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May News from WEDC

As spring continues in Wayne County, local business growth and community investment remain strong. This month’s newsletter highlights upcoming events, Economic Development Week, and project updates shaping our communities.

Economic Development Week

Impact Across Wayne County

During Economic Development Week, the WEDC highlighted just a few of the many ways economic development is making an impact across Wayne County, from supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses to encouraging redevelopment and preparing sites for future investment.

We showcased The Milkhouse in downtown Wooster, Market West in Orrville, and the Rittman Industrial Site, each representing a different piece of Wayne County’s growth story. Throughout the week, we were proud to celebrate the projects, partnerships, and investments helping move Wayne County forward.

Looking to grow your workforce? The Find Your Ohio platform helps connect employers with qualified candidates interested in living and working in Ohio, with tens of thousands of resumes already submitted through the site.

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Housing Momentum Continues Across Wayne County

More than two years after the Wayne County Housing Assessment was released, communities across the county continue making progress through new housing developments, redevelopment projects and infrastructure investment supporting long-term growth.

Read the Article →

The JobsOhio Relocation Incentive (JORI)

The JobsOhio Relocation Incentive (JORI) helps employers attract out-of-state talent to Ohio, and five Wayne County companies have already submitted applications for the program. Even better, the incentive is retroactive, so if your company hired someone from out of state earlier this year, you may still qualify to apply.

Apply Now →

Project Highlight:

Davey Tree Nursery

Davey Tree Nursery Expands Operations in Wayne County

Davey Tree Nursery, located on Congress Road in Wooster, continues to invest in Wayne County with a recent $2.4 million capital investment and the construction of a new 10,000-square-foot facility.

Originally established in 1963 and expanded in the 1980s, the nursery now operates across approximately 325 acres and specializes in growing large caliper trees ranging from 2-inch to 7-inch trunk diameters. The operation supplies trees throughout the Midwest, serving municipalities, large corporations and landscape architects, with a strong reputation for quality, size and species variety.

The newly constructed facility was designed primarily for cold storage of liners (seedlings), helping keep young trees dormant until conditions are suitable for planting. The building also includes equipment storage, employee amenities, and specialized areas to support nursery operations. The project began in the fall of 2025, with the company currently moving into the new space this spring.

Davey Tree Nursery grows approximately 80 different tree species and continues to adapt to changing market trends and customer demand, while supporting the broader operations of The Davey Tree Expert Company.

Bonus Content: Hear how Davey Tree Nursery supported the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s new Primate Forest exhibit and how an unexpected donation is helping feed the zoo’s animals.

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Together, we’re building a stronger Wayne County.

Whether you're expanding, hiring, or just getting started, the Wayne Economic Development Council is here to support your business journey.

Reach Out!