Latest News

Economic developers have long used tax incentives to attract companies to their communities. By some estimates, 95% of U.S. municipalities use these incentives in one form or another, spending upwards of $50-80 billion annually.At that same time, mounting evidence seems to be showing these tax incentives produce only marginal results, leading to a growing call […]

Business development groups are hoping a corner of the Stark County District Library’s main branch can become a hub of entrepreneurship.A section of the second floor has been designated as a co-working space. The Stark Entrepreneurship Alliance, the library and a number of other community groups have partnered to set aside the space for aspiring […]

If you think falling oil prices have affected the local economy, just be glad you’re not trying to run a certain vast country east of Europe. “Russia needs $142-a-barrel oil to balance its budget,” analyst Michael Weidokal told more than 70 people who attended the Going Global event for businesses on Friday at Kent State […]

After more than three years getting off the ground, Impact Angel Fund, an investment group designed to help technology-based startups in Stark County and surrounding areas, is ready to take flight.Chairman Jon Elsasser said the 34-member fund is finalizing due diligence on two technology ventures and hopes to dole out the first chunk of its […]

MANSFIELD, Ohio -- Richland Community Development Group has welcomed a couple of fresh faces to its staff in the new year to help drive economic development locally: Barrett Thomas and Karen Seman.Thomas, a Mansfield resident, has been selected the director of business retention and expansion and Seman of Canton, Michigan, the director of workforce development."We're […]

MANSFIELD, Ohio -- InfoGPS is a local business gaining regional recognition.The software company was one of four small businesses recognized last month by SCORE and the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Stark for its success in starting and growing its firm."It's flattering to see other people respond to what you're […]