Tiffin, Seneca County a standout micropolitan area

TIFFIN/FOSTORIA — Site Selection magazine again has named Tiffin-Seneca County as a top micropolitan in the nation. According to a press release, the area was ranked 6th out of 543 similar communities, marking "the 13th consecutive year that the region has ranked in the top 10% nationally." According to siteselection.com, "a Micropolitan Statistical Area consists of a core urban area with a population of between 10,000 and 49,999, along with adjacent counties that have a high degree of economic and social integration with the core, primarily measured through commuting patterns." "This achievement underscores Seneca County's unwavering commitment to economic growth and development," the release states. Adam Gillmor of the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership said the organization is "extremely proud" of the ranking and attributed the success to the "development-focused mindset" of TSEP, the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, and local leaders. Gillmor said local investments and incentives are tracked through the year, and a submission then is submitted for Site Selection's consideration. Being ranked 6th nationally is the result of "a really cooperative approach" between the public and private sectors, Gillmore said. According to the release, a number of "transformative projects" contributed to the area's high ranking. Tiffin's notable projects from 2024, according to the release, included expansions and investments from American Plastics, National Machinery, and Webster Industries. Fostoria experienced growth with significant projects form Frankart Electric, Kuzma Industries, Mennel Milling, National Spinning Co., POET Biorefining - Fostoria, and Premier Industrial Machine, the release states. In addition, the attraction of Carolina Nonwovens to Ohio and Fostoria and projects from Church & Dwight and Schreiner Manufacturing contributed to the area's micropolitan ranking. Bryce Riggs, interim president and CEO of TSEP, said the majority of the growth experienced in the area is the result of "local companies doing the right thing." Investing and building locally, he said, "adds to the narrative" of continued growth opportunities in the area, job creation, and quality of life. Riggs said TSEP will continue to work with local businesses and organizations to remove roadblocks to growth, focusing on "being here and being available." Companies are taking the risks and growing, he said. "We want private organizations to continue to be successful," he said. According to the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA), Site Selection magazine's 2024 rankings reaffirm the state's reputation as a premier destination for business investment and job creation. Ohio remains the only state to consistently rank in the top 5 for both total projects and per capita rankings every year for ten straight years. According to OEDA, it secured the #3 ranking in 2024 with 565 total projects and a top-three per capita investment ranking. This sustained excellence underscores Ohio's strategic advantages, strong workforce, and pro-business climate.