Team Lorain County (TLC) is an independent economic development organization that develops county-wide economic development programs, representing all communities located in Lorain County. We are an integral part of a regional coordinated strategy to attract, retain and expand businesses in Northeast Ohio.

The role of Team Lorain County is to:

• Protect and support the existing employment base - Business Retention and Expansion.
• Support Local Workforce development plans.
• Aggressively 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.

Our History:

In early 2004, a county-wide 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 county-wide 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 county-wide 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 county-wide funding campaign commenced to secure the start-up funding to bring the organization to 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 organizations representing the entire County.

Together Everyone Achieves More

TLC operates 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 is 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 works closely with cities, townships and villages to ensure that all of Lorain County participates in the programs of the organization and benefits from the results.

TLC also works 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.