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Letter to the Editor...
Darke County Jobs
By Mike Stegall 
August 3, 2011 

Speaking as a citizen and not an elected official, I have been amused and irritated lately by some of the comments going around about the lack of jobs in Darke County.  I find it amusing that apparently all the new businesses in the county that have been highlighted in the papers and blogs are being overlooked, and irritated that some people just don’t want to see the positives in what we have accomplished.  We are in a serious recession in this country, and yet despite that Darke County has been adding businesses and jobs at a rate that is getting us noticed throughout the state. 

Take a good look around everybody.  Just open your eyes and you will see new companies, and established ones, adding jobs and expanding.  In the past year we have added Integrity Ambulance, with 45 jobs retained and an expansion of the business. Continental Carbonic with a new structure and about 75 jobs as of now with more to be added.  American Plastics Recycling, located in the old Excello plant has opened, and JAFE Glass who has expanded our adding jobs as well.  There are also other companies, such as HD Supply, Marco’s and 2 other companies with expansion that we cannot disclose of yet.  We are also in talks with 5 or 6 other companies about possible expansion or relocation to our County.   

One of the most irritating things I hear is that these are “low paying, burger flipping jobs with no benefits,” really?  Apparently, some people just like to complain and don’t want to see anything positive.  Of the companies I mentioned the average hourly wage runs from $22.40 an hour to $11.00 an hour!  No burger flipping wages there! (You may check with the Economic Development office if you like.)   

It is time to start being positive about what the Economic Development team is doing!  This collaboration between the private sector and Government is unprecedented.  We are making it work here in Darke County.  In my opinion, the smartest move was turning the Economic Development Department over to the private sector, and keeping the County involved as an investor, not a sole manager.  I truly believe that Government should be involved in people’s lives as little as possible, and the private sector does a better job of running most things in the long run. 

I encourage everyone in Darke County to get involved by checking with the Economic Development Office and the Commissioner’s Office frequently.  We are doing everything publicly so everyone can feel they are a part of this effort, because you are a part of the solution.  If you hear a rumor of a new business, a possible expansion, or a hiring, or if you have an idea, let us know.  A collaboration where we all work together is the key to our success in Darke County.  

We are practicing that philosophy now.  That is why I write the “Commissioners Corner” column.  I also have the “Coffee with the Commissioner” gatherings, also myself and my two fellow Commissioners go on the Tiger Radio station monthly to keep everyone updated & involved.  I think it is important for the people of the county to realize that this is truly a County wide effort, not just a Greenville effort.  The Partnering for Progress initiative is a business and citizen group from all over the county.  We all know that if one town gets a new business or an expansion, we all win.  There are no borders in Darke County.  If Arcanum gets a new business, there is no reason a person from New Weston cannot apply for a job there.  We have to start realizing this.  

All of Darke County is in this boat together, and we will sink or swim together.  Those involved in Partnering for Progress are swimming, and we are not stopping!  I want everybody in the County to start being positive about the County, help us achieve our goals, and help each other to make Darke County the leader in the State.  We can do it, and we are going to do it.  I am positive about this and you should be too! 

Mike Stegall

Greenville


 
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