CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio - Ohio Christian University welcomed local, state, and federal officials along with investment and development partners this morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Southern Gateway Economic Innovation Development Center — a new job creation and workforce development center at Ohio Christian University’s Main Campus in Circleville, Ohio.
The Southern Gateway Economic Innovation Development Center is being developed as a public/private partnership to help attract new businesses and workforce opportunities to the tri-county region. It will link education in Pickaway, Ross, and Fayette counties, providing a seamless system of expertise and learning that will prepare the community for success in the local economy.
The Southern Gateway Center is a $5 million, 24,000 square foot business incubator; it will serve Pickaway, Ross, and Fayette counties.
Circleville Mayor Don McIlroy spoke to the goals and dreams surrounding the creation of the center, “It is designed around entrepreneurial success, workforce development…It is the dream of this community and this development center to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enhance their continued education and individual development”
Many local organizations, financial institutions, and government leaders played a role in developing this project. Partners in the project led by OCU include Pickaway Progress Partnership (P3), the City of Circleville, Columbus 2020, Pickaway County Board of Commissioners, Rev1 Ventures, the economic development offices of Pickaway, Ross, and Fayette counties, the EDA regional office, and federal and state representatives: U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator Rob Portman, state Senator Bob Peterson, U.S. Representative Steve Stivers and state Representative Gary Scherer.
Ohio Christian University is one of the nation’s fastest growing universities and has approximately 4,000 students enrolled in traditional residential, online, and adult programs. OCU prepares students to serve effectively in the church and society by providing a holistic, Christ-centered, biblically integrated education. For more information about Ohio Christian University visit www.ohiochristian.edu.
