A GRATEFUL GOODBYE TO DEFIANCE COUNTY

When I was in my 20s, I worked for Federated Media in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I co-hosted the morning show on 97.3 WMEE alongside a talented broadcaster named Steve Kerrigan. It was the first job I truly loved.

By Erika Willitzer – Defiance County Economic Development

Steve and I poured everything we had into that show. The hours were long, the work was relentless, but together we helped make our program the number one morning show in the market. When we were told that we'd both be receiving significant raises, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. At the time, I wasn't making much money, and with young children at home, that increase meant the world to me.

Years later, Steve moved to Dayton, Ohio, to be closer to his family. Not long after, he called with heartbreaking news: he was dying from cancer. Following his passing, I learned something about Steve that I never knew while he was alive.

My boss told me that I was never supposed to receive that raise. It had only been intended for Steve. But when Steve found out, he marched straight into management and said, "If Erika doesn't receive the same increase, I'll walk right out that door." He argued that I worked just as hard as he did and that he would not work for a company that valued our contributions differently.

I was stunned. That kind of loyalty is rare. That kind of love and respect for a teammate is even rarer. I never thought I would experience anything like that again. You know the people I'm talking about, the ones who always have your six.

Then I came to Defiance County.

Over the last several years, I have been fortunate enough to work alongside leaders who continuously had my back and, more importantly, the backs of this community.

There are countless examples, but a few stand out.

One time, during a public meeting, an angry individual made a threat against my life and others. Mayor Mike McCann arrived at the event at the same time as law enforcement. He immediately stepped in, made sure I was protected, and reassured me that I was safe. In a frightening moment, his leadership and concern meant more than I can express.

Another time, I was working on what would become the largest economic development project in Defiance County's history. At one point, the project was hanging by a thread. I still remember Commissioner Mick Pocratsky looking at me and saying, "We've got your back, and we've got our community's back."

Those weren't just words. The Commissioner's Office stepped up in a major way and helped save the project. Today, I firmly believe that project will be transformative for Defiance County for generations to come.

Then there's Marc Warncke, attorney for the CIC. Anyone who knows me - knows I don't cry at work.

But after years of effort on a major project, it appeared everything had fallen apart right in front of us. I walked into Marc's office and completely broke down.

He didn't judge me. He didn't tell me to toughen up. He simply listened. He let me vent, let me process the moment, and then the very next day we were back to doing what needed to be done: developing a strategy to move forward and fight for Defiance County.

And fight we did. And WIN we did.

Time and time again, Marc found ways to get critical legal work completed under impossible deadlines, including one memorable Christmas break when we were racing the clock. In economic development, speed to market matters. Because of that dedication, projects moved forward that will ultimately create countless high-paying jobs for local families.

Looking back, another piece of advice from Commissioner Pocratsky sticks with me. He encouraged me to keep track of the wins so I wouldn't get discouraged by the losses.

I'm grateful I listened. Since I started in October 2020, our organization has helped bring more than $2 billion in new investment to Defiance County and nearly 2,000 new high-paying jobs. Included in that total is the $1 billion First Quality facility currently being constructed at the Defiance County Mega Site.

Those numbers represent an incredible accomplishment for everyone involved. They reflect the hard work, collaboration, and vision of many dedicated leaders throughout the county.

But when I look back on my time here, it won't be the dollar amounts or the ground breakings that I'll treasure most. It will be the people. The support. The encouragement. The moments when someone stepped up and said, "We've got your back."

This will be my final article as a team member of Defiance County Economic Development, as I have accepted a new position that will be announced in the coming weeks. Serving Defiance County has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career.

In my 40s, I learned something I wasn't sure still existed: there are still work warriors out there. People willing to fight for what's right, to stand beside their teammates, and to put community ahead of themselves.

To all of those individuals, thank you. To the CIC Board of Directors, thank you for always giving me the right guidance at the exact right time.

And to Defiance County, thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you and for reminding me, every day, of the goodness that exists in people.

Keep growing. Keep dreaming. Keep believing. I'll always be cheering for you.