STRENGTHENING STARK WORKS.
We have the momentum with a decade of business growth.
Join Us for Even Greater Success.
Together, we're building a movement to strengthen Stark.
Strengthening Stark is a community-wide movement of residents, businesses, government, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations focused on creating the conditions necessary for continued economic growth in Stark County, Ohio.
With a holistic approach to Economic Development, the Strengthening Stark team understands the factors that drive economic growth and collaborates with the community to generate that growth.
A Holistic Approach to Economic Development
Graph Source: The Five Developments: Edward (Ned) Hill, Ph. D., The Ohio State University
The 3 Key Components to Success
The team works at a systemic level, engaging with a wide range of organization to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. As catalysts and accelerators of this work, we know that we are stronger together. Click below to learn more about our key areas of focus.
Workforce
Our focus on talent development promotes growth.
Entrepreneurship
Startups create dramatic opportunities.
Housing for Our Workforce
Affordable, quality housing benefits us all.
Stark Strong Vision & Mission
Our expanding network of community partners is committed to a growing, younger, and more prosperous Stark County. Community leaders work collaboratively, focusing on Business Growth & Development, Talent Development, and creating Quality Places. If we get these things right, economic growth becomes a lot easier.
From beginning conversations in 2015 to the recent expansion of our work to include housing for our workforce, Strengthening Stark has grown and evolved to meet the needs of our community.
To make our vision of a more vibrant economy for all a reality, your commitment is critical. Join us for the next decade of Strengthening Stark!
Strengthening Stark Strategic Priorities.
Our goals for success are clear.
To create the conditions necessary for continued economic development, we are focused on the following priorities:
- Market and drive enrollment for in-demand jobs and careers.
- Attract and retain talent to increase the percentage of population between the ages of 25 and 44 years old.
- Expand and diversify employment in industries with sources of revenue outside of the county.
- Drive and reward innovation and productivity growth.
- Catalyze and accelerate housing development for our workforce.
Through collaboration with our community partners, large-scale change is possible. Help us create synergy and drive these priorities!
Proven Performance
Stark County is stronger, as shown with outcomes.
Business Growth & Development
The Stark Economic Development Board (SEDB) continues its success in attracting new businesses to Stark County and in supporting our existing businesses’ growth and expansion.
| Year | Companies Visited | State Support Secured | New Job Committed | New Payroll Committed | Capital Expenditures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-2019 | 420 | $7.9M | 1,302 | $65.7M | $191.5M |
| 2020-2022 | 622 | $20.7M | 2,399 | $119.5M | $389.6M |
| 2023-2025 | 614 | $13M | 1,107 | $64.7M | $215M |
Strengthening Stark’s focus on talent development, housing, and entrepreneurship are creating the conditions needed to support SEDB’s work.
“One organization alone cannot do this work. Strengthening Stark has brought our community together.”
Ray Hexamer — Retired President and CEO, Stark Economic Development Board
Strong reasons to choose Stark County
From infrastructure and resources to growth and potential, Stark County stands poised to welcome and support your business or organization.
Residential Population
Universities & Colleges
Public School Districts
Major Hospitals including the Cleveland Clinic
Commercial Airport
County Parks