Governor Kasich was in Wilmington Thursday to highlight new jobs coming to the city. As Emily McCord reports, the Governor was joined by local officials and business leaders to celebrate commitments by companies to create more than 500 jobs.
Since international shipping company DHL left Wilmington, the city has been a poster child for the effect the recession has had on communities. Governor Kasich says the private/public job creation entity, JobsOhio, has secured pledges that 6 companies will build or expand in the city. Kasich says while it’s not one big company replacing the 8000 jobs that were lost in 2008, it’s a step in the right direction.
"You know, I’m a believer that sometimes you hit a home run, but most of the time in a good ball game, you get singles. And you just keep hitting the singles and before you know it , you win the ball game," say Kasich.
Kasich says the airpark is an asset that will be leveraged to attract more companies. Wilmington mayor Randy Riley says the city is rebuilding and he says he’s hopeful that more jobs are on the way.
"And with the help of a lot of people that you see here today, not only is this is a celebration, but this is the answer to a lot of prayers. Every morning when my feet the ground the first thing out of my mouth is a prayer for jobs," says Riley.
The six companies range from advanced manufacturing to air cargo transport. In total, it's expected to generate over $18 million in new payroll.