2025 Was a Year of Growth for Gallia County
Rio Grande, Ohio – Gallia County Economic Development today announced record results for development in 2025. In 2025, companies committed to create 64 new industrial jobs. This figure totals more new jobs than have been added in the last 10 years combined. Companies have also committed to investing more than $10M. Of the projects won, two of them will include the construction of new manufacturing facilities in Gallia County. The total economic impact of activity in 2025 equated to $34M just from industrial projects, which will add 307 new jobs. 2025 was also a year of advancement for new economic development tools and initiatives that will pay dividends in coming years.
“The Commissioners are elated about the success of economic development in 2025,” said the Gallia County Commissioners in a statement. “Our team has been focused in establishing new tools, like the CRA and the port authority, to foster economic development in Gallia County. We look forward to continued growth and partnership with the Economic Development team in 2026.”
“2025 was a great year for development in Gallia County. The projects secured this year will add a cumulative 307 new jobs and generate an economic impact of $34M,” said Taylor Stepp, Director of Economic Development for Gallia County. “This work could not be accomplished without the support of Gallia County businesses, the Gallia County Commissioners, and the partnership across the community.”
“Economic development success is not easily achieved, but we have achieved record results in 2025 for Gallia County,” said University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College President, Ryan Smith. “Thanks to new initiatives, community support, and the work done of the economic development team, we are well-positioned to capitalize on development in the coming years.”
2025 was the first full year of activity for the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) program and the program was very active. The Gallia County Commission established the program in 2024 as a tool to increase economic development and address housing challenges. The CRA program is an economic development tool that abates the increased value of real property investments and can be used to further residential, commercial, and industrial development. In 2025, a total of 39 CRAs were approved. Industrial projects supported by the CRA program, added 64 new industrial jobs and $10M of capital investment. The CRA also supported the additional and rehabilitation of 70 housing units. Residential projects brought in an additional $8.4M of new investment. Robbie Jacks, the Gallia County Auditor, and his staff were critical in the execution of this program.
In addition to the project accomplishments of 2025, several key initiatives progressed. The Community Improvement Corporation of Gallia County (CIC) is leading development of a 50,000 SF spec building with support from JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Development. The CIC will also soon begin work on a sewer line extension in the Dan Evans Industrial Park to serve additional businesses. The Gallia County Commissioners also established the Gallia County Port Authority. The port authority will be another helpful tool in the economic development toolbelt.
“The CIC is continuing to partner with Gallia County Economic Development to continue our forward momentum,” said Patrick Saunders, President of the Community Improvement Corporation of Gallia County (CIC). “In 2026, the CIC will be embarking on major development projects, which will spur additional growth for our community.”
Gallia County Economic Development had a banner year in business development. Marketing and business development activities are focused on attracting new companies, investors, and investment. Gallia County properties were submitted a record number of times in 2025 through state site searches. These projects typically represent transformational opportunities to communities who win them. A number of companies also chose to visit Gallia County on site visits as they consider location decisions. The Gallia County Economic Development team also made several out-of-market visits with key decision makers about investment opportunities in the community.
“We have a great deal of work ahead of us, but thanks to the foundation set by former director, Cole Massie, and our community partnerships, we are making progress,” said Stepp. “The volume of activity we are experiencing demonstrates that Gallia County is a great community for investment. We are excited to see the opportunities for Gallia County in 2026.”
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About Gallia County Economic Development
The mission of the Gallia County Economic Development is to promote prosperity and economic
growth in Gallia County through the attraction of new business and industry, the
retention of existing businesses, and community development. This is accomplished by providing resources that encourage investment and development resulting in economic vitality, diversification of Gallia County’s tax base, and improved quality of life for Gallia County residents. Gallia County Economic Development is a private partnership supported by Gallia County, area businesses, and the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College. Learn more at GrowGallia.com.
Media Contact:
Taylor Stepp
Director of Economic Development
University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College
(740) 245-7223