The Wooster Brush Company is a global leader in paint applicator manufacturing and innovation. The company produces and distributes over two thousand products worldwide and specializes in the production of high-quality paint brushes and painting supplies. Wooster Brush products can be found at most major hardware retailers, paint stores and decorating centers as its customers range from DIYers to professional painters. For over 170 years, The Wooster Brush Company has experienced continued success as a result of its quality products and commitment to its employees, customers, end users and innovation.

Ben Maibach, President of The Wooster Brush Company and WEDC Advisory Board member, spoke to us about the history of Wooster Brush and its success.

Maibach, a Wooster native, attended The College of Wooster and began working at Wooster Brush in 2014. After serving six years as the Director of Sales and Vice President of National Accounts, Maibach was elected as president of the company in 2020. In his current position, he oversees all aspects of the business including administrative and financial duties.

The Wooster Brush Company was founded in 1851 by Adam Foss in Wooster, Ohio, just a few blocks away from its current building on Madison Avenue. There are three main locations, each serving its own unique purpose. The company headquarters continues to be located near downtown Wooster. This facility houses most of the company’s manufacturing as well as corporate offices. Plant Two is also located in Wooster and acts as an auxiliary building where additional manufacturing and distribution are handled. The third location is in Reno, Nevada, and is strictly used for distribution. According to Maibach, Reno is the perfect location for inventory to reach customers on the West Coast.

The Wayne Economic Development Council has been hard at work the past few months, developing a strategic plan that will guide our organization's efforts over the next three years.

As we all know, Wayne County is a special place to be. We have a robust and thriving manufacturing sector, diverse business sectors and strong agricultural emphasis. As we continue to focus on economic growth, we find ourselves coming back to one word, balance. Wayne County is a great place to live, work, grow and do business, and we want to keep it that way. It is our goal to help Wayne County achieve economic prosperity while preserving what makes us special.

In June, we partnered with Brad Whitehead, Whitehead Advisory, an independent consulting company with vested interest in Northeast Ohio, to evaluate, access and plan for the upcoming years.

We are pleased to announce that our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan has been submitted to our Board and Advisory Council members and is awaiting feedback. In the meantime, we'd like to share some of our initial findings and future plans.

Our work was broken into three phases; 1. Situation analysis, 2. Evaluation of findings, and 3. Plan of action.

Situation Analysis

To understand where Wayne County is as a community and where the WEDC stands as an organization, our team performed a detailed analysis. The work included accessing the current economy – both locally and nationally – as well as gathering input from many local leaders and regional economic development partners.

Evaluation of Findings

Some of the key takeaways from the situation analysis are listed below.

Uncertain Macroeconomic Picture

• Continued tight labor market

• Persistent high inflation

• Significant Federal/State funding available for innovation and workforce

Strength of Local Economy

• Wayne County outperforming others in Ohio

• Economy centered on robust manufacturing and agriculture/dairy is potential upside

• Constrained labor market, entry-level housing shortage and limited industrial expansion space

WEDC Valued Contributor

• Historic strategy still relevant and stakeholders value WEDC

• Urgency for more rigorous coordinated business development process

Mission

Partner, Promote, Prosper

The Wayne Economic Development Council is a business-led, public private partnership that maintains and promotes the strength of Wayne County’s cities, villages and agricultural areas. By aligning and engaging key stakeholders, the WEDC fosters balanced and sustained economic growth and prosperity for Wayne County and addresses issues critical to its competitiveness.

Vision

The Wayne Economic Development Council is a leading and collaborative go-to organization that contributes to Wayne County’s national recognition for achieving high quality growth that benefits both businesses and residents while maintaining a balance between industry, agriculture, commercial and residential development.

Plan of Action

Wayne County is currently in a strong position, both financially and economically. Our strategic plan for the next few years is focused on building upon this momentum and ensuring that our county remains an attractive place to live, work and raise a family. Our plan is comprised of the following initiatives that will ultimately tackle the issues stated above.

1. Cultivate, connect and align networks within and beyond Wayne County

2. Support business development with particular attention to retention and expansion

3. Drive a focused set of issues key to Wayne County's future competitiveness

Specific action plans are being developed to address each priority area, and we look forward to executing and implementing these plans in the months/years ahead.