Economic Development

Home of global manufacturing and small business startups

Contact Us

Hardin County Works.

Whether you are looking to expand or to locate a new facility, Hardin County wants to be your home.

Location

We are centrally located in northwest Ohio.
Hardin County is located within 500 miles of 60% of the US population.
Ten state routes cross our county, with US Highway 68 running north and south through the heart of our county seat, Kenton. We also have easy access to I-75 just to the west and US Highway 30 just to the north.
Three rail lines intersect in the county to provide access in all directions.

Incentives

We offer robust incentives to support growing businesses.
We offer several local incentives, and have partnered with statewide agencies to offer a broad selection of economic development incentives to help businesses relocate or expand.

Workforce

We have an ample skilled workforce.
With a workforce of 450,000 within a 45-mile drive, Hardin County has the workers growing businesses need.
Hardin County is also home to Ohio Northern University. Our schools are served by two career technical centers, and we are within 30-minutes of four technical colleges.

Available Sites & Buildings

Economic Development Incentives

Foreign Trade Zone

Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority

Kenton Ohio Port Authority

OhioMeansJobs

Ohio Department of Development

Ohio Treasurer of State

Development Partnerships

RGP Logo

RGP

JobsOhio

JobsOhio

SBDC Logo

SBDC at Rhodes State College

Business Retention and Expansion

Business Retention and Expansion

Transportation

The Hub of the Global Supply Chain

Highways

The county is easily accessible by US Highway 68, a major north/south route for trade and transportation. Several other state routes run through the county.

Rail

Kenton is located on the CSX Toledo Division Mainline, affording Hardin County the best rail access to all four quadrants.

Airports

Kenton is home to the Hardin County Airport (FAA LID: I95), just over an hour from the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), and 90-minutes from Dayton International Airport (DAY).

Travel Time

Hardin County is 30 minutes from Lima, Findlay, Upper Sandusky, Marion, Marysville, Bellefontaine and Wapakoneta; 60 minutes from Columbus and Toledo; 90 minutes from Dayton; other major cities in our region include Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit and Fort Wayne.

Wage & Benefits Survey Results

Data reported by Hardin County employers on wages and benefits based on position, industry, and other key factors.
Click Here to Download

Economic Profile

The Hardin County Economic Profile includes information on population by demographics, population by age, employment and income, jobs and occupation, education and more.
Click Here to Download

Workforce & Talent Acquisition

3E

Hardin Career Task Force

Formed as a partnership between businesses, employers, workforce development professionals and educators in Hardin County, the Career Task Force collaborates to create awareness of in-demand occupations in our area, and to create an understanding of in-demand knowledge and skills. Access resources about apprenticeships, upskilling with TechCred, learn about our 3E initiative, and more.
Workforce

Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation

The Office of Workforce Transformation's mission is to connect Ohio's business, training and education communities to build a dynamically skilled, productive and purposeful workforce.
ODJFS

Ohio Office of Workforce Development

The Office of Workforce Development offers resources for individuals seeking employment, for employers looking for talent and for workforce professionals.
OhioMeansJobs

OhioMeansJobs

Visit the OhioMeansJobs website to search for jobs or potential candidates.



Small Business Resources

Thank you to our President's Club sponsors!