Stark Economic Development Board

Canton-based Metallus lands five-year, $995M defense contract - from Canton Repository

Metallus now has a $995M contract with the logistics agency for the Department of War to supply steel for "critical defense applications."

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/business/2026/09/30/metallus-lands-five-year-defense-contract/92004277007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Canton-based Metallus lands five-year, $995M defense contract Metallus now has a $995M contract with the logistics agency for the Department of War to supply steel for "critical defense applications."

Are tariffs reshaping your costs? Ohio manufacturers are invited to a free webinar, Navigating the Tariffs Landscape, on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 8-9 a.m.

Hosted by Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corp. with the Ohio Export Assistance Center at YSU, the session covers:
✅ Whether to absorb the cost or pass it on to customers
✅ Identifying which of your products are affected
✅ Managing rising raw material costs
✅ What leverage you have, and who can help

Presenters: Damon Piatek (Piatek Custom Logistics) and Mousa Kassis (SBDC Export Assistance Network).

Register here: https://www.tuscedc.com/calendar/2026/9/25/xyz-training

Ohio employers: a new round of TechCred applications has opened, and the window closes October 30 at 3:00 p.m.

TechCred reimburses employers up to $1,000 per employee per credential, with a maximum of $30,000 per application period, for technology-driven training that results in an industry-recognized certification. Training must be completed in under 12 months through an eligible Ohio provider, including community colleges, technical centers, and ApprenticeOhio programs.

The program recently updated its framework to sharpen the focus on in-demand tech skills, so if your company has been wanting to upskill your team, this is a well-timed opportunity to do it on the state's dime.

Learn more and apply at https://development.ohio.gov/business/workforce-development/tech-cred/apply

Ohio employers: if you're training commercial drivers, the state will pick up half the tab.

The Ohio Department of Development has opened applications for Round 4 of the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training Tax Credit. Employers of all sizes can earn up to $25,000 in tax credits, covering 50% of approved training costs, for both current employees and new hires pursuing Class A or Class B CDLs.

Applications close December 1 at 4:00 p.m. and are awarded first-come, first-served, so early submission matters.

This is a direct investment in your workforce and your bottom line. Learn more and apply at development.ohio.gov/business/state-incentives/cdltraining.

Crown Cork & Seal, a leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of packaging products including steel and aluminum cans for food, beverage, household, and other consumer products, on announcing plans to add a high-capacity production line at its Massillon plant.

Team NEO worked to secure a JobsOhio Workforce Grant to assist the company in addressing the training demands of this growth opportunity.

Crown Cork and Seal JobsOhio City of Massillon - City Hall Stark Economic Development Board

Skyrocketing construction costs represent one key element in Stark County’s middle-income housing affordability gap, something the Stark Economic Development Board and Strengthening Stark are battling. This article from the National Association of Realtors provides excellent insight into some of the hidden costs of new home construction. Learn more:

Why Do New Homes Cost So Much Before Construction Starts? Long before the first wall goes up, builders are paying for land, permits, regulations and infrastructure—costs that can add thousands to the final price. Yet today’s market is creating an unexpected twist: Rising construction costs are pushing builders to find new ways to make homes more afford...

Stark State gets $2.5 million grant to incorporate AI into teaching - from Canton Repository

Stark State College has received federal grant to launch a project to integrate career-specific AI skills into programs.

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/education/2026/09/28/stark-state-gets-2-5-million-grant-to-incorporate-ai-into-teaching/91924026007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Stark State gets $2.5 million grant to incorporate AI into teaching Stark State College has received federal grant to launch a project to integrate career-specific AI skills into programs.

Jackson, Carrollton students win scholarships | Education roundup - from Canton Repository

Jackson, Carrollton students win scholarships; Junior League offers grants

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/lifestyle/2026/09/20/jackson-carrollton-students-win-scholarships-education-roundup/91779836007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Canton looks to redevelop former Ohio Cast Products brownfield - from Canton Repository

Canton is looking to redevelop a long-vacant Canton brownfield that once housed a foundry, caught fire and required environmental cleanup.

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2026/09/21/former-ohio-cast-products-property-may-get-new-life-in-canton-ohio/91594462007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Canton looks to redevelop former Ohio Cast Products brownfield Canton is looking to redevelop a long-vacant Canton brownfield that once housed a foundry, caught fire and required environmental cleanup.

Homeownership is out of reach for many middle-income Stark County families and individuals. Tackling our middle-income housing affordability gap will take widespread community buy-in and support. We’ve set an aggressive goal of eliminating our housing imbalance by 2030. Our latest blog explains how. Read more → https://www.starkcoohio.com/index.php?src=blog&category=Housing&submenu=Blog&srctype=detail&blogid=1