Economic Development Talk Hosted by Professor Jimmy Wilson

Paul Craun of the Hardin County Business and Chamber Alliance was the featured guest presenter in Dr. Wilson's Geography Methods and Materials class.

Mr. Craun discussed the growing importance of Northwest Ohio to national and global shipping, recent attention given to North Baltimore (just north of Findlay) by railroads, and the resulting explosion of new development of retail distribution centers in our area.

Dr. Wilson stated that "This is an important issue to us all that many of us believe will open the doors to new opportunities for our university and community."

Mr. Craun gave this presentation to the Ada Community Improvement Corporation and graciously agreed to this encore performance. During the talk he discussed the new rail facility in North Baltimore and the importance of building distribution networks that will help move the incredible amount of material that passes from coast to coast each day. Several national companies, including Meiers, Home Depot, and Lowes have constructed facilities in the are in recent years due to Ohio's central location within close proximity to the majority of the American population.