Frequently Asked Questions

Preble County, Ohio, is close to three major metro areas. It offers lower costs, available land, and easy access to highways, rail, and air travel. Employers can hire from a regional labor pool of over 3 million people within 45 minutes. The Preble County Development Partnership (PCDP) is the county's main economic development group and business contact.

This FAQ gives clear answers for site selectors, business owners, and researchers looking for reliable information about Preble County’s economy, workforce, infrastructure, and quality of life.

FAQs

The Preble County Development Partnership, Inc. leads economic development and business support in Preble County, Ohio. The group focuses on creating jobs, attracting investment, and building long-term economic security. It connects businesses with local, regional, and state resources.

PCDP serves as a single point of contact for:

  • Site selection assistance
  • Permitting coordination
  • Workforce connections
  • Financing guidance
  • Data and demographic research

The organization works with public officials, employers, utilities, educators, and state agencies to move projects forward with transparent timelines and next steps.
 

PCDP concentrates on four primary areas:

  • Business retention and expansion
  • New business recruitment
  • Workforce development
  • Marketing and community outreach

The mission is to encourage industrial, commercial, and civic growth in Preble County. The organization helps current employers expand and supports entrepreneurs and outside companies considering moving to the area. Services include project management, site searches, lender introductions, and help with state programs.

Preble County is in southwest Ohio, near the Indiana border. It is about 20 miles from 40 minutes west of Dayton and the I-70/I-75 interchange (20 mi) and around 90 minutes from Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis. The county is part of a major Midwest logistics corridor.

  • Interstate 70
  • U.S. Route 35
  • U.S. Route 40
  • U.S. Route 127

This network allows direct freight movement across both east-west and north-south routes. Companies can reach 60 percent of U.S. and Canadian markets within a day’s drive.

Preble County supports a diverse industrial-sector base with emphasis on:

  • Semiconductor and precision components
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Agribusiness
  • Food processing

Ohio’s growth in the semiconductor industry stems from major investments, such as Intel's near Columbus, which help boost high-value sectors. Also, IBM and University of Dayton’s joint research collaboration using a semiconductor nanofabrication facility.

In Preble County, Silfex makes silicon parts for semiconductor equipment, strengthening the county’s place in advanced manufacturing. Bullen Ultrasonics makes precision parts for aerospace, automotive, and medical industries, creating high-wage jobs and adding to the county’s economic diversity.

Food and agriculture are still key to the county’s economic stability. Cargill and Royal Canin run major facilities here, supporting jobs and business diversity. Strong corn and soybean production helps sustain the local agricultural sector.

Preble County supports multimodal freight movement.

By highway

  • Immediate access to Interstate 70
  • Direct routes to Dayton, Indianapolis, Columbus, and Cincinnati

By rail

  • Freight service from Norfolk Southern
  • Connections to 29 shortline railroads across Ohio

By air

  • Access to Dayton International Airport
  • Access to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

The Dayton-Cincinnati area is one of the top U.S. air markets for reaching people and income within 90 minutes. Businesses benefit from strong cargo and passenger connections without the heavy traffic of bigger cities. markets.

Preble County is a Certified ACT Work Ready Community. This means employers can match job needs with verified worker skills. Employers use WorkKeys results to see if candidates are ready for the job.

Workforce highlights include:

  • More than 10,900 residents commute out of the county for work.
  • Employers attract more than 2,800 workers from neighboring counties.
  • The regional laborshed exceeds 3 million people within 45 minutes.

Manufacturers say new hires have strong mechanical skills and are skilled at problem-solving. Many workers also have agricultural backgrounds and technical skills.

Preble County schools have high graduation rates and strong career programs. The Preble County Educational Service Center runs Career Connections, which matches students with local employers.

Programs include:

  • Career exploration begins in kindergarten and continues through high school using YouScience interests and aptitude assessments
  • Lean Six Sigma credential training
  • Coordination with regional colleges and career centers

Students can earn industry-recognized credentials, such as Yellow Belt and Green Belt certifications. The Miami Valley Career Technology Center serves numerous counties and offers over 40 technical programs in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and business operations.

PCDP connects entrepreneurs with state and regional support. Ohio is one of the most affordable states for business, and several nearby metro areas are among the most affordable large cities in the country.

Entrepreneurs can access:

  • One-on-one business counseling
  • Loan packaging assistance
  • Strategic planning support
  • Revolving loan funds
  • Technical training

PCDP works with the Ohio Small Business Development Center and SCORE to offer guidance. The Ohio State University Extension in Preble County helps with agribusiness and rural business development.

Incentives depend on the size of the project, job creation, and investment. PCDP reviews each project and works with state and local partners.

Potential tools include:

  • Preble County Revolving Loan Fund
  • State of Ohio job creation tax credits
  • Workforce training grants
  • Infrastructure assistance

PCDP handles introductions and paperwork so companies know the requirements before choosing a site.

Preble County’s costs are lower than the national average. The overall cost of living is about 21 percent below the U.S. average. Housing costs are about 47 percent lower than the national average and 8.6 percent below the Ohio average.

Lower housing costs help attract and keep workers. Employers can offer competitive wages, and workers have more buying power. Residents enjoy metro amenities without high housing costs.

Preble County offers year-round recreation.

Attractions include:

  • Eight historic covered bridges
  • County parks and trails
  • Hueston Woods State Park
  • Fishing and camping sites

Seasonal activities include snow tubing at Valley's Edge and community events all year. Residents enjoy low traffic, open spaces, and short commutes.

Businesses can contact:

Justin Sommer
Economic Development Director
Preble County Development Partnership
122 W. Decatur Street, Suite A
Eaton, Ohio 45320

Email: jsommer@prebledev.com

PCDP answers questions from site selectors, growing companies, startups, and investors. The organization provides data, property listings, workforce information, and helps coordinate with public agencies.

Housing inventory includes:

  • Historic homes
  • New subdivisions
  • Rural acreage
  • Rental units
  • Senior living communities

America’s Largest Homebuilder, D.R. Horton’s Georgetown Village, is an all-ranch, low-maintenance, new, move-in-ready home community with 3 Beds, 2 Baths, 2-car Garage, and 1 Story from 1,272 sq ft.

Lake communities like Lake Lakengren offer waterfront properties. Developments such as Meadowbrook Estates provide lots and homes close to services and shopping. The housing market supports first-time buyers, families, and retirees.