A $10,000 grant from Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative to the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance (HCCBA) will help Hardin County villages and the City of Kenton participate in strategic planning sessions.

"I'm excited because the plan for this grant allows us to make the biggest impact we can make for the entire county," said Jacqualine Fitzgerald, HCCBA's Director of Economic & Community Development.

The grant will enable the HCCBA to hire a consultant to facilitate a strategic planning session as well as conduct individual meetings for each municipality or Community Improvement Corporation. As a result of the sessions, each entity would have its own playbook that outlines priorities, passion, and capital with a goal to create positive change locally.

"To my knowledge, nothing like this has been in place previously," said Fitzgerald. "This establishes a vision for economic development that can be used as a driving force for each village."

Upon starting her role as economic director last year, Fitzgerald thought to reach out to Mid-Ohio Energy with her proposal for the project. "The co-op is a friend of the community. They're willing to partner and use their resources for the benefit of everyone."

PHOTO: Mid-Ohio Energy President & CEO John Metcalf presents a $10,000 check to HCCBA director Jacqualine Fitzgerald to support economic development efforts in Hardin County.

FROM LEFT: Commissioner Tim Striker, Mid-Ohio Energy President & CEO John Metcalf, HCCBA director Jacqualine Fitzgerald, Commissioner Randall Rogers, and Commissioner Roger Crowe.