Van Wert Area Economic Development

07/22/2026

Today, community leaders, developers and partners celebrated the groundbreaking of two major projects that will strengthen Van Wert for years to come.

The Landing at Dickenson Farms will bring more than 80 new apartments and townhomes to help meet the growing demand for quality housing in our community. The new 87-room Hampton Inn, behind First Federal on North Washington, will expand lodging options for business travelers, contractors, visitors and guests while enhancing Van Wert's hospitality offerings. Together, these investments represent continued confidence in Van Wert and reflect the collaboration between public and private partners working to support the community's long-term growth.

Read the full press release here: https://ow.ly/LVTA50Zrrqu

Thank you to the developers, investors, elected officials and community partners whose vision and commitment continue to move Van Wert forward.

07/16/2026

Yesterday was a great day to support the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce at its Summer Golf Outing! ⛳

The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation and Visit Van Wert were happy to volunteer at the registration table, welcoming businesses, community leaders, and golfers from across the region. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with so many people who are invested in the continued growth and success of Van Wert County.

Thank you to the Chamber for hosting another outstanding event and to everyone who stopped by to say hello. We always enjoy partnering with organizations that help strengthen our local business community!

07/02/2026

In observance of Independence Day, the Van Wert Area Economic Development office will be closed on Friday, July 3. We will resume regular business hours at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 6.

Our team is proud to support the businesses, families, and individuals who make Van Wert County a vibrant place to live and work. We hope everyone in our community enjoys a safe and relaxing holiday weekend with family and neighbors.

07/01/2026

Our hearts are full of gratitude following last week’s VWAEDC Annual Meeting.

A sincere thank you to our presenting sponsors, Regional Growth Partnership Northwest Ohio and JobsOhio, for their generous support. Your investment in our work is truly an investment in the future of Van Wert County.

Economic development is never the work of one organization. It takes employers willing to grow, entrepreneurs willing to take risks, educators preparing tomorrow’s workforce, community leaders casting a vision, elected officials, volunteers, and countless partners who believe in what our community can become.

Over the past year, we’ve celebrated new investments, business expansions, workforce initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and meaningful collaborations that continue to strengthen Van Wert County. None of those successes happen alone.

We’re honored to do this work alongside our community, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.

06/19/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, the Van Wert Area Economic Development office will be closed on Friday, June 19. Our team will resume regular business hours and reopen on Monday, June 22 at 8 AM.

06/05/2026

We just wrapped up the 2026 Education on Location program to showcase Van Wert County industries and careers to 15 educators from Crestview Local Schools, Lincolnview Jr/sr High School, Van Wert City Schools, and Vantage Career Center. If you recognize any of these teachers, ask them about their week!

A huge thank you to Northwest State Community College - Van Wert Campus, Cool Machines Inc., Braun Ambulances, Intraplas, Universal Lettering, Alliance Automation, Alexander & Bebout, Inc., Central Insurance, American Paint Recyclers, Van Wert Health Department, Grammer, First Federal of Van Wert, OH, Danfoss, Cooper Farms, Mercer Landmark, Inc., TRULAND Equipment, Van Wert County Job & Family Services, Van Wert County Foundation, Main Street Van Wert, and Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce for sharing your local and global impact.

05/29/2026

Today marks a significant milestone for Van Wert County as QTS officially announces its acquisition of the proposed Van Wert Data Center project.

This investment represents more than a facility. It represents long-term opportunities for our community, including high-quality careers, workforce development partnerships, local business growth, increased tax revenue, and continued investment in our region's future.

The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation looks forward to working alongside QTS, our local schools, workforce partners, elected officials, and community stakeholders as this project moves forward.

Read the full press release here:

This project is one of the largest economic development investments in the region, including a community betterment fund and energy infrastructure upgrades

05/26/2026

We loved watching Abby grow throughout the year in office organization, etiquette, and communication! The CEO program gives Van Wert County youth an edge as they head into the real world, and we couldn't be more proud to support it.

Exploring future career paths through real-world experience, we’re proud to highlight Abby Dannenfelser, a student at Lincolnview High School.

With an interest in actuarial science, Abby gained valuable experience through her CEO placements at Central Insurance and Van Wert Area Economic Development. By spending time in both settings, she got a closer look at the analytical and business side of decision-making and planning.

A big thank-you to Central Insurance and Van Wert Economic Development for supporting our CEO students and providing these meaningful opportunities. Keep up the great work, Abby! 👏

05/15/2026

Another successful Clean and Green event organized by Main Street Van Wert is in the books. We’re grateful for the many community members who volunteered their time to help beautify downtown Van Wert and invest in the place we all call home! 🪴🪏🌼🧹

05/15/2026

We always encourage our Business Boot Camp participants to present their plans at the regional Pitchfest competition in Lima each May, and we're thrilled to have two Van Wert County winners. Congratulations to Brooke Webster of Glow & Grow on winning $1,500 in the Emerging Business category and to Amy Covey of Walnut and Main Event Space on winning $3,000 in the Start-Up Business category!