BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Community leaders, business owners and educators gathered this week for the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce Economic Forecast Breakfast, where one clear theme emerged: despite ongoing uncertainty at the national level, Crawford County continues to build momentum.
The annual event brought together voices from economic development, insurance, local government, education and manufacturing to share updates and insight into what the year ahead may hold.
Local Growth Built on Collaboration
McKenna Laser, executive director of the Crawford Partnership, opened the morning by stressing that economic development doesn’t happen in isolation.
Six months into her role, Laser described the Partnership’s focus on three key areas: business growth, workforce development and community vibrancy.
“You can’t have business growth without a workforce to support it, and you can’t keep a workforce without communities where people want to live and grow,” Laser said.
Rather than focusing on national headlines, Laser said the organization tracks local indicators such as housing availability, healthcare access, business investment and workforce pipelines to guide its work.
Laser pointed to visible progress across the county, including expanded healthcare services, growing businesses and continued momentum at companies like Forge Fire and Co. in Bucyrus.
Laser also invited attendees to the Crawford Partnership’s 20th Anniversary State of the Division Celebration on Thursday, March 19, at The Hub at Village Square in Crestline. The event begins at 5:00 p.m., with the program starting at 6:00 p.m., as the organization reflects on two decades of impact and future growth.
Ohio Mutual Marks 125 Years
Mark C. Russell, president of Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, provided an update on the company as it celebrates its 125th anniversary.
Founded in 1901, Ohio Mutual is a mutual insurance company owned by its 237,000 policyholders. It operates in eight states and employs 260 associates, most of whom are based in Ohio.
Russell said revenue has more than doubled over the past decade, with projections reaching $500 million this year. After facing difficult industry conditions in 2022 and 2023 due to inflation and rising claims costs, he noted that 2024 marked a strong turnaround.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand into a ninth state while continuing to invest in artificial intelligence to improve underwriting, claims processing and customer service — moves aimed at strengthening long-term stability.
New Energy in Galion
Newly elected Mayor Brian Saterfield shared early observations from his first weeks leading Galion, highlighting the energy he sees among city staff and council members working toward shared goals.
Saterfield pointed to ongoing progress on the “Big Four Depot” project, continued investment in water infrastructure and four recent ribbon cuttings for new businesses.
“If we win, if Galion wins, if Bucyrus wins, if Crestline wins — the county wins,” Saterfield said, emphasizing how collaboration between communities strengthens Crawford County as a whole.
Healthcare Investment Expands Local Access
Under the leadership of Jerry Morasko, President and CEO, Avita Health System continues positioning healthcare access as a key part of the region’s economic stability.
As the county’s largest employer, with more than 1,500 local employees and 2,400 system-wide, Avita has invested more than $65 million in capital improvements since 2011.
Those investments include robotic surgical technology, upgraded MRI capabilities, PET imaging services and advanced radiation therapy equipment — along with expanded specialty care. The opening of the Joe Cancer Center in late 2025 brought radiation oncology services locally, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region.
Recent provider additions in orthopedics, family medicine, oncology, rheumatology, urology and interventional radiology continue expanding access to specialty care. The system is also investing in virtual ICU coverage, virtual stroke services and pediatric therapy programming, including a new sensory playscape and expanded therapy facilities.
Construction is underway on an expanded orthopedic and sports medicine clinic that will add therapy space and upgraded rehabilitation services.
Those investments reinforce a consistent goal: keeping high-quality care close to home while supporting workforce stability and growth.
Generational Business Growth Outside Crestline
That same commitment to local investment is visible in a sixth-generation family business just outside Crestline.
Led by Michael Link, Link’s Country Meats has grown into a regional operation rooted in agriculture and local production.
What started decades ago as a small custom processing facility has expanded significantly. The business processed more than one million pounds of product last year and has nearly doubled retail sales since 2022.
Employment has grown from 10 to 18 workers, with plans to add more as expansion continues. Infrastructure upgrades include bringing in three-phase electrical service, constructing a new 60x25x60 freezer and expanding cooler space to support increased production and demand.
The company has also worked with local development partners to secure grant support for expansion, an example of how collaboration helps small businesses grow.
Reimagining Education
Dr. Jeffrey Hartmann, superintendent of Galion City Schools, outlined a major shift in how the district plans to deliver instruction next year.
With nearly 70 percent of students considered economically disadvantaged, district leaders have expanded mental health services, implemented free breakfast and lunch programs and strengthened behavioral supports to better meet student needs.
At the same time, staffing shortages and rising substitute costs — totaling roughly $300,000 last year — pushed the district to launch a three-year blended learning pilot.
Under the model, students will attend in person Tuesday through Friday, with Mondays set aside for targeted academic support, internships, enrichment and teacher collaboration.
Dr. Hartmann stressed that the goal isn’t to reduce learning but to improve it.
“This isn’t about doing school less,” Dr. Hartmann said. “It’s about doing school better.”
Forge Fire and Co. Rapid Expansion
One of the morning’s standout presentations came from Jim Fox, Director of Human Resources at Forge Fire and Company.
Founded in 2021, the company builds certified firefighter training structures from repurposed shipping containers. Operating out of a previously vacant building in Bucyrus, Forged Fire now employs 40 people and has more than 40 training structures deployed nationwide.
The company expects $20 million in sales this year and already has a production backlog stretching into 2027.
Fox credited local partnerships, grant support and a strong workforce for helping fuel the company’s rapid growth.
“We’re taking action to create a great future right here in Crawford County,” Fox said.
Economic Uncertainty — But Local Confidence
The morning wrapped up with broader economic commentary acknowledging ongoing national and global uncertainty.
James Spreng, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Spreng Capital Management in Bucyrus, discussed tariff changes, election-year spending, federal deficits, interest rate decisions and geopolitical tensions that influence inflation and oil prices.
Spreng noted that policy uncertainty makes long-term planning more challenging but said Crawford County’s collaborative business environment positions it well to adapt.
Moving Forward Together
Despite the variety of industries represented, the message throughout the morning remained consistent: progress in Crawford County is rooted in partnership.
From healthcare expansion and insurance growth to education innovation and manufacturing success, local leaders are investing in opportunity — even amid broader economic challenges.
That collaboration continues to drive momentum across the county.