulton County even more attractive for future developments.”

The county has targeted industries such as automation and logistics, where Fulton County’s infrastructure provides a competitive advantage. Gilroy highlights the area’s potential: “Northwest Ohio is a leader in automated materials and equipment, and we want to attract more companies in this sector to take advantage of our infrastructure and skilled workforce.” The county’s proximity to cities like Chicago and Detroit makes it an ideal location for logistics companies, with more than 60% of the U.S. population living within a day’s drive.

Investment in community services

Fulton County has invested significantly in workforce development and healthcare to support its growing population. The Delta School System recently received $2.5 million for career readiness initiatives, and the Four County Career Center invested $14 million in vocational training programs. “Investing in workforce readiness is essential for sustaining our economic growth,” Gilroy observes, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor to support the country’s industries.

Healthcare plays a significant role in the county’s future, with the Fulton County Health Center (FCHC) remaining one of the few independent hospitals in Ohio. FCHC recently expanded its services with a cardiovascular wing and heart catheter lab, making life-saving care more accessible to residents. Dennis Kennedy, County Administrator, notes, “Having a well-equipped, independent hospital like FCHC right here is invaluable for our residents.”

Additionally, Sarah’s Garden offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to children with autism, drawing families from across the country who are seeking specialized care. This unique facility complements FCHC’s services, further solidifying Fulton County’s reputation as a regional healthcare hub.

Celebrating work ethic and community pride

“People in Fulton County work hard, support each other, and take pride in their community,” says Kennedy. “It’s a culture that makes us unique.” This sense of community pride attracts residents and visitors, fostering an environment where people feel connected and valued.

As the county continues to grow, it does so with an eye on preserving its identity and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. “We’re proud of our agricultural roots and the innovative spirit that defines our community,” Gilroy concludes. “Whether it’s through supporting small businesses or creating spaces for community engagement, we’re dedicated to making Fulton County a place where people want to live, work, and thrive.”

AT A GLANCE

Fulton County

What: A primarily rural county in the northwestern part of Ohio, known for its agricultural heritage, small towns, and close-knit communities.

Where: Northwestern part of Ohio, bordering Michigan to the north.

Website: https://www.fultoncountyoh.com/