PCDP Earns State Recognition for Workforce Attraction Campaign

In October 2025, the Preble County Development Partnership received the Ohio Economic Development Association Award for Excellence in Economic Development Marketing. This award recognized a workforce-attraction campaign that delivered strong results and helped build local momentum.

Award Highlights Clear Strategy and Measurable Results

The workforce attraction campaign had a clear goal: to attract working-age adults and families looking for career opportunities and a lower cost of living. The team used targeted digital ads on Facebook and Google, sharing facts important to people considering a move.

Key advantages of Preble County included:

• Easy access to Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis
• The cost of living is about 21 percent lower than the national average
• Career opportunities with employers like Henny Penny, Royal Canin, Parker Hannifin, and Metallus

The campaign ran from October 2024 to June 2025. It focused on people ages 20 to 45, especially young families and first-time homebuyers. Ads reached audiences in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan.

Campaign Spurs Housing Growth and Workforce Gains

The campaign led to real changes in the local economy. Soon after it launched, three new housing developments began, adding over 100 new units. This is a big jump from the usual average of about 40 new homes per year.

Employers also benefited. Businesses used the campaign to support hiring efforts and expand their reach to new candidates. At the same time, the county recorded a 5 percent increase in residents who both live and work locally. This reflects progress in reducing outbound commuting and building a more stable workforce base.

The campaign was shaped by local input. Residents, business owners, and community leaders helped guide the messaging and priorities, making sure the outreach matched real needs and opportunities.

Justin Sommer, Executive Director of the Preble County Development Partnership, shared the impact. “We were extremely proud to have received this recognition from the Ohio Economic Development Association because it reflects the work of many people across Preble County. This campaign was built on local input and clear goals. It shows that a focused approach can deliver results."

We will continue this progress by reaching out to more people, supporting new housing, and helping employers find talent. This work will stay a top priority as we create more opportunities for current residents and those thinking about moving to Preble County.”

Economic Development Week Highlights Ongoing Progress

Economic Development Week takes place from May 4 to May 8, 2026, marking a milestone year for the field. This year’s theme celebrates 100 years of progress and ongoing efforts to support strong local economies.

Economic Development Week provides a time to reflect on progress and set direction for future work. In Preble County, the focus remains on practical steps that support growth. The workforce attraction campaign offers a model for how targeted outreach can influence local outcomes. It also shows that consistent engagement with residents and employers leads to better results.

Efforts will continue to expand housing options, support business needs, and connect people to career paths. Each step builds on the last and contributes to steady economic progress.

Contact Preble County Development Partnership

Ready to take the next step? Contact the Preble County Development Partnership to learn more about career options, housing, and relocation support. Make your move to Preble County today.