March is both Women’s History Month and Women in Manufacturing Month. Several women have helped shape manufacturing in Defiance County to what it is today. Kenyotta Stantz, human resource business partner at Balchem; Ashley Wilhelm, human resource manager at Johns Manville; Melanie Hinkle, human resource manager at Sabre Industries, Lisa Thiel, manager regional human resources at Mayville Engineering Co.; and Jackie Filipovich, controller at B&B Molded Products, have all work

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – March 16, 2026 – CSX Corporation (NASDAQ: CSX) today announced its latest group of high-ranking properties to receive CSX Select Site designation under the industrial development program. Twenty-one sites across 10 states have earned a gold, silver, or bronze rating based on an evaluation of a wide range of site characteristics. CSX worked with more than 30 communities to gather information and identify top candidates for the CSX Select Site program, whic

The Defiance County Economic Development office is pleased to announce that Defiance County, Ohio will be featured on the nationally distributed public television series Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, debuting in March 2026, and will run throughout the year. Hosted by acclaimed actor Dennis Quaid, the program spotlights communities across the country that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership. The Defiance County segment highlights the county’s str

Defiance County is a place of quiet beauty and vibrant community, no matter the season. Winter hushes the landscape under a blanket of...

Defiance County Released the 2024 Community Health Assessment: What does the health of Defiance County residents look like? POWER...

Keeping a sense of home and community is something everyone wants for their loved ones as they get older. Legacy Living Defiance, a new retirement and assisted living facility, is working to create such an atmosphere at its location on Latchaw Drive in Defiance. “Our culture is truly different,” stated Iyan Pelfree, leasing director of Legacy Living. He emphasized that individuals with Legacy Living take into account the culture of families and communities while working to cr

When it comes to community legacies, Defiance County residents are legends in their own right. Having a community legacy means living...

It could happen with the help of AI. Earlier this month, I was invited to attend the 2025 Jacket Summit at Defiance College. The Summit...

A leading full-service mechanical contracting firm has announced plans for a new facility in Defiance, Ohio, to meet increased demand and significant growth opportunities within the industry. (News Release From RGP) Titan Mechanical has purchased a new facility that will add 30,000 square feet of fabrication space. The company is investing more than $3 million and creating 24 new jobs, allowing it to have a larger footprint in the western corridor of the 17-county region. Ti

If your question isn't listed, please email: Erika@DefianceCountyED.com Where is the Mega Site? First Quality wants to site their next...

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik and JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef today announced that First Quality Tissue, a leading manufacturer of hygiene, paper, and packaging products, will build a new ultra-premium towel and tissue production facility in Defiance, marking the largest singular investment and job-creation project in Defiance County history. First Quality Tissue Midwest, LLC will invest

(By Erika Willitzer, Defiance County Economic Development) Recently, a young woman contacted the Defiance County Economic Development...

Defiance County recently played host to a potential new business scouting our area for their next facility. But instead of coming in with...

The Four Flags of Freedom project has finally been completed in Defiance County, Ohio, and stands as a powerful and moving tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country with honor and courage. Four towering 120-foot flagpoles hoist enormous 30'x60' flags, each one a stirring symbol of the sacrifices made by our local veterans. As you drive past this awe-inspiring monument, you can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and respect for those who have given

When I interviewed for the role of Executive Director at Defiance County Economic Development, I was asked a pivotal question by the...

It will transform your company and employees By Erika Willitzer (Sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Defiance County ) One of my friends...

In 2022, Mayor Mike McCann became fast friends with Consul General Shindo at an annual Mayor Association Meeting. From there, Mayor...

By Erika Willitzer (Article Sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Defiance County) I have three daughters, and all had a similar experience when...

(By Erika Willitzer, Executive Director of Defiance County Economic Development) Over the last two months, I’ve been asked over 100...

Defiance County Economic Development has been on a mission the last two years to raise enough funds to put up Four Mega American Flags,...