The recent subcontractor meeting for the Stark County Jail construction project represents more than just another infrastructure development; it exemplifies a growing movement toward inclusive economic growth that’s reshaping the landscape of opportunity in Stark County, Ohio.

A Model for Collaborative Development

When Leonard Stevens, CEO of the Stark County Minority Business Association (and its Minority Business Assistance Center), along with staff members Ashley Gantz and Ken Hill, presented at the subcontractor meeting led by general contractors Welty Building Construction and Grainger, they weren’t simply listing available contractors. They were demonstrating a proven model for economic development that has been gaining momentum throughout the region.

SCMBA’s presentation focused on connecting small businesses throughout Stark County with this significant construction project, with particular emphasis on minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises. This approach recognizes a fundamental truth about sustainable economic growth: when opportunities are accessible to diverse segments of the community, the entire region benefits.

From Hall of Fame Village to Countywide Impact

The track record speaks for itself. Several subcontractors at the meeting have previously partnered with SCMBA on large-scale projects, including the transformative Hall of Fame Village development. These partnerships have demonstrated that inclusive contracting practices not only fulfill diversity goals but also tap into pools of talent, innovation, and expertise that strengthen project outcomes while building local capacity.

The Hall of Fame Village project served as a proving ground, showing that Stark County’s diverse business community can deliver on complex, high-profile developments. Now, as the county moves forward with essential infrastructure projects like the jail construction, those lessons and relationships are being leveraged to create even broader economic impact.

The Workforce Connection

Economic development isn’t just about business opportunities, it’s about people. That’s why the presence of Thomas West, CEO of the Greater Stark County Urban League, at the subcontractor meeting was particularly significant. West spoke about the Urban League’s Navigator Program, which creates a critical bridge between skilled individuals and workforce opportunities.

This two-sided approach (supporting businesses while simultaneously developing and connecting the workforce) creates a multiplier effect. When local businesses win contracts, they hire local workers. When local workers gain skills and employment, they support local businesses. This virtuous cycle is the engine of sustainable economic growth.

Job Creation Through Strategic Investment

Major construction projects like the Stark County Jail represent substantial public investment, and how that investment is deployed matters enormously to long-term job creation. When contracts flow to large, out-of-region firms, the economic benefit often leaves with them. But when local small businesses, particularly those owned by members of underrepresented communities, secure subcontracts, something different happens.

These businesses hire locally, purchase supplies from local vendors, and reinvest profits back into the community. The workers they employ spend their wages at Stark County businesses, pay local taxes, and contribute to the region’s economic vitality. A single construction project can thus generate economic activity that extends far beyond the job site and long after the last nail is driven.

Building Capacity for Future Growth

Perhaps most importantly, inclusive contracting practices build business capacity that positions Stark County for future growth. When small and disadvantaged businesses gain experience on major projects, they develop the expertise, credentials, and financial stability to compete for even larger opportunities. They hire more employees, invest in equipment and technology, and become anchor institutions in their communities.

This capacity-building is particularly crucial as Stark County competes for new investment in an increasingly competitive economic landscape. Regions that can demonstrate a robust, diverse, and capable business ecosystem are more attractive to companies considering expansion or relocation. The work SCMBA and its partners are doing today is quite literally building the foundation for tomorrow’s economic opportunities.

The Path Forward

The Stark County jail construction project is one of many opportunities on the horizon. From infrastructure improvements to commercial development to advanced manufacturing expansion, the region is positioned for continued growth. The question is not whether that growth will occur, but who will benefit from it.

Organizations like the Stark County Minority Business Association and the Greater Stark County Urban League are ensuring that growth is shared broadly across the community. By connecting businesses with opportunities and workers with careers, they’re creating an economic development model that is both more equitable and more effective.

Conclusion

Economic development is ultimately about people, their livelihoods, their aspirations, and their ability to build a better future for themselves and their families. When Leonard Stevens, Ashley Gantz, Ken Hill, and Thomas West stood before that room of contractors and stakeholders, they were doing more than making presentations. They were advocating for an approach to growth that recognizes every resident’s potential to contribute and every business’s right to compete.

The Stark County Jail construction project represents a significant investment in public infrastructure and an opportunity to demonstrate how strategic partnerships can drive inclusive economic development throughout the region.