It was another banner year for shale development in Ohio in
2014, and the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership led the way in promoting
its economic benefits for Stark and the surrounding region.
It began in January when we hosted a special “State of the Utica”
event at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Speakers emphasized the county’s
infrastructure, including the finest schools and hospitals in the region, along
with optimum industrial, office and retail opportunities. Rapid development in
the housing industry was highlighted, including the construction of six new hotels
in the county, along with the remodeling of the Holiday Inn Belden Village.
The Partnership’s Dave Kirven was a panelist at the “Energize
Canton” event in June, also at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The event had a
specific focus on opportunities for women and minorities in the oil and gas
industry, and highlighted its continuing impact on Ohio.
Also in June, we hosted our second annual golf outing at
Shady Hollow Country Club in Massillon. The outing provides an excellent
opportunity for business and civic leaders to network in a relaxed setting,
while also hearing from speakers about the progress of shale drilling and
exploration in the state.
Finally, we hosted the “Pipeline 101” event in November at
Tozzi’s on 12th in Canton. Speakers highlighted the many ways that
the oil and gas industry, and the pipelines that support it, are helping to
drive economic growth in Ohio, Michigan and the surrounding region.
At a time when the governor of New York has issued a ban on
fracking in that state—even as its benefits to neighboring Pennsylvania
continue to bolster that state’s economy, just as it is doing here in Ohio—we at the Stark County Oil & Gas
Partnership remain committed to promoting its safety and overall benefits to
our community and our state. We look forward to continued growth and progress
in 2015!
