Funding to support the development of Evans Food Group in Scioto County is one of several examples of JEDISO and FBP working together to provide opportunities for economic development and job creation in southern Ohio.
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PIKE COUNTY- The Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO), the economic development group supported by funding from Fluor-BWXT (FBP), is being nationally honored for their dedicated work bringing new jobs and business to Jackson, Pike, Ross, and Scioto counties.
JEDISO has been awarded the Overcoming Adversity (large division) award by the Mid-America Economic Development Council Conference. JEDISO was first established in 2013 with a capital commitment from Fluor-BWXT and this year will celebrate $1 Billion in capital investments in the region as a result of the team’s efforts.
“As FBP continues its mission for the safe clean-up of the PORTS site it is important that we work with the community to fund new opportunities for economic growth in southern Ohio, “said Tim Poe, FBP Community Commitment Fund Chairperson. “Our partnership with JEDISO has helped dozens of established businesses realize their potential for growth, expand their workforce, and solidify their role in the region’s economy.”
The four-county home community for JEDISO and FBP is in the heart of Ohio’s Appalachia region, which is also one of the poorest areas in the state and for decades has been plagued by the opioid epidemic and high unemployment. JEDISO and their partners have beaten the odds by successfully promoting the region as what it truly is, a community rich with a loyal and skilled workforce. These partnerships have been successful in attracting new industries and supporting legacy businesses through expansions and diversification of product offerings.
“The economic development partnership and commitment of the four JEDISO counties really does prove the adage, many hands make light work,” said Director, Jackson County Economic Development Partnership Sam Brady. “A decade of collaboration between the economic development efforts of Jackson, Pike, Ross, and Scioto counties are yielding a great return on Fluor-BWXT’s community commitment in investment.”
Since its inception, JEDISO has leveraged more than $2 million in grant support to encourage capital investment within the region. In addition, annual funding provided by the FBP Opportunity Fund has led to the creation of 1,235 new jobs and the retention of more than 1,400 other jobs in our community.
