Text from an Article Published January 1, 2008
By LISA MILLER, News Journal

Richland County again touted in business publication

MANSFIELD -- For the second time in two months, Richland County has been featured in an economic development trade magazine.

The headline on the cover of the current issue of Expansion Solutions proclaims "Richland County, Ohio is Right in the Middle of it ALL -- Logistically Speaking!" Underneath that headline is a photo of Mansfield Lahm Airport. Photos of the Mansfield Art Center and Gorman Rupp are also on the cover. A two-page story and photos of the Renaissance Theatre, Deer Ridge Golf Course and Gorman Rupp appear inside.

The magazine is read by CEOs and site selectors around the country.

Becky J. Beall's story said Richland County is home to the airport, four I-71 interchanges, eight major highways and two rail carriers, along with being a "deeply-rooted community of laborers and professionals with high work ethics and business-friendly attitudes."

It touches on educational opportunities, including the Advanced Technology Training Center at North Central Technical College's Kehoe Center, success stories like Gorman Rupp, and industrial parks in Shelby, Mansfield and Ontario.

In her "Editor's Letter," Beall wrote "The logistics of most locations are not controlled by man, but rather by Mother Nature, and yet, it remains one of the top factors considered during a company's site selection process."

The area was fourth on the Best Road Infrastructure list in the October issue of Expansion Management, which partnered with Logistics Today magazine to produce the ranking that looked at the 362 areas established by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

That's good news for Richland Economic Development Corporation President Mike Greene. He sees it as proof the 18-month effort to spotlight the area's warehousing and logistics possibilities is paying off. While REDeC did buy an ad in Expansion Solutions, the magazine cover story is "just a way to keep pounding at people" about how competitive the area has become. "This is all part of that puzzle," Greene said, noting that airport will continue to be a focal point of the logistics initiative.

Local entrepreneur Sam VanCura, who is quoted in the magazine article, said logistics efforts grew out of the Mansfield-Richland Area County Chamber of Commerce business and economic development committee.

"Never have I seen so much cooperation," he said.

With two national trade magazines choosing to mention Mansfield, "The word's getting our there," VanCura said.