Getting to know each other

Meet Ceann.

The full Jay County Development Corporation board of directors held its first meeting with new executive director Ceann Bales on Tuesday, hearing a report about what she has done in her first weeks on the job and going through an orientation process.

Bales, who was hired last month to take over following the resignation of Travis Richards in November, talked with the board about the importance of having tangible ways to measure success and said she’ll be including a “mission moment” in meetings to regularly reinforce striving toward the organization’s mission.

She mentioned needs early in her tenure as creating a new strategic plan, getting some “quick wins” and updating the Jay County Development Corporation website. She added that she’ll be presenting the board with a list of meetings she’s been involved in to provide a snapshot of her activity and allow follow-up questions or information.

“I love to be out and about,” Bales said. “I love to meet people. I love engaging with people. I’ve had the best last month. It’s been so much fun meeting with everyone.”

With several new board members also in their first meeting Tuesday, Bales led a board orientation during which she pointed out that she likes that “quality of life” is in the first few words of Jay County Development Corporation’s mission statement. She shared some of the history of the organization, which was formed in 1985, and detailed the changing face of economic development as it has grown to include workforce development and community development.

She also discussed some of the barriers and challenges that rural communities face while also highlighting their role in manufacturing, renewable energy and agriculture.

Bales also emphasized that success often stems from overcoming fear of change and a willingness for leaders to have the courage to make the best decisions for the community even in the face of opposition.

Referring to organizational dynamics, she noted the board’s role to direct, protect and enable the organization while the staff leads, manages and accomplishes.

Bales finished her presentation with two words: “Let’s go.”

“Progress requires belief, action and the courage to show up,” she said. “And that’s how we’re going to move Jay County forward.”

The board also approved its 2025 budget at $196,016.65, which is down from the $224,816.04 that was approved for 2024.

So far, the organization has a total of $172,150 pledged for this year, which would leave it with a deficit of $23,866.65. Paxson also noted a goal of returning the organization to having enough funding in reserve to cover six months of expenses, which comes in at $116,330. (The organization spent down its reserves in 2024 as it did not receive funding from the county during a contract dispute.)

A contract between the county and JCDC is in place through June 30.

Paxson said she plans to return to Jay County Commissioners to request the $140,196.65 it would take to balance the 2025 budget and return JCDC to having six months of expenses in reserve. (The county approved $100,000 in funding for the organization in January.)

The board approved the budget with the understanding that those funds would be requested from the county.

In other business, the board:

•Approved adding Bales as a designee to sign checks for the organization and removed Richards.

•Welcomed new members Aaron Clark, Josh Miller, Josh Stewart, Adolfo Solis and Carolyn Carducci.

•Learned from Dunkirk Mayor Jack Robbins that Ardagh, which operates a glass manufacturing facility in the city, has signed a contract with its workers.

•Heard reminders about upcoming events, including:

   —The Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition 5K race that starts the 2025 Run Jay County circuit at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at Hudson Family Park.

   —Redkey’s town-wide rummage sale, also on Saturday.

   —The Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association Swap and Sell Meet May 14 through 17 at Jay County Fairgrounds.

   —The Portland Rockets’ season opener, Arch Bridge Kroozers car show, Main Street festival and veterans memorial event all on Saturday, May 17.

   — Culpepper and Merriweather Circus at the Redkey tractor pull grounds on Tuesday, June 3.