Beavercreek, Ohio - On April 21st the Greene County Community Improvement Corporation and the Greene County Board of Commissioners presented the Annual Report to the Community. Greene County’s Director of Development, Paul Newman Jr. reported that Greene County continues to be fiscally sound, citing $316 million in construction valuations which, notably, does not include WPAFB’s construction total. In 2015 the total value of WPAFB construction equaled approximately $100 million. If projections hold true, this would make 2016 the highest construction valuation total on record for the county.
Continuing the good news, both average employment and total wages increased in 2015 (the most recent year for reporting available) and are at their highest rates since 2004. Unemployment was down slightly from 2015, and continues to trend less than the State.
Paul Newman Jr. went on to state that sales tax revenue increased in 2016 (the highest amount collected in County history) and property taxes were up as well, increasing nearly 2.25 million dollars, setting another record for the County.
Looking ahead, the County is projected to see growth in several key industries including:
- Healthcare
- Social Assistance
- Professional/Scientific
- Technical Services
- Finance
- Insurance
The Department of Development will continue to direct its efforts into supporting the community in creating economic diversity, opportunity and maintaining a competitive workforce.
Finally, a hidden gem in Greene County was highlighted as accomplishing some major milestones. The Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport is the closest public airport to WPAFB. In July of 2016, the runway was repaved at a cost of 1.4 million dollars with 90% of that cost sponsored by the FAA. Additionally, a new aircraft and auto “parking ramp” was created and a new hangar was built to make space available for long-term corporate jet tenants. Soon, the runway will be extended an additional 500 feet to a grand total of 5,000 feet which is the minimum runway length required by many jet/turbine insurance companies. This extra 500 feet will allow for larger aircraft—specifically corporate and business aircraft—to take off, land and fuel. These aircraft will spend thousands in fuel, on maintenance and rent and provide an economic stimulus to area hotels, restaurants and businesses.
In Paul Newman Jr.’s closing remarks, he stated “2016 wasn’t a good year for Greene County. By all key indicators, 2016 was Greene County’s best year ever!”
About the Greene County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC)
The Greene County CIC is a non-profit organization established for the sole purpose of advancing, encouraging, and promoting the industrial, economic, commercial, and civic development of Greene County. The CIC aids in Business Retention, Expansion, and Marketing to advance the mission of Greene County.
About the Greene County Department of Development
The Greene County Department of Development promotes Community and Economic Development within the County. Working with local jurisdictions, the Greene County Department of Development works to retain, expand and attract new jobs and businesses in the Greene County region while promoting and initiating community development improvement projects to enhance the quality of life for Greene County residents.