Big Win in a Small Village: MedShip's Expansion Signals a Bright Future for Camden and Preble County

While many rural communities are fighting to keep their populations from declining, Camden and Preble County, Ohio, are doing something different. They're growing and growing with purpose.

Thanks to the rapid success of MedShip, LLC, a locally headquartered healthcare logistics company, growth is no longer just a hope; it's a reality. With the company announcing a new expansion project that plans to bring 75 new jobs and the revitalization of yet another historic downtown building, the Village of Camden is showing just how much momentum a small town can build when opportunity meets community investment.

From Vacant to Vibrant 

At the heart of MedShip's latest expansion is a long-vacant building at 22 South Main Street, right next door to the company's headquarters. That building won't be vacant much longer. MedShip plans to renovate and expand it into a three-story, 9,000-square-foot facility, creating a dynamic new presence in Camden's downtown.

"MedShip's expansion continues its growth in Camden after it recently opened its headquarters next door with assistance from a JobsOhio Vibrant Community Grant," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "The investment adds 75 new jobs to MedShip's current workforce in Camden while revitalizing yet another building downtown, creating a more dynamic Main Street in the heart of the community."

It's exactly the type of development Preble County leaders like Justin Sommer, Executive Director of the Preble County Development Partnership, have long envisioned, and it's happening faster than expected.

"MedShip's decision to expand is a resounding testament to the strength of our workforce and our vision for revitalizing Preble County," said Sommer. “This is the kind of project that proves rural communities like ours can attract new businesses while supporting current business expansions. Expansions like Medship's Phase 2 help strengthen the county's tax base, bring high-quality jobs, and make Preble County more appealing for professionals at all career stages.”

Building on a Bold Vision

This isn't MedShip's first big move in Camden. The company opened its $2.3 million headquarters just last year, demolishing two blighted properties to make room for the state-of-the-art, 12,000-square-foot building. That project marked the largest private investment in downtown Camden in decades, and this new expansion takes that momentum to the next level.

"Due to the rapid success we have experienced within the last three years, this expansion is necessary to meet client demands and accommodate growth," said MedShip COO Ryan Jarrell. “MedShip has successfully built a team in Camden that is incredibly talented and skilled, and we look forward to providing more opportunities for employment.”

What This Means for Preble County

This expansion is a big win for Preble County. Economic development leaders have long understood that rural regions need jobs and the kind of job growth that encourages people to live, work, and stay in the community.

Since 2022, Preble County has seen a 5% increase in the number of residents who both live and work locally, reversing a long-standing trend of outward commuting. That's not a coincidence. Expansions like MedShip's create the conditions for people to build a life where they work, reducing travel time, deepening local engagement, and increasing the sense of community.

Preble County Development Partnership

At Preble County Development Partnership, we provide comprehensive support for all your business needs. Our mission is to advance economic development by providing access to local, regional, and state resources. We support business retention, new business recruitment, marketing, community outreach, and workforce development, ensuring you have all the tools for success. Located within the prosperity triangle of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis, PCDP offers a desirable quality of life with lower costs.

Contact us today to discover how we can help your business succeed.