Business briefs: Crestline plant expansion, Utica Shale drilling, Sluss Realty event

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Sunrise Cooperative announces $8M expansion

CRESTLINE — Sunrise Cooperative, a leading agricultural provider on Ohio 598 in Crestline, has completed its latest expansion project. This endeavor, totaling nearly $8 million, increases the location’s facilities, capabilities and equipment. Sunrise Cooperative Crestline location retained its 30 full-time employees as well as its six part-time employees.

The expansion project included the construction of a new warehouse, seed bin, grain dump pit, an outbound scale, the addition of new tanks for fertilizers, and a grain bin capable of holding 2 million bushels of grain, equipped with advanced fan capabilities to preserve product quality. Sunrise Cooperative also invested in computer and IT equipment, as well as software upgrades to streamline its operations.

Sunrise Cooperative in Crestline has just completed an $8 million expansion project.
Sunrise Cooperative in Crestline has just completed an $8 million expansion project.

The Crestline branch of Sunrise Cooperative also plays a pivotal role in distributing PCT-Sunrise, a progressive crop nutrient line aimed at optimizing fertilization and protection throughout the growing season.

Study shows nearly $1B from multi-year capital improvement plan

NEW PHILADELPHIA — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) announced a plan to address major upgrades and deferred maintenance needs at recreational facilities and marinas in 2014. The plan, which was enabled by revenues from Utica shale leases, has bolstered the region’s economy by nearly $1 billion through the MWCD’s investment of $221.9 million, according to a new comprehensive analysis of the benefits of the oil and gas revenue done by Cleveland State University.

The study also said increases in oil and gas revenues associated with Utica Shale development has supported 2,606 jobs, paying out nearly $300 million in wages and benefits since its inception nine years ago.

The Cleveland State analysis includes MWCD’s investments through 2022 but does not include nearly $15M in project funding in 2023 and $30M budgeted for 2024.

Shelby residents selected for Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER elite training program

DELPHOS — Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2023-2024 AgriPOWER Institute kicked off in November with 14 farmers and agribusiness professionals participating in Class XIV. Among them was Brianna Smith of Shelby.

Smith is a marketing manager at Certified Angus Beef and works hand-in-hand with 34 independently owned meat companies to market their Certified Angus Beef offerings in their respective markets. She and her husband bought property on her family farm and help manage 80 acres of woodlands. Smith coaches the Wayne County and Ashland County 4-H Livestock Judging Teams, is a member of the Ashland County 4-H Committee and a member of the Shelby FFA Alumni Association.

Brianna Smith of Shelby is one of 14 farmers and agribusiness professionals in the Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2023-2024 AgriPOWER Institute's Class XIV.
Brianna Smith of Shelby is one of 14 farmers and agribusiness professionals in the Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2023-2024 AgriPOWER Institute's Class XIV.

AgriPOWER is a program of the Ohio Farm Bureau and designed for farmers and agribusiness professionals. It focuses on public issues that are relevant to the food industry such as consumer relations, regulations, energy and trade policies. In AgriPOWER, individuals develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders and advocates for agriculture by learning from experts in these fields.

Sluss Realty and others to host 'Meet the Characters of Christmas'

Sluss Realty will present another free family friendly event to the community. "Meet the Characters of Christmas" will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at Shady Lane Alpaca Farm, 3073 Gass Road, Lexington.

Ten Christmas characters including Christmas Minnie and Mickey, the Christmas Minion, Buddy the Elf, the Elf on the Shelf, Santa, Ana and Elsa, the Abominable Snowman and Frosty the Snowman will be on hand. There will also be free alpaca Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, Christmas activities, a petting zoo, music and more. You'll also find live alpaca wearing antler ears just waiting for the perfect photo opportunity.

This event is being sponsored by Sluss Realty, the YWCA, It Takes Heart Ohio, the United Way, Pinnacle Wealth and Shady Lane Alpacas.

Mansfield News Journal

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Business briefs: Sunrise Cooperative, Ohio Farm Bureau, Sluss Realty