–Gallia County Economic Development has received a $15,000 grant from the Bob Evans Farms Foundation, helping to support the Gallia County Marketing Project to expand economic development opportunities in Gallia County.
“This project will support economic development efforts to expand business attraction and development opportunities in Gallia County. We greatly appreciate the continued investment of Bob Evans in our community.” said Melissa Clark Economic Development Director. “Bob Evans Farms has had a tremendous impact on the economy in our region and their generous support of this project will help continue that tradition”.
Bob Evans Farms has joined other project partners including Gallia County Commissioners, Gallia County Community Improvement Corporation, City of Gallipolis, Gallia County Agricultural Center Board, and AEP.
Over the next three years, Gallia County will be working with Atlas Advertising, a full-service agency that helps economic developers and communities reach national and international prospect and site selection audiences. Atlas Advertising delivers branding, website development, mapping research, and creative services professionally and with a staff experienced in economic development.
“We are so pleased to support Gallia County in this important work,” said Joe Eulberg, executive vice president of human resources for Bob Evans Farms. “Having a strong regional brand – and being able to articulate that brand – is critical to economic development. Bob Evans Farms has called Gallia County home for 60 years; we want to help spread the word that it’s a great place to operate a business.”
The Gallia County Marketing Project is a goal that emerged during the Gallia County Strategic Planning Project which launched in May 2012. The Strategic Planning Project engaged individuals representing a wide variety of organizations, business groups, and community leaders. Areas of emphasis within the plan include: Business & Economic Development, Infrastructure & Transportation, Building County Capacity, and Gallipolis City Development. Each area has a variety of goals to help achieve the overall vision for the county including recruiting new businesses and jobs, providing broadband internet service, establishing a riverfront amphitheater, and revitalizing the downtown business district.
“The implementation of a marketing plan is another positive step forward for economic development in Gallia County” said Clark.
Businesses and organizations interested in partnering on the project can contact Melissa Clark, Gallia County Economic & Community Development Director, at 740-446-4612 ext. 271 or mclark@gallianet.net.
