Stark Economic Development Board

10/07/2026

Canton is in the credits! 🎬
"Holly Jolly Christmas," a feature film shooting in Canton, was just awarded $119,883 in state tax credits through Ohio's Motion Picture Tax Credit Program. The Ohio Department of Development announced the award today as part of more than $2.8 million going to film and theatrical projects across the state.

The program offers a 30% refundable credit on in-state wages and eligible spending, which helps bring productions to Ohio communities and keeps the economic activity here too.
Always cool to see Canton on that list.

Lights, camera, Canton.
Learn more: https://development.ohio.gov/business/ohio-film/ohio-film-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

10/02/2026

Canton-based Metallus lands five-year, $995M defense contract - from Canton Repository

Metallus now has a $995M contract with the logistics agency for the Department of War to supply steel for "critical defense applications."

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/business/2026/09/30/metallus-lands-five-year-defense-contract/92004277007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Metallus now has a $995M contract with the logistics agency for the Department of War to supply steel for "critical defense applications."

10/02/2026

Are tariffs reshaping your costs? Ohio manufacturers are invited to a free webinar, Navigating the Tariffs Landscape, on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 8-9 a.m.

Hosted by Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corp. with the Ohio Export Assistance Center at YSU, the session covers:
✅ Whether to absorb the cost or pass it on to customers
✅ Identifying which of your products are affected
✅ Managing rising raw material costs
✅ What leverage you have, and who can help

Presenters: Damon Piatek (Piatek Custom Logistics) and Mousa Kassis (SBDC Export Assistance Network).

Register here: https://www.tuscedc.com/calendar/2026/9/25/xyz-training

10/02/2026

Ohio employers: a new round of TechCred applications has opened, and the window closes October 30 at 3:00 p.m.

TechCred reimburses employers up to $1,000 per employee per credential, with a maximum of $30,000 per application period, for technology-driven training that results in an industry-recognized certification. Training must be completed in under 12 months through an eligible Ohio provider, including community colleges, technical centers, and ApprenticeOhio programs.

The program recently updated its framework to sharpen the focus on in-demand tech skills, so if your company has been wanting to upskill your team, this is a well-timed opportunity to do it on the state's dime.

Learn more and apply at https://development.ohio.gov/business/workforce-development/tech-cred/apply

10/01/2026

Ohio employers: if you're training commercial drivers, the state will pick up half the tab.

The Ohio Department of Development has opened applications for Round 4 of the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training Tax Credit. Employers of all sizes can earn up to $25,000 in tax credits, covering 50% of approved training costs, for both current employees and new hires pursuing Class A or Class B CDLs.

Applications close December 1 at 4:00 p.m. and are awarded first-come, first-served, so early submission matters.

This is a direct investment in your workforce and your bottom line. Learn more and apply at development.ohio.gov/business/state-incentives/cdltraining.

09/30/2026

Crown Cork & Seal, a leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of packaging products including steel and aluminum cans for food, beverage, household, and other consumer products, on announcing plans to add a high-capacity production line at its Massillon plant.

Team NEO worked to secure a JobsOhio Workforce Grant to assist the company in addressing the training demands of this growth opportunity.

Crown Cork and Seal JobsOhio City of Massillon - City Hall Stark Economic Development Board

09/28/2026

Skyrocketing construction costs represent one key element in Stark County’s middle-income housing affordability gap, something the Stark Economic Development Board and Strengthening Stark are battling. This article from the National Association of Realtors provides excellent insight into some of the hidden costs of new home construction. Learn more:

Long before the first wall goes up, builders are paying for land, permits, regulations and infrastructure—costs that can add thousands to the final price. Yet today’s market is creating an unexpected twist: Rising construction costs are pushing builders to find new ways to make homes more afford...

09/28/2026

Stark State gets $2.5 million grant to incorporate AI into teaching - from Canton Repository

Stark State College has received federal grant to launch a project to integrate career-specific AI skills into programs.

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/education/2026/09/28/stark-state-gets-2-5-million-grant-to-incorporate-ai-into-teaching/91924026007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Stark State College has received federal grant to launch a project to integrate career-specific AI skills into programs.

09/25/2026

Jackson, Carrollton students win scholarships | Education roundup - from Canton Repository

Jackson, Carrollton students win scholarships; Junior League offers grants

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/lifestyle/2026/09/20/jackson-carrollton-students-win-scholarships-education-roundup/91779836007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

09/22/2026

Canton looks to redevelop former Ohio Cast Products brownfield - from Canton Repository

Canton is looking to redevelop a long-vacant Canton brownfield that once housed a foundry, caught fire and required environmental cleanup.

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2026/09/21/former-ohio-cast-products-property-may-get-new-life-in-canton-ohio/91594462007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Canton is looking to redevelop a long-vacant Canton brownfield that once housed a foundry, caught fire and required environmental cleanup.