by Sandy Messner
Marketing & Communications Director
Economic Development Week is our opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people, projects, and partnerships that are moving Richland County forward.
When most people hear “economic development,” they might think of industrial parks or tax incentives. And yes, those are a part of it. But in Richland County, economic development means so much more. It’s the business owner who takes the leap and opens their doors. It’s the community member who shows up on a healthcare tour to better understand how systems support growth. It’s the collaboration that clears a path—sometimes literally—for a new beginning.
In the last year alone:
- 61 ribbon cuttings marked new investments across our towns and cities
- $186,000 in state funds helped local businesses upskill their workforce
- Long-vacant properties like Broadway & Main in Shelby are being transformed into sites full of potential
- We showcased our incentives toolbox, highlighting the abatements, financing tools, and tax credits available to help businesses grow
- And hundreds of community members joined us on tours, panels, and initiatives to learn, lead, and make a difference
Throughout the week, we’ve shared a series of short videos on our social media channels to highlight just a few of the stories that define economic development in Richland County:
- Upskilling – Investing in people to build a stronger workforce
- Ribbon Cuttings – Celebrating 61 moments of local business growth in 2024
- Broadway & Main – Clearing the way for redevelopment in downtown Shelby
- Discover Richland Tour: Healthcare – Bringing leaders together to understand how health systems impact our economy
- Financial Tools – Promoting the resources and incentives available to help businesses expand and succeed
Each of these wins was made possible through a shared commitment to do the work, to solve the challenges, and to keep pushing forward.
This is economic development.
It’s visible in new construction and quiet behind the scenes.
It’s about small business dreams and long-range planning.
It’s about strengthening what we have and building what’s next.
So this week, we raise a toast to all the partners, the business owners, public officials, nonprofits, investors, and everyday citizens who believe in this region and roll up their sleeves to help shape it.
Because in Richland County, we know one thing to be true:
Strong Businesses… Means Strong Communities.
Upskilling in Richland County
In Richland and Crawford Counties, $186,000 in state funding was used to upskill local employees, helping businesses strengthen their teams and workers advance in their careers.
Through certifications, hands-on training, and strategic support, our region is investing in the workforce of tomorrow.
This is workforce development.
This is economic development.
Shelby Broadway & Main Revitalization
A long-vacant corner at Broadway & Main in Shelby is now ready for new opportunity.
This is economic development.
After 3 years of persistence and partnership, demolition began on May 5, 2025, clearing the way for future development in the heart of the community.
Ribbon Cuttings | 61 Stories of Growth
In 2024, Richland County celebrated 61 ribbon cuttings, each one a sign of growth, renewal, and local investment.
From small businesses to major expansions, every ribbon represented a new chapter and a stronger community.
Because when businesses grow, Richland County grows too.
This is economic development.
Healthcare & Economic Growth
The Discover Richland Tour gave local leaders a firsthand look at how healthcare drives economic growth, jobs, and quality of life in Richland County.
This is economic development.
Business Incentives | Tools for Growth
Richland County offers a full toolbox of incentives to help businesses grow, from abatements and financing to tax credits and utility rebates.
We’re here to support success at every stage.
This is economic development.
