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Fall in Love with Defiance County, OH: Your Perfect Autumn Weekend Guide
Defiance County is a place of quiet beauty and vibrant community, no matter the season. Winter hushes the landscape under a blanket of...
Sep 223 min read


Defiance County Released the 2024 Community Health Assessment: What does the health of Defiance County residents look like?
Defiance County Released the 2024 Community Health Assessment: What does the health of Defiance County residents look like? POWER...
Sep 103 min read


Tessenderlo Kerley Unveils Cutting-Edge Fertilizer Facility in Defiance, Ohio
Defiance, OH — August 21, 2025 — Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. has officially opened its newest liquid fertilizer production plant in Defiance, Ohio, marking a major leap forward in sustainable agriculture for North America. Photo by Tessenderlo Kerley Strategically built on a 50-acre site, the advanced facility will manufacture key crop nutrients—Thio-Sul®, KTS®, and K-Row 23®—to support growers across the U.S. and Canada. This expansion not only boosts cross-border access to hi
Aug 201 min read


Lights, Camera, Action for Defiance County, Ohio?
Whenever I walk into a local restaurant or business, people don’t recognize me as the Economic Development Director for Defiance County....
Jul 302 min read


Future Vision: Every 4th Grader in Defiance County as Published Authors?
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...
Jun 222 min read


Northwest Ohio Mechanical Contractor Opening New Fabrication Facility
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
Jun 102 min read


The Winning Formula
Economic development is the lifeblood of a thriving community, driving prosperity, job creation, and overall quality of life. I remember...
May 62 min read


Bud's Pie - A Fan Favorite Throughout the Region and Based in Defiance
There’s always room for pie … especially if it comes from Bud’s in Defiance. For more than 85 years, Bud ’s Restaurant has been providing...
May 63 min read


Homegrown Small Business Grant Winners Announced
Defiance County’s Economic Development recently announced the latest round of small business grant winners, proudly sponsored by Premier...
Apr 171 min read


Kissner's - A Defiance County Treasure!
Just mention the sculptured wooden bar, friendly atmosphere or maybe a Tom & Jerry and everyone in Defiance knows what’s being talked...
Apr 35 min read


Attention Hotheads - The Power of Respect Can Make All the Difference
(By: Erika Willitzer – Defiance County Economic Development) In any community—be it a neighborhood, workplace, school, or...
Mar 212 min read


FAQs about First Quality Coming to Defiance County, Ohio
If your question isn't listed, please email: Erika@DefianceCountyED.com Where is the Mega Site? First Quality wants to site their next...
Feb 267 min read


Governor DeWine Announces Largest Singular Investment in Defiance County History
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
Feb 243 min read


Attracting Top Talent To Defiance County
(By Erika Willitzer, Defiance County Economic Development) Recently, a young woman contacted the Defiance County Economic Development...
Feb 132 min read


How Hot Sticky Buns Are Critical to 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...
Jan 262 min read


Four Flags of Freedom: A Lasting Tribute to Our Local Veterans
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
Jan 225 min read


2024 Recap - How Hollywood’s Brad Pitt is Influencing Defiance County, Ohio.
When I interviewed for the role of Executive Director at Defiance County Economic Development, I was asked a pivotal question by the...
Dec 15, 20243 min read


Give Workplace Loyalty a SHOT
It will transform your company and employees By Erika Willitzer (Sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Defiance County ) One of my friends...
Nov 14, 20242 min read


Consul General of Japan Judges Ribs at Defiance, Ohio Ribfest
In 2022, Mayor Mike McCann became fast friends with Consul General Shindo at an annual Mayor Association Meeting. From there, Mayor...
Sep 30, 20242 min read


Stop Complaining & Give Our Youth a Chance to Shine!
By Erika Willitzer (Article Sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Defiance County) I have three daughters, and all had a similar experience when...
Sep 23, 20243 min read
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