Spec Building Groundbreaking May 14th

The Ottawa County Improvement Corporation will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the speculative building on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 3 p.m.  The site is located on Lake Winds Parkway in the Lake Winds Industrial Park, just off State Route 163 near Oak Harbor.  For more information contact the OCIC offices at 419.898.6242 or via e-mail at ldubbert@ocic.biz.

Improvement Corporation Selects General Contractor for Spec Building Project

February 15, 2008 – The Ottawa County Improvement Corporation (OCIC) has selected Janotta & Herner, Inc. as general contractor for the construction of its 50,000 square foot spec building, to be constructed in Lake Winds Industrial Park.  A recommendation was made by the Spec Building Committee and approved by the OCIC Executive Board at the OCIC’s February meeting.  Selection of Janotta & Herner came after more than three months of intense reviews of four proposals from area general contractors.

“A significant amount of time was put into fairly and accurately reviewing all proposals submitted,” said OCIC Director, Jamie Beier Grant.  “This project has been a team effort from the beginning.  Our committee has put countless hours into each step of this process, from developing a scope of project, to visiting spec buildings in the region, to evaluating the proposals. ” While a final contract with Janotta & Herner has not yet been finalized, the OCIC anticipates breaking ground on the building in April, with project completion in October of this year. 

The OCIC estimates the total project cost to be $1.5 million.  In December, the Ohio Department of Development awarded the OCIC a $500,000 Rural Development Initiative Grant and a $500,000 low-interest loan from the Rural Industrial Park Loan Program.  Both State programs offer funds to organizations based on the promotion of economic development initiatives that enhance the economic activities of a community.  Local bank financing will complete the total financial package for the project.

 The OCIC began evaluating the potential to construct a spec building more than a year ago, as a means to elevate business development marketing efforts.  “We are all very excited about this project and look forward to breaking ground as soon as possible,” commented Beier Grant.

The Ottawa County Improvement Corporation serves as the lead economic development agency by advancing, encouraging, and promoting the industrial, economic, commercial, and civic development of Ottawa County.