The City of Ashland has developed an impressive story of entrepreneurship in the printing/packaging/publishing sector.  That story has become even more impressive with the addition of Stock Pack to the business community in 2007.  President/Owner Dan Schlitt started the company with the knowledge and experience he gained from 16 years in the corrugated packaging industry.  He recognized the market opportunity for a supplier of various packaging products (see all products at www.stockpackstore.com) to the small-medium size industrial firm sector of our regional economy.  Dan and his 2 employees are poised for growth; their concept of flexible, customer-driven service has caught the attention of manufacturers in the Ashland/Mansfield area.

Stock Pack prides itself on providing these companies with as little as one bundle of cardboard boxes to thousands of containers of packaging supplies.  The company is developing a great combination of personal service and direct purchasing opportunities at their website.  By letting the customer drive the product mix and method of service delivery, Dan and his team are already forecasting 2008 sales in excess of $1 million.  This strong growth makes new hiring in 2008 a likely possibility.  We should all be grateful that that kind of rapid growth is happening within our county.  It reflects how our economy is ready to respond to unique business models like Stock Pack.   

Of course, the location of Stock Pack in the historic Caraustar / Garber Company building completes this great small business story.  Garber's long history of providing packaging and employment opportunities came to an unfortunate end a few years ago.  Nevertheless, the building, as well as our entire community, is ready for new "growth stories".  Stock Pack, along with a handful of other local firms, leases space on very flexible terms from the Caraustar Corporation.  The building remains in good condition, and has become a great resource for those looking to launch new business ideas.  Please contact AACED if you would like to learn more about this great industrial asset. 

Congratulations to Stock Pack!  We look forward to continuing to publicize your story of customer service, market knowledge, and growth in Ashland County.

"Rain Drop updates" are becoming a regular news story in Ashland.  The company continues to grow its sales and overall market penetration under the leadership of new CEO Jim Cox.  On the job for less than eight months has not stopped Jim from leading Rain Drop in several important ways:  1) The firm has reinvented itself from solely producing plastic-based parts for the water splash park industry to a complete designer/manufacturer of "water entertainment" products (see the new marketing campaign with graphic/design work by Ashland's own Detrow & Underwood at www.rain-drop.com) ; 2) Staff continues to analyze the best plan to consolidate into one of Ashland's available buildings as the firm grows in size and product types; and 3) A focused export development strategy is coming into view, as water parks/entertainment is a growing industry around the world.

Jim is proud to report that his team has recently developed relationships in Brazil and has achieved sales in Chile.  These markets, in particular, will add stability to the Ashland production process, since their summers occur during Rain Drop's typical "slow season"-the U.S. winter months.  As Jim states, "In New York City or Ashland, OH, any company should pursue its export opportunities and take advantage of export resources."  One such resource is the State Ohio's International Trade Division (ITD), which offers free research into potential customers/distributors in every corner of the world for Ohio firms.  From April 19-29, 2008 ITD will partner with the Council of Great Lakes Governors, whose member states include Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin, and Ohio, on a trade mission to Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.  Receptions with high-level business and government officials as well as one-on-one appointments with potential customers are the services offered to Ohio firms.  The State of Ohio and the Council of Great Lakes has trade offices in South America that will help firms like Rain Drop on everything from translation to appointment-setting.

AACED congratulates Rain Drop on its export development efforts.  When done responsibly, exporting is a great way not just to increase sales, but to strengthen a firm's overall management and ability to withstand downturns in the regional and/or U.S. economy.  Small-medium size firms, or even Ashland's large corporations, should consider contacting ITD today to learn more about international sales. 

Note: Registration is closed for the South American trade mission, but companies have until February 15^th to contact the State (Ryan Miller at 614-644-6476 or rmiller@odod.state.oh.us ) regarding a March 31^st mission to South Africa. 

Students in any major course of study who have ideas for products, services or businesses may enter this competition. Students in all disciplines are encouraged to enter. Students may enter individually or in a group with a maximum of four students, but it must be an original idea that is student initiated, student developed, and student owned.

The top three Best Ideas will receive cash awards.  Edward Jones will present the first place winner a check for $500. Bill Harris Dealerships will present the second place winner a check for $300, and the third place winner will receive $200 from Lutz and Oxley Co, LPA.  In addition, the first place winner will automatically be entered in the LaunchTown Entrepreneurship Award competition at John  Carroll University on April 7, 2008.  Ashland's winner will compete with winners from Akron University, Baldwin Wallace University, Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, John  Carroll University, and Kent State University on Best Idea presentation. The Grand Prize at LaunchTown may be $5000.

The Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies staff and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff will review the applications on February 29^th.  The semi-finalists will make presentations to the Morgan Center Advisory Board (which is comprised of local entrepreneurs) on March 19, 2008.The three finalists will be announced at Awards night on March 24, 2008. All semi-finalist will make a short presentation of their idea and/or product at the Awards Night. Area businesses and investors are encouraged to attend the Awards night on March 24^th to hear the fresh ideas and to offer their assistance to the students in further development of the students idea.

In August, five students will represent Ashland Universities Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Immersion Week at John Carroll University. They will be among 35 students from the seven universities that attend the event.  They will hear several entrepreneurs discuss their experiences, they will receive training from the various university professors, and they will participate in joint exercises with the college students from the other universities.  The week will end with Ashland students competing against the other six universities teams on a business concept that was developed by that team during the week.  If you are interested in supporting these students during for this Immersion Week, please contact the Morgan Center office at 419-207-6976.  Last years AU team finished second and are still working on making their concept a reality.