About TLC

Team Lorain County (TLC) is an independent, autonomous economic development organization charged to develop a countywide economic development program inclusive of all communities located throughout Lorain County and serve as part of a regional coordinated strategy to stimulate higher levels of targeted business attraction, retention and expansion in Northeast Ohio.

History:

In early 2004, a countywide assessment process was conducted involving more than 70 business and community leaders. This assessment concluded that existing economic development entities, while successful in some areas, were likely to be unable to convene a countywide collaborative strategy. The assessment further concluded that the important work of economic development in Lorain County should be the responsibility of an autonomous independent organization with a countywide reach and a correspondingly broad public/private funding base. The name Team Lorain County was coined to symbolize unity within the county and partnership within the region, particularly through Team NEO.

In early 2005, a countywide funding campaign commeced to secure the start-up funding to bring the organizationto life and implement its economic development program of work. Many of the investors pledged to fund the organization for a five year period. The contributors are a broad base of public and private sector representing the entire County.

Together Everyone Achieves More

TLC will operate in a cooperative role, working closely with other organizations that have similar interests and leveraging their capabilities in order to utilize our resources most effectively. TLC will be housed in the county administration building in order to enhance the cooperative relationship with County driven economic activities. This is also a cost effective location for TLC as the County is providing the space, furniture, fixtures and administrative support at no cost to TLC investors. TLC will work closely with cities, townships and villages to ensure that all of Lorain County participates in the activities of the organization and benefits from the results.

TLC will also work closely with Team NEO. TLC and Team NEO have signed a "working agreement" which will allow TLC to leverage the key capabilities of Team NEO - regional marketing and attraction, research and data analysis and government relations - in order to fully utilize TLC dollars and resources for Lorain County incentives.

TLC understands that we are part of a greater regional effort, but that it is critical that Lorain County has a unified voice and focus if Lorain County is to receive the maximum benefit for our markets.

Programs / Activities:

The specific programs and activities of Team Lorain County will evolve as the needs of the community change. Following are several examples of the types of programs that we are implementing.

Business Retention and Expansion

We will conduct a survey of 100+ Corporations in Lorain County in order to understand short term issues that they may face as well as to determine the longer term obstacles to their success. This process will involve utilizing the Synchronist Business Retention and Expansion software.
Team Lorain County representatives will be using the premier economic development software and data gathering tools provided by Blane Canada, LTD and their Synchronist Business Information System. The Synchronist System is an internet software tool used to organize, analyze and report company information, giving county decision-makers invaluable insight into the dynamics of the local economy. Selected companies will receive a letter and information regarding the process in the mail and then will be contacted via telephone to set up an on-site interview. Interviews will be scheduled and conducted throughout the remainder of 2007. Team Lorain County’s goal is to complete 200 on-site interviews in this time period.

Team Lorain County’s utilization of the Synchronist system will allow them to identify companies with the best growth potential as well as new marketing opportunities. The initiative will also assist in predicting at-risk companies, while providing a vehicle for special funding. There are many examples of successes nationwide that can be directly attributed to utilizing the synchronist system. In Winston County, AL use of the Synchronist tool resulted in $4 million in new loans and grants that had been approved or delivered to local companies, a niche market of their economy was discovered which has led to the development of several new business attraction opportunities, and the community itself received half a million dollars and loans and grants for infrastructure improvement. In Illinois, the synchronist program resulted in the formation of The Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing which leverages, coordinates, and focuses member’s collective resources that transform them into globally competitive companies. In Lee’s Summit, MO the use of this process resulted in $4,425,000 in state incentive awards and added 556 new jobs. In Yakima, WA synchronist was integral in justifying $1.6 million in public works investments.

Building/Site Database:

Team Lorain County will develop and maintain a database with all of the pertinent information relative to site availability in Lorain County. This data base will be critical as we interface with Team NEO and individual corporations in attracting new businesses to Lorain County. This data base will provide a "level playing field" for all Lorain County communities to be considered as companies look to relocate into our market.

Marketing

Team Lorain County will build a marketing program to enhance the image and reputation of Lorain Count and to positively position our market to companies looking to relocate. This marketing material will include a comprehensive website, collateral material, and public relations support. In addition, TLC will coordinate with Team NEO as teh work to enhance the image of Northeast Ohio and the State of Ohio.

Role of Team Lorain County

Protect and support the existing employment base - Business Retention and Expansion.
Support Local Workforce development plans.
Aggresively market Lorain County to foster new investment and high quality job creation - Business Attraction.
Encourage development of appropriate infrastructure.
Improve the quality of life for the residents of Lorain County.