Ohio Governor John Kasich was in Wilmington Thursday to celebrate commitments by companies to create more than 500 jobs. Emily McCord of member station WYSO in Yellow Springs reports.
Since international shipping company DHL left Wilmington, the city has been a poster child for effect the recession had on communities. Governor Kasich says the private/public entity, JobsOhio, has secured pledges that 6 companies will build or expand in the city. Kasich says it’s not one big company replacing the 8000 jobs that were lost in 2008 it’s a step in the right direction.
If we chip away that’s fine. You know, I’m a believer that sometimes you hit a home run, but most of the time in a good ball game, you get singles. And you just keep hitting the singles and before you know it , you win the ball game.
Kasich says the airpark is an asset that will be leveraged to attract more companies. Wilmington mayor Randy Riley says the city is rebuilding and he says he’s hopeful that more jobs are on the way.
And with the help of a lot of people that you see here today, not only is this is a celebration, but this is the answer to a lot of prayers. Every morning when my feet the ground the first thing out of my mouth is a prayer for jobs.
The six companies range from advanced manufacturing to air cargo transport. In total, its expected to generate over 18 million dollars in new payroll.