Board of Directors Our Board holds public meetings the third Thursday of every month at noon. If you would like to attend a meeting, please contact our office at (419) 784-4471 to RSVP. Board Minutes Board President Dave Figley Wesbanco Vice President Mark Klein State Bank Treasurer Michael Wahl Keller Logistics Group Mike Barth Village of Hicksville Mayor Keith Burmeister ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital Taylor Klepper Klepper Building Company Sonya Selhorst Mercy Health Defiance Jill Little Defiance County Auditor Mike McCann City of Defiance Mayor Mick Pocratsky Defiance County Commissioner Tiffany Rockhold Defiance | Paulding OhioMeansJobs Beth Sigg Northwest Real Estate Services Dave Weaner Village of Sherwood Mayor Kyle Weber Township Trustee Tom Vance Village of Ney Mayor Mathias Grube Grube Inc. Ashley Wilhelm Johns Manville Marc Warncke CIC Attorney Board Meeting Minutes January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025

Defiance County Economic Development in Ohio works hard to bring high wage jobs and new investment. We are a resource for start-ups and existing businesses looking into expansions and other business pursuits. Our goal is to help further economic growth throughout Defiance County, Ohio. Summer STEAM Camps Register HERE Become a Sponsor Sites Workforce Incentives Blog Events Defiance County Blog Defiance County Blog Defiance County Blog Defiance County Blog 1 2 3 4 5 Defiance County Map Property Tax Calculator Why Choose Defiance County, Ohio? Strategically Located between Toledo & Fort Wayne along US 24 $2 Billion in New Investment Since 2020! Superior Infrastructure with Two Rail Systems, Two Transmission Gas Lines, & Two Electric Providers Outstanding Talent Pipeline with Over 1500 Jobs Created since 2020 Become a Member Your Investment Fuels Defiance County’s Future When you become a member, you're not just joining an organization—you’re backing a movement to grow our local resources, strengthen our industrial base, and create lasting job opportunities right here in Defiance County. Membership unlocks full access to our tools, support, and connections. And when businesses come looking for referrals? We proudly point them to our members—because we believe in supporting those who support us. Join Today. Let’s Build Success—Together. Become a Member List of Current Members Investor Guide Discover Defiance County Discover Defiance County Discover Defiance County Discover Defiance County Defiance County Economic Development Play Video Play Video 04:53 Defiance County Community Video Over the past few months we have been meeting with our local Defiance County public officials and community leaders to learn about what is happening in their communities! Check it all out in this video thanks to Boyers Media! Play Video Play Video 01:11 Defiance, OH Four Flags of Freedom Ceremony A big thank you to all who contributed to making our Four Flags of Freedom ceremony a success! Special thanks to Boyers Media for creating this amazing video! ❤️ Learn more about Four Flags of Freedom initiative! https://www.fourflagsoffreedom.com/ Play Video Play Video 00:42 Gordon Creek Granite Video Have you had the chance to visit Gordon Creek Granite in Hicksville, Ohio yet? Load More Thank You to Our Diamond & Platinum Investors To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Prime Access to Major Transportation Corridors Direct connectivity to U.S. 24, a major four‑lane highway linking Fort Wayne to Toledo and beyond. Fast access to I‑75, I‑69, I‑80/90 (Ohio Turnpike) — enabling efficient regional and national distribution. Central to Midwest logistics routes, reducing shipping times and transportation costs. Proximity to Major Manufacturing & Industrial Hubs Positioned within one of the nation’s strongest manufacturing corridors. Close to major OEMs and suppliers in automotive, steel, food processing, and advanced manufacturing. Ideal for companies needing quick supplier‑to‑customer turnaround. Multi‑Modal Logistics Advantage Rail access through regional and national carriers. Close to international and regional airports for cargo and business travel. Easy access to Great Lakes shipping routes via Toledo. Strategic Midwest Location Within a one‑day drive of 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population. Perfect for companies serving national markets from a single, cost‑efficient location. Central time‑to-market advantage for e‑commerce, distribution, and manufacturing. Strong Workforce Pipeline Access to a skilled labor force with deep experience in manufacturing, logistics, and trades. Supported by Northwest State Community College and regional workforce development partners. Customized training programs available to meet employer needs.

Our team of economic development specialists are here to assist you with all our workforce and business needs. Call our office to set up a meeting: 419-784-4471. Meet The Team Erika Willitzer Executive Director Hi, I'm Erika Willitzer, I was born and raised in Defiance County. I'm so happy to be back working in the community that helped build me. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out via email: Erika@DefianceCountyED.com Cara Boehm Director of Business Development and Marketing Hi, I'm Cara Boehm. I am thrilled to be serving my hometown through this role with Defiance County Economic Development. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out via email: Cara@DefianceCountyED.com

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Utilities & Services Aquatek Water Conditioning 7300 St. Rt. 108 Wauseon, OH 43567 (419) 719-0652 Website FirstEnergy 341 White Pond Drive Akron, Ohio 44320 330-606-2602 Website Geenex Solar LLC 6605 Longshore St. Dublin, OH 43017 (380) 203-2083 Website Laibe Electric Technology 26440 Southpoint Rd. Perrysburg, OH 43551 (419)724-8200 Website MetaLINK Technologies 417 Wayne Ave. Defiance, OH 43512 (888) 999-8002 Website National Oil & Gas 2829 E, IN-124 Bluffton, IN 46714 (260) 824-2220 Website Ohio Gas Company P.O. Box 528 Bryan, OH 43506 (419) 636-1117 Website Palmer Energy Company 5577 Airport Hwy Ste 101 Toledo, OH 43615 (419)539-9180 Website Patriot Rail 10752 Deerwood Park Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 423-2540 Website Republic Services 11909 Williams County G, Bryan, OH 43506 Phone: (419) 636-2242 Website Ridgeville Telephone Company S732 Co. Rd. 20B, PO Box A Ridgeville Corners, OH 43555 (419) 267-5185 Website ServiceMaster of Defiance 1255 Carpenter Rd. Defiance, OH 43512 (833) 693-0408 Website Werlor Waste Control 1420 Ralston Ave. Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 784-4285 Website

On this page we have our Top Employers posted, along with our top industries and a detailed report of Defiance County's Demographics. Global companies like General Motors Corp., Johns Manville and Parker-Hannifin call Defiance County home. Local firms including MEC and APT Manufacturing Solutions and others are at the heart of an established industrial base that keeps Defiance County working. DEFIANCE COUNTY DEMOGRAPHIC AND INDUSTRY PROFILE Mayville Engineering Company Defiance, Ohio APT Manufacturing Hicksville, OH General Motors Defiance, Ohio Sabre Industires Hicksville, Ohio Parker Hannifin Hicksville, Ohio Johns Manville Defiance, Ohio

Government City of Defiance 631 Perry St. Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 784-2101 Website Defiance County Commissioners 500 Court St., Suite A Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 782-4761 Website Hicksville Township 09468 SR 2 Hicksville, OH 43526 - Website Noble Township 22485 Mill St. Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 782-7888 Website OhioMeansJobs 1300 E. Second St. Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 784-3777 Website Richland Township 8125 Independence Rd. Defiance, OH 43512 - Website Village of Hicksville 111 S. Main St. Hicksville, OH 43526 (419) 542-6161 Website Village of Ney 230 E. Main St., PO Box 237 Ney, OH 43549 (419) 405-6608 Website Washington Township 155 N. Water St. Ney, OH 43549 (419) 658-2715 Website

Explore the backbone of opportunity. This page connects you to essential infrastructure maps for electric service territories, transmission lines, natural gas lines, rail corridors, and broadband coverage—plus critical environmental overlays like flood zones and wetlands. Whether you're scouting sites or planning expansion, these interactive maps and resources help you make informed, strategic decisions with confidence. If you want to talk more in-depth? Reach Out Today Defiance County Infrastructure Electric Transmission Lines Read More Electric Territory Map Read More Transmission Natural Gas Read More Broadband Read More Rail Roads Read More Road Map Read More Wetland Map Read More Flood Map Read More

Legal Services Arthur Law Firm Co., LPA 901 Ralston Ave. Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 782-9881 Website Clemens, Korhn, Liming & Warncke, Ltd. 419 5th St. #2000 Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 782-6055 Website Weaner, Hill & Weber, Ltd. 401 Wayne Ave. Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 782-3010 Website

Current Job Opening Hiring for: Economic Development Administrator Defiance County is a well-established, progressive county located in Northwest Ohio between Toledo, Ohio and Fort Wayne, Indiana, along the US 24. Our team is seeking applicants for the position of Administrator. Defiance County has a robust and diversified business community of more than 1,000 businesses. Our mission is to increase investment, all while creating high paying positions that contribute to a higher quality of life for our residents. Job Description The Administrator role is a dynamic, energetic representative of our organization. The Administrator must possess a high level of flexibility to simultaneously proactively represent the organization out in the community, while effectively managing day-to-day economic development, marketing, and office functions of the nonprofit. The Administrator reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the entire team of community leaders. Roles & Responsibilities Marketing Planning & Execution • Works to identify & implement strategies, campaigns, and promotions in line with organizational goals. • Effectively communicate marketing goals amongst the team and support colleagues in aligning their work with marketing goals. •Assists in implementing the organization’s marketing plan & telling Defiance County’s Story. • Support team with graphic designs • Manage media relations, write, and distribute press releases. Digital Marketing • Implement comprehensive digital, social, web, email content and solutions that align with organizational goals. • Effectively manage and grow e-mail marketing database. • Oversee the organization’s social media accounts management, develop engaging, creative, innovative content for regular scheduled posts. • Oversee website – create and manage content, and coordinate regular updates. • Support analytics and reporting with google analytics, google AdWords, and other relevant sites to analyze and report on performance and website traffic. Event Planning • Work with the team to identify goals, objectives, and agenda for each event. • Coordinate logistics and planning of the organization’s programs and events. • Provide administrative oversight of event vendors including budgets, invoicing, and payment. Community Outreach • Represent Defiance County Economic Development at meetings and events throughout the community. • Build strong relationships with partners, clients, and stakeholders. • Effectively source projects and opportunities in line with the economic development office’s mission through networking, outreach, and partnerships. • Assist in writing grants for the organization. • Seek opportunities to promote Defiance County Economic Development such as speaking engagements, events, and other opportunities. Administrative Functions Basic Bookkeeping and organization of board meetings of the CIC and Homegrown Workforce & Business Development Boards. Maintains extensive files of information of interest to new and existing businesses, housing, market statistics, zoning regulations, business trends, and demographic information. Prepares and provides marketing packages to businesses considering Defiance County Assists with the management of small business and entrepreneurial programs. Provides technical assistance for the administration of the Enterprise Zone Program, Community Reinvestment Area, JobsOhio, and Ohio Development Services Agency incentive packages. Maintains minutes, records, and other board materials and documents as required for the CIC and the Tax Incentive Review Council Special Projects & Other Duties • Special projects as they relate to the implementation of the organization’s overall business & community growth strategies. • Additional duties as assigned. Qualifications • Economic Development experience is a plus. • 2+ years in marketing, communications, or related field. • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in marketing, business, or a related field. • Graphic design, photography, and technical skills preferred. • Proficient in computer software including Microsoft Office Suite. • Must be willing to learn industry specific software. • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. • Entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset. • Must be able to prioritize tasks and time with minimal supervision and work as an effective team member. • Valid driver’s license required and the ability to lift 25 lbs. Compensation The Economic Development Administrator is a full-time, salaried position. The shift is 8:00pm – 4:00pm, with flexibility for family/personal events. The minimum salary is $50,000 but will pay more for experience. The organization offers the following: 3-weeks PTO $500 monthly healthcare stipend Mileage & cell phone reimbursement To Apply To apply email a resume and cover letter to erika@defiancecountyed.com Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.