UPPER SANDUSKY, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Wyandot County Office of Economic Development (WCOED) held its 16th Annual Dinner last Tuesday evening at the Everhart Gathering Place, marking one of the organization’s largest events with over 140 attendees. WCOED Executive Director Greg Moon noted that approximately 30% of the attendees were from non-WCOED member organizations, highlighting the community’s growing interest in local economic development projects.
Moon reviewed the past year’s achievements, including the successful expansion of Kalmbach Feed’s MPK warehouse complex by over 100,000 square feet and the new 88,400-square-foot facility by Vancrest of Upper Sandusky. These projects contributed to the creation of 60 new full-time jobs with an annual payroll of $3.57 million, $30 million in new capital investment, and over $8.5 million in secured grant dollars. Moon emphasized the increased development activities in Wyandot County and mentioned that the organization is working on more potential projects that could further enhance recent successes.
County statistics presented at the event showed Wyandot County tied for the second lowest unemployment rate in Ohio as of September, while also
boasting the highest labor force participation rate in the state. The county experienced the fourth-highest job growth rate in the Northwest Ohio region over the past five years and is projected to remain in the top five for job growth over the next five years.
Following the organizational recap, Moon introduced representatives from three organizations leading transformational projects in Wyandot County. Each representative provided a brief presentation and received the WCOED’s Distinguished Contribution to Economic Development Award.
Shane Stewart, Chief Operations Officer of Vancrest Health Care Centers, discussed the new Vancrest of Upper Sandusky facility under construction. The 88,400-square-foot facility, which broke ground in July, is scheduled for completion in June 2026. It will house 99 skilled nursing beds and 40 assisted living apartments, representing an $18.5 million investment.
Danielle McWilliams of Thrive Local outlined plans for a 33,000-square-foot mixed-use development in downtown Upper Sandusky. The project includes transforming the former Viceroy Hall into Stoked Bar & Mechanicals, a bar and restaurant with duckpin bowling, and converting the adjacent Shotzy’s property into an outdoor courtyard and elevated patio. Additional renovations will create The Nook, a rentable space, and Sip & Savor, a wine and cheese shop connected to Chapters, a coffee shop, lounge, and bookstore. The second floor will feature The Novel Hotel, a boutique hotel with 21 guest rooms themed around famous novels. This project is expected to generate $4.3 million in capital investment and create 78 new jobs, including 39 full-time positions with a $1.5 million payroll.
Ryan Martin, Farm Origination Specialist for Louis Dreyfus Company, provided an update on the company’s new soybean processing facility west of Upper Sandusky. The $540 million facility, expected to be completed by Q2 2026, will create 114 new full-time jobs with an annual payroll of $9.1 million. The facility will operate 24/7, receiving up to 1.9 million bushels per day by truck and 950,000 bushels per day by rail.
The WCOED, a nonprofit public-private partnership with over 50 members, continues to drive economic growth in Wyandot County. For more information, visit WCOED.com.
