WEDC Investor Insights


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In today's rapidly changing business landscape, it's rare to find a company that has not only survived but thrived for over a century. Western Reserve Group, a small insurance provider that got its start in the farmlands of Ohio by offering coverage to farms with lightning rods, is one example. Over the years, they have not only endured challenges but also demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve and meet the demands of a constantly changing market. What's the secret to their success? It lies in their unwavering focus on building strong agent relationships, acquiring like-minded businesses, fostering a strong culture, and much more.

President Greg Brunn brings more than two decades of experience to the table, with a proven track record of success in various positions within the company. He spoke with us and shared some valuable insights into the key factors that have kept Western Reserve Group at the forefront of the insurance industry.

Western Reserve Group, founded in the early 1900s, has grown into a leading insurance provider in Ohio and Indiana, with a strong presence in three main lines of business - personal, commercial, and farm. Western Reserve Group's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and coverage has earned them a reputation as a trusted partner for both individuals and businesses. This is reflected in their consistent A (Excellent) rating from AM Best for over 50 years, as well as their ranking among the top 200 carriers in the United States in terms of size.

Transforming Today for a Prosperous Tomorrow is the theme for the Wayne Economic Development Council’s 2023-2027 Investor Campaign. Kicking off late last year, the campaign is going strong with more than 95 investor meetings held and more than 70 commitments made. With 19 new investors added to date, the campaign is nearing the 65% mark towards the $3.7M goal.

This five-year campaign will positively impact Wayne County by retaining and growing current businesses, increasing the quality of life for citizens, opening doors to new opportunities and fostering a competitive workforce both now and in the future.

“We know our county’s growth mainly comes from existing businesses,” stated Maribeth Burns, president of the WEDC. “Therefore, 40% of our new strategic initiatives focuses on supporting business development with particular attention to retention and expansion.”

Another strategic initiative, to drive a focused set of issues key to Wayne County’s future competitiveness, allows the WEDC to facilitate efforts to create a talent attraction program. “We can’t talk about growth without addressing workforce issues,” stated Burns. “Last year, we revamped the Work in Wayne website which is a great resource for job seekers. It covers working, living, learning and playing in Wayne County.”

Housing is another key issue outlined in this initiative. “We would like to conduct a housing assessment for short and long-term county-wide housing needs,” said Burns. “We hope to provide answers to what type of housing is really needed in the county based on our demographics; single-family, apartments or senior living.”

Not only will this initiative address workforce and housing needs, but it will also focus on developing a long-term site strategy for future growth. “We want to bring all parties together to determine the best path for growth/expansion, while being cognizant of the importance of Wayne County’s farmland,” continued Burns.

A public-private entity, the WEDC will continue to work closely with regional and state economic development partners and collaborate with local economic development teams to ensure Wayne County businesses are connected to programs and resources for the betterment of the county. As the final strategic priority outlined in the new strategic plan, this allows the WEDC to continue to be the economic development voice for the corporate community.

The WEDC is well positioned to keep Wayne County prospering and is thankful for investor support to help carry-out these new strategic initiatives.

A campaign celebration is planned for the WEDC’s Annual Meeting taking place at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 20 at Greystone Event Center in Wooster. It’s not too late for your business to become an investor. Please contact Traci Carmony, marketing and development coordinator, at tcarmony@waynecountyedc.com to schedule your investor meeting.

In celebration of Ag Week, it is essential to recognize the vital role that farms and agribusiness play in Wayne County. This area is home to a diverse array of farms that demonstrate dedication to sustainable practices, innovation, and community involvement.

The Ag Success Team is an invaluable resource to the farmers of Wayne County, having started almost twenty years ago with a group of dedicated professionals who were committed to growing the region’s strong agricultural economy. As time has passed, the organization expanded its reach and now focuses heavily on farmland preservation in order to ensure that current farmers don’t face roadblocks due to eroding lands or lack of resources. It continues to stress the importance of Wayne County’s agricultural land, helps new farmers and works hard to come up with creative solutions to any issues that may arise.

Centerra Co-Op, an agricultural cooperative serving Ohio and Pennsylvania, sets itself apart by being a member-owned organization. This unique characteristic ensures that the products and services provided to their residential customer base are designed with the members' best interests in mind. As a comprehensive provider, Centerra Co-Op offers a wide range of essential services, including agronomy, feed and grain solutions, and energy provisions such as propane, liquid fuels, and home heating. Centerra Co-Op also features country stores that provide an array of products for customers, including livestock, equine and pet feed and supplies, their own line of Sommer's wild bird feed, lawn care items, and more.

For nearly 70 years, Lowe & Young has been committed to serving the hardworking farmers of Wayne County. Backed by their impressive fleet of 22 trucks and 35 employees, they can provide everything from top-notch new equipment and used machines, to parts offerings and repairs. Moreover, their commitment to quality goes beyond a single brand - as Lowe & Young promises excellent support for Massey Ferguson or Fendt customers alike!

For over a century, the Wayne County Farm Bureau has proudly served as a membership-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and advancing agriculture in both Wayne County and throughout Ohio. Boasting a strong and diverse network of over 1,400 active members, the Bureau engages in spirited grassroots efforts at the local, state, and national levels to effectively protect and promote the agricultural industry that forms the backbone of our robust community.

Nestled in the heart of Creston, Ohio lies the remarkable Steinhurst Farm, an expansive 1,200-acre domain that has flourished under the innovative leadership of Kurt Steiner. Home to over 675 top-quality Holstein cows, this esteemed farm has consistently achieved astounding levels of milk production, often exceeding 30,000 pounds while maintaining exceptionally low fat percentages. Steiner has strategically transformed Steinhurst Farm into a hub of modern technology. By embracing cutting-edge advancements and encouraging the involvement of younger generations, Steiner is not only setting new standards in dairy farming but also offering a promising glimpse into the future of sustainable and progressive agriculture.