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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. JOIN US Investor Guide >>> 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 Elite & Diamond 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.

Multiple Dates Thu, Sep 17 Brew & Banter / Defiance Co. East- 2nd floor conf room RSVP Sep 17, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Defiance Co. East- 2nd floor conf room, 1300 E 2nd St, Defiance, OH 43512, USA Come grab a cup of coffee and chat about what's happening in Defiance County! Relaxed atmosphere, great coffee, and fantastic conversation. +11 more Multiple Dates Thu, Sep 17 Monthly CIC Board Meeting / Defiance Co. East- 2nd floor conf room RSVP Sep 17, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Defiance Co. East- 2nd floor conf room, 1300 E 2nd St, Defiance, OH 43512, USA Upcoming Events September 2026 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9:00 AM Brew & Banter +1 more 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Wanting to be located in the heart of Northwest Ohio with great access to highways and rail? Defiance County is the perfect spot for your company expansion. Call our office at 419-784-4471. Land Available for New Housing Developments We have over 1000 new HIGH PAYING positions in the pipeline. Our County is looking for reputable housing developers! Email Erika@DefianceCountyED.com for more information. Latchaw Farm 109 acres Easily divided into buildable lots Near Promedica, US 24, and Defiance College Water and Sewer border site Call for Pricing More Details Sherwood Possible Housing Site 4.27 acres Commercial lots on Defiance County Parcel C180017001204,on State Route18 east of Rt 127. 4 lots of .9 acres and each lot of 1 acres or more. Pricing: $27,000 per acre. More Details 14631 State Route 15, Defiance, OH (Ayersville Site) 14 acres of land Currently zoned agriculture Has Ayersville Water and Sewer A new slab was poured for a doublewide (200 AMP Pedestal Meter Toledo Edison) has been ran from road to the poured slab. Will need rezoned if looking to build Price: $165,000 More Details Maumee River Crossing 16.52 acres available in a desirable upcoming area with potential to parcel out and build further housing for the growing Defiance community. River front amenities Water & Sewer at Neighborhood but would need extended into new development Price: $325,000 More Details Maumee River Crossing Nearly 10 acres of tillable ground located on Switzer Rd. 431,680 Sq Ft Lot Currently used Agriculturally, however could make a nice building site Private Water Source & Sewer Not Available $11,705 Price per Acre Price: $116,000 More Details Housing Lots - Infill Housing Looking to test Defiance County's Housing Market? We have several housing lots for sale. SEE BELOW! 0 Rose Court Lot L, Defiance Affordable Lots Public Water And Sewer Tinora Schools Price: $18,000 More Details 1459 Deerwood Drive, Defiance Prime location near both US 24 and Eagle Rock Golf Club 1.07 acres Fully utility ready Price: $72,900 More Details 1365 Heatherdowns, Defiance 0.31 acres Buildable lot Kettenring Hills Subdivision Price: $45,900 More Details 846 Deerwood Drive, Defiance 0.74 acres Buildable Lot Kettenring Hills Subdivision Price: $47,900 More Details 655 Burning Tree Drive, Defiance 0.83 acres Buildable Lot Kettenring Hills Subdivision Price: $42,900 More Details 649 Burning Tree Drive, Defiance 0.52 acres Buildable lot Kettenring Hills Subdivision Price: $43,900 More Details 1408 Heatherdowns, Defiance 0.52 acres Buildable lot Kettenring Hills Subdivision Price: $49,900 More Details 673 Burning Tree Drive, Defiance 0.36 acres Buildable lot Kettenring Hills Subdivision Price: $43,900 More Details 850 Deerwood Drive, Defiance 0,57 acres Buildable lot Kettenring Hills Subdivision Price: $49,900 More Details

Agriculture Cooper Farms 22348 Rd 140 Oakwood, Oh 45879 (419) 594-3325 Website EnviroKure 9408 Rosedale Road Hicksville, OH 43526 (215) 289-9800 Website Hillandale Farms 3910 Oxford Road Gettysburg, PA 17325 1 (800) 752-8740 Website Legacy Farmers 6566 C.R. 236 Findlay, OH 45840 (419) 423-2611 Website Tessenderlo Kerley 1655 Plummer Dr. Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 770-6249 Website

The Defiance County, Ohio is conveniently located within a 45-minute drive of both Toledo, Ohio, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Defiance County is centrally located between markets in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Columbus, Detroit and Chicago. Location & Transportation By Road Defiance: Where Opportunity Intersects Located in the heart of the Midwest, the City of Defiance is just a quick 45-minute drive from both Toledo, Ohio, and Fort Wayne, Indiana—making it a prime launchpad for business, travel, and connection. Defiance County sits at the crossroads of major markets like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Columbus, Detroit, and Chicago, giving you access to over 35 million people within a day's drive. Highways That Work as Hard as You Do Defiance boasts four interchanges with U.S. Route 24—the powerhouse highway linking Fort Wayne and Toledo. Add in State Routes 18, 15, 66, 111, and 281, and you've got a web of connectivity that keeps commerce and community flowing. Small-Town Access, Big-Time Reach In Sherwood, Rt. 127 and State Route 18 meet, while Hicksville is crisscrossed by Routes 18, 49, and 2. The Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90)—your fast track across the state and beyond. By Air Defiance County is just an hour’s drive from two major gateways—Toledo Express and Fort Wayne International Airports—connecting you to national and international destinations with ease. For corporate and private flyers, the Defiance County Memorial Airport offers a 4,200-foot PLASI lighted runway with instrument approach capabilities and top-tier aviation facilities. By Rail Whether you're moving freight or exploring the region, Defiance County is on track. Patriot Rail and CSX Railroad keep goods flowing, while nearby Williams County offers Amtrak service for passenger travel. By Boat Less than 50 miles from the City of Defiance, the Port of Toledo on Lake Erie opens the door to global shipping routes and waterfront commerce.

Transportation & Warehousing Keller Logistics Group 1978 Thomas E Keller Blvd. Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 780-3741 Website Kuhn Truck & RV 240 OH-18 Sherwood, OH 43556 (419) 899-2020 Website Pontiac Logistics 20390 CR 424 Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 782-8003 Website

Our HOMEGROWN program offers Defiance County, Ohio businesses with resources they need to help them grow their businesses. From individual workforce strategy plans to e-commerce trainings, our organization can assist in giving the necessary resources to local companies. Homegrown Grant Program Growing Business From Within This Program is Sponsored By: Program Overview Our board is looking for passion, as well as business smarts. Eligibility is open to small businesses located in Defiance County, Ohio, with annual revenues not exceeding $250,000. We have set aside $10,000 each year for this initiative, and once these funds are distributed, the next round will begin the following calendar year. Award amounts will be $500, and these will be granted quarterly following a review by the Homegrown Board. DOWNLOAD FLYER Application deadlines: March 1 June 1 September 1 December 1 Application & Requirements Tell us about yourself and your business. Please provide a description of the goods or services you are providing for the greater community. The purpose of this application is to clearly outline your business needs. If you are a start-up, please note that below in your submission. Please review the below requirements: Small business must be in Defiance County, Ohio Annual revenues not exceeding $250,000 Must provide your most recent Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Financial Documents Applicants must have their business registered with the State of Ohio, to be eligible. Must meet with Lisa Becher (Nwohiosbdc@gmail.com ) with Northwest State’s Small Business Development Center The goal of this meeting is to develop a business plan or growth plan. This is a service with no cost and great benefits to make sure you are prepared to start your business or scale up your existing business Awardees will be required to provide receipts or invoices for the funds allocated. This award can only be applied for once per year. Thank you for your interest in this program. If you have any questions, please email Cara Boehm at Cara@DefianceCountyED.com First Name Last Name Email Company Phone Please provide us with all your website and social media URLs: Tells us about your business and what you plan to use the funds for, if awarded: Please provide any media – graphics we can use for promotion of your company Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Business Address Street Address Line 2 City State Postal / Zip code Submit Application Thanks for Submitting. We'll get back with you soon. Helpful Links Ohio Business Resources NSCC Small Business Center Ohio Department of Development Ohio Small Business Centers

The Defiance Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) Board sets the economic and workforce development strategy for the organization. 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. President: Dave Figley, Premier Bank Vice President: Mark Klein, State Bank and Trust Treasurer: Michael Wahl, Keller Logistics Corporate Secretary: Carlie Carpenter, Defiance County Economic Development Mick Pocratsky, Defiance County Commissioner Mike Barth, Mayor of the Village of Hicksville Mike McCann, May or of the City of Defiance Jill Little, Defiance County Auditor David Weaner, Mayor of the Village of Sherwood Kyle Weber, Defiance County Township Association Tiffany Rockhold, OhioMeansJobs Keith Burmeister, ProMedica DRMC Robert Langford, FirstEnergy Solutions Sarah Tackett, Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce Beth Sigg, Northwest Realty Taylor Klepper, Klepper Building Company Calendar Meeting Minutes January 2025 February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024

Marketing & Media The Crescent-News 624 W. 2nd St. Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 784-5441 Website Fun Factory Promotional Products 233 Hopkins St. Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 784-3866 Website Natural Design & Graphics 12978 Rd. 176 Paulding, OH 45879 (419) 399-2403 Website

Restaurants Iron Horse Brews 101 N Harrison St. Sherwood, OH 43556 (419) 899-4766 Website Grube, Inc. 607 W 3rd St, Defiance, OH 43512 Website

Education Northwest State Community College 22600 State Route 34 Archbold, OH 43502 (419) 267-5511 Website

Defiance County has many assets including nature parks, rivers, and organizations dedicated to hosting creative and engaging festivals. Defiance, Ohio Ribfest Recreation & Attractions Defiance County is home to golf courses, wildlife areas, community festivals and numerous cultural activities. We also have many organizations who collaborate in progressing community development on a daily basis. Some of the highlights include: Oxbow Lake Independence Dam State Park Camp Lakota Andrew L. Tuttle Mem orial Museum Defiance County Historical Society’s AuGlaize Village Huber Opera House & Civic Center Stroede Center for the Arts Nearby Fort Wayne, Indiana, features professional baseball by the Fort Wayne TinCaps, Professional soccer club in USL League One Fort Wayne Football Club , and hockey by the Fort Wayne Komets . Also, just a short drive away, Toledo is home to the Mud Hens baseball franchise and the Walleye hockey team . Within Defiance City Northtowne Mall, Dunhams, Marshalls, Ollie's, Kohls, Phoenix Theaters Menards, Lowes Putt-Putt Fun Center- Putt-Putt golf, laser tag, go-karts, batting cages Auglaize Historical Village Independence Dam State Park Eagle Rock Golf Club – 18-hole par 71 course, snack bar and bar. Applebees Bob Evans Panda Express Sweetwater Chop House Kissners Arbys, Burger King, Wendys, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Jersey Mikes YMCA The Crick Entertainment Center Defiance Splash Pad Kayak Rentals at Pontiac Park- self-serve kiosk (May-October, weather-permitting) Kingsbury Pool Defiance Reservoir Park Stroede Center for the Arts Just Be Original Fine Arts Academy Rhythm Room- drop-in style dance classes for ages 18+ Harvest Moon Winery Within a 25 mile radius Hicksville Nature Trail The Huber Opera House - Hicksville, OH Iron Horse Brews - Sherwood, OH The Lumberyard Winery & Supply - Napoleon, OH Leisure Time Winery - Napoleon, OH Stoney Ridge Winery - Bryan, OH Sauder Village - Archbold, OH Spangler Candy World - Bryan, OH Goll Woods State Nature Preserve - Archbold, OH Harrison Lake State Park - Fayette, OH Within a 50 mile radius Yogi Bears Jellystone Park – Featuring several Water Slides and Camping Byler Lane Winery Fort Wayne Football Club- Professional soccer club in USL League One Angola Motor Speedway – offering Stock Car racing on most summer weekends Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve Satek Winery – featuring local award-winning wines Pokagon State Park and Toboggan ride Toledo, Ohio Auburn, IN – Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum featuring an exhibit of more than 100 unique classical automobiles, plus a small theater presentation Auburn World War II Museum, just off of I-69 – don’t miss Kruse auction Labor Day weekend Mongo, IN – a town just west of Angola featuring Pigeon River Canoe Rental, Indiana State Fish and Wildlife area Shipshewana, IN – featuring the famous Shipshewana flea market and a quaint town with old time stores and shopping area Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Voted one of the top ten best children’s zoos in the United States. Toledo Zoo Defiance County, Ohio City Calendar Community Calendar