Organization

The Mohican Area Growth Foundation is a non-profit development corporation that enjoys support from the public and private sector.  The Hugo H. and Mabel B. Young Foundation is an integral support organization for the MAGF.  Since 2005, MAGF has been an investor in, and division of, the new Ashland Area Council for Economic Development. The 2 groups share Director Evan Scurti, but the unique opportunities and overall economy of the Mohican Area necessitate the continued operation of a distinct MAGF organization and board.

Monthly meetings are held the 2nd Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at the Loudonville - Mohican Chamber office, 131 West Main Street, Loudonville.

Mission

To represent the Village of Loudonville and other political sub-divisions in Ashland and Holmes Counties in all areas related to economic development as a not for profit organization partnering with private business and the foundation sectors of the community at large.

Goals and Objectives:

To foster and promote retention of existing jobs and businesses.

To foster and promote creation of new jobs and business opportunities.

To foster and promote recreation and tourism.

Through the aforementioned, to enhance the "quality of life" for residents and visitors to Mohican Country.                                                          

History

Loudonville was the home of the Flxible Company, a manufacturer of mass transit buses and parts and a service distribution center for many years. The company owner was a local citizen, Hugo Young who eventually sold the company in the late 1970s to Rohr Industries in California. Mr. Young then established the Hugo H. & Mable B. Young Foundation from the proceeds. Subsequent owners included Grumann Corporation and General Automotive.

In the early 1980s, General Automotive made a decision to move the company to Delaware, Ohio which caused the loss of over 1,200 jobs to the local economy. Two members of Loudonville Village Council, Shirley Irving and Wayne Dessenberg began a series of public meetings to gain input from citizens on the direction the Village should take to address the distress to the area caused by the decision by General Automotive.

As a result of the discussions, a committee was formed representing a cross section of community leadership under the direction of local business owner, Jim Gribble. This committee began a series of meetings bringing in experienced economic development professionals to advise and propose a course of action for the community.

In 1985, the Mohican Area Growth Foundation was formed as a 501c3, not for profit economic development organization for the Village of Loudonville, partnering with the Village of Perrysville and the entire Mohican area. A Board of Directors was formed and began the process of securing financial investors from the private, business, professional, manufacturing and public entities represented by the Villages of Loudonville and Perrysville. Leading this effort was a commitment from the Board of Directors of the Hugo H. & Mable  B. Young Foundation to provide a 100% match of all financial investments made to the Growth Foundation. This enabled the Growth Foundation to employ a professional Executive Director and begin the task of marketing the Mohican area.

Throughout the ensuing years, the Growth Foundation established the Class A Loudonville Industrial Park and a second complex housing Step 2 in the Village of Perrysville. The Growth Foundation, with the cooperation of the leadership of the Villages of Loudonville & Perrysville, State of Ohio Economic Development officials, and offices of Congressman Ralph Regula have been able to secure millions of dollars for local infrastructure in both communities.

Services

-MAGF and its Executive Director are trained in professional and confidential site selection processes.

-Preparation of comprehensive locations/site reports, including demographics, labor market, and site/building options for the site selection project.

-Confidential consultation with area industry to discuss growth plans and potential MAGF financing, e.g. purchase/leaseback, direct loans, and/or facilitation or training grants.

-Expedited referral system to State of Ohio grant and loan program for your expansion or start-up business project.

-Facilitator of area-wide tourism development plans.  For example, MAGF has a set-aside fund for the development of multi-use pathways systems connecting the Mohican State Park with downtown Loudonville, Perrysville, and other attractions.

-Proactive coordination and marketing strategies with the Loudonville-Mohican Chamber of Commerce to market available downtown spaces.