Holmes County adds another enterprise zone agreement to promote continued growth

Kevin Lynch, The Daily Record
·3 min read
Holmes County Economic Development Director Mark Leininger (at left) explains the lates enterprise zone agreement to commissioners Dave Hall (right) and Ray Eyler, and clerk Susan Schie.
Holmes County Economic Development Director Mark Leininger (at left) explains the lates enterprise zone agreement to commissioners Dave Hall (right) and Ray Eyler, and clerk Susan Schie.

MILLERSBURG — The Holmes County Commissioners on Thursday entered into another enterprise zone agreement for a 10-year, 50% tax break for a local business looking to expand.

Holmes County Economic Development Director Mark Leininger explained that he was contacted by Dan Schlabach of Green Fox Plastics, a sister company of Little Cottage Co. on state Route 39, east of Berlin.

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"Green Fox Plastics was formed recently in response to a shortage in what the industry calls furniture-grade poly lumber," Leininger said. "It's used in outdoor furniture. Schlabach has started manufacturing poly lumber to be used by Little Cottage Co. and also to be sold to other furniture makers. The company is looking to expand its wholesale business.

Mark Leininger
Mark Leininger

"Green Fox is planning to construct a facility of approximately 64,218 square feet located on vacant land on Holmes County Road 135," he continued. "The estimated cost of construction is $5.1 million. In addition, the company plans to invest $1.8 million in new production equipment."

The director added that the expansion will create four new full-time positions while retaining all 11 current employees.

The proposal for the enterprise zone agreement was approved by the East Holmes Local Schools and Berlin Township trustees.

Commissioner Ray Eyler: Enterprise zone agreements good for businesses

Commissioner Ray Eyler said he is glad the county is able to do so many of these enterprise zones, and the local manufacturers are benefiting, as well as creating more jobs in the county.

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"This is a good way to support these local companies," Leininger said. "They're appreciative of it. And, in addition, when they seek incentives through JobsOhio and other state organizations, the state invariably wants to know if the county supports the project, and this is a good way to demonstrate the county support."

Commissioner Dave Hall suggested that Green Fox should link up with the State of Ohio recycling programs, as he sees a great growth potential there.

Leininger noted that three enterprise zone agreements expired at the end of 2021, but five have been added so far in 2022.

"After the agreements expire, the improvements are taxed at 100%," he said. "With maybe one or two exceptions, every one of the agreements we've had has outperformed the metrics they committed to."

Holmes County Commissioners distribute bed tax grants

In other business, the commissioners reported the distribution of $133,000 in bed tax grants to 16 businesses/organizations in Holmes County. The grants ranged from $3,000 to $20,000 and are used to promote and encourage tourism in Holmes County.

Recipients included Walnut Creek Business Association, Berlin Main Street Merchants, Winesburg Historical Society, Killbuck Early American Days, Harvest Ridge Board, Holmes County Agricultural Society, Classic in the Country, Holmes County Historical Society, Holmes County Antique Festival, Holmes County High Flyers Club, Historic Downtown Millersburg, Scouters of Holmes County, Berlin Township, Air Works Auction and Holmes Center for the Arts.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Expansion planned for another Holmes County industry