Tusc Valley Heritage gets grant to promote career opportunities
Diane Lautenschleger, left, of the Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Jason Ricker of the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation are #livetusc project collaborators.
Dale Hileman was known for his deep commitment to economic development in Appalachian Ohio. With grant awards to support economic growth projects from the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund, that legacy will live on forever.
The fund recently announced its 2020 grant awards, which support two organizations working to support economic growth in the region: the Southern Perry Incubation Center for Entrepreneurs and Tuscarawas Valley Heritage Inc.
“We are delighted to continue honoring Dale’s legacy with grants that support the cause Dale was passionate about in the communities he devoted his life to,” said Jim Schoch, executive director of EODA. “Now more than ever, supporting economic development is incredibly important. We look forward to what these grants in Dale’s name will make possible for Eastern Ohio.”
The Southern Perry Incubation Center for Entrepreneurs in Perry County received $900 to support entrepreneurs in Perry County who are struggling due to COVID-19.
SPICE is an economic development organization that provides micro loans to individuals earning low to moderate income who cannot secure a bank loan to start a small business or expand an existing business in Perry County.
Since many clients are currently unable to meet their loan obligations due to the pandemic, this grant allows SPICE to offer loan deferments to clients.
Tuscarawas Valley Heritage Inc. received $1,000 to create marketing videos promoting career opportunities in Tuscarawas County.
The social media and web campaign, #livetusc, is a collaborative project of the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation and the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The campaign strives to reach and positively influence young people to stay in or come to Tuscarawas County to live, work and play.
Hileman passed away in February 2015 after a lifetime of service to Eastern Ohio. He grew up in Columbiana County and worked for Columbia Gas of Ohio for 40 years, serving Carrollton, Jackson and Cambridge in Appalachian Ohio.
After his retirement Hileman remained committed to improving quality of life and steadfastly promoting his community of Cambridge in Guernsey County, where he shared his final years with his wife, Evelyn.
EODA made the initial $10,000 gift to establish the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio to recognize and honor Hileman’s legacy. Columbia Gas of Ohio also made a $25,000 gift to the fund to recognize Hileman’s years of service to the organization and to the region.
The Dale Hileman Legacy Fund promotes economic development and growth, a cause that was close to Hileman’s heart. The fund supports organizations working to promote economic growth within the 16 counties served by the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance, comprised of Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas and Washington counties.
Gifts to the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund are tax-deductible and can be made in many ways including cash, bequests and life insurance. To mail your donation, designate the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, P.O. Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Gifts also can be made online at www.AppalachianOhio.org by selecting the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund when donating.
For more information about the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and ways to honor the legacy of others making a difference in the region, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org or call 740-753-1111.