Executive Director Monthly Column: I was watching the morning news when a story came on about the rising trend of AI girlfriends and boyfriends—apparently, they’re becoming popular with both teens and adults. I glanced over at my 17-year-old daughter and asked if she’d heard of it. She gave me that classic teen side-eye and said, “Uh—yeah, that’s a thing,” like I’d just discovered texting. These AI boyfriends and girlfriends engage in personalized conversations, remember det

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...

DEFIANCE, OH – This fall, Defiance welcomed a class of over 300 new students marking the College’s third-largest incoming class since...

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

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

As the Yellow Jackets get ready to return to Defiance College, it’s important to remember they can buzz around more than just the campus....

Whenever I walk into a local restaurant or business, people don’t recognize me as the Economic Development Director for Defiance County....

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

Economic development is the lifeblood of a thriving community, driving prosperity, job creation, and overall quality of life. I remember...

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...

Defiance County’s Economic Development recently announced the latest round of small business grant winners, proudly sponsored by Premier...

Just mention the sculptured wooden bar, friendly atmosphere or maybe a Tom & Jerry and everyone in Defiance knows what’s being talked...

(By: Erika Willitzer – Defiance County Economic Development) In any community—be it a neighborhood, workplace, school, or...

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

This week's featured job is from the Gerken Companies! They are looking for Dump Truck Drivers to join their team. You can learn more...