Civic Development Corporation

The Civic Development Corporation of Ashtabula County is an organization that provides the leadership in addressing and planning for the needs of Ashtabula County by identifying, as its strategic goals, certain development programs, capital projects and initiatives, which will improve the quality of life in the county; and providing the fund raising, organization, financial expertise and oversight to attain these goals.

A Record Of Accomplishment

Since 1959, the previous nine campaigns have benefited fifty-five community organizations. One hundred fifty projects have received $15,500,000 through the efforts of the Civic Development Corporation. This capacity as a capital projects fundraiser, combined with volunteer trustees, has enabled Ashtabula County to realize significant projects unparalleled in communities of similar size.

CDC conducts one consolidated campaign every five years. This approach to capital fundraising eliminates costly competitive campaigns by non-profit organizations and provides for effective use of time and resources.

Your donation is spent wisely. Fundraising and administrative costs averages 10 percent of funds raised. Low overhead costs mean that your donation works for projects that will have a lasting impact on the community.

Projects are continuously monitored by CDC Trustees. CDC has never funded a project that has not been successfully completed.

The 2005 Campaign�s focus on Education, Economic Development, Human Services and Recreation continues the Civic Development Corporation�s tradition of funding projects that touch the lives of residents throughout Ashtabula County. The quality of life for those who attend our schools, work hard every day, access needed support services and enjoy outdoor activities is enhanced by the contribution you make to the 2005 Campaign.

With your help, CDC will have a positive impact on the lives of Ashtabula County residents. Help us build this �Framework for the Future� as Ashtabula County moves forward.

Campaign 2005 Projects back to top

Western Reserve Greenway

Allocation: $150,000
Description: CDC funds will provide required local match for TEA- 21 funding in the amount of $1,000,000, and proposed State funding of up to $200,000. Phase III consists of asphalt paving of seven miles of the trail from Callender Road in Rome to Hague Road in Orwell Township. This will complete the 27-mile trail through Ashtabula County in 2006.
Impact: Provides the County with a unique recreation attraction that will extend through the entire County, joining with Trumbull County�s trail. Project will also have significant economic development benefit.
CDC Funding History: 2000

Cork Little League & Ashtabula County Parks

Allocation: $20,000
Description: CDC funds will support a collaborative effort with the Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark to construct a regulation size Little League baseball field. The project includes trenching, tiling, infield base material, perimeter fencing, dugouts, bleachers and scoreboard.
Impact: Cork Little League has as many as 13 teams reaching boys and girls of all ages. The League has continued to grow in popularity, resulting in a need for a proper facility to support the Harpersfield community. When not in Little League use the field will provide a great recreation venue for all visitors to the Covered Bridge Metropolitan Park.
CDC Funding History: First time request and funding

Country Neighbor Program

Allocation: $150,000
Description: CDC funds will support major remodeling and expansion of existing facility in Orwell, creating usable office and program space. Project consists of a 20-foot by 40-foot addition to the existing kitchen facility and a 28-foot by 80-foot addition to the existing building for a program and wellness center.
Impact: Country Neighbor provides more than 30,000 home-delivered meals for 200 homebound participants. The agency distributes more than 926,000 pounds of food to 51 emergency shelters in Ashtabula County. Various support groups, education and recreational activities are offered through Country Neighbor programs, and the center is a job-training site for the Department of Job and Family Services.
CDC Funding History: 1985, 1995

Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club

Allocation: $50,000
Description: CDC funds will enable water supply and disposal system upgrades at Club�s site that are needed because of increased visitors. The funds will also assist in the repair and restoration of two old train depots recently moved to the property. These buildings continue the Club�s efforts to preserve an important part of American railroad history in the County.
Impact: The Antique Engine Club provides Ashtabula County with one of its major visitor and tourist destinations. Each year between 13,000 and 16,300 visitors are attracted to various events at the property.
CDC Funding History: First time funding

Education Initiative (PEAC)

Allocation: $500,000
Description: CDC support for education seeks to improve the quality of education in each school district in Ashtabula County by promoting programs, initiatives and training that equip teachers and administrators to meet the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND standards, prepare students for some type of advanced education, and engage the public in support and improvement of their school.
Impact: The long-term success of economic development in Ashtabula County depends on providing a well-educated workforce. Improving the quality of education will enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
CDC Funding History: 1990, 1995 and 2000

Growth Partnership Economic Development Center Building

Allocation: $200,000
Description: Fourteen years ago, CDC funds supported the construction of an economic development center for the newly created Growth Partnership. CDC funds from the 2005 Campaign will support the purchase and renovation of a building in Jefferson as the new home for Growth Partnership, Ashtabula County Port Authority and the Ashtabula County 503 Revolving Loan Fund.
Impact: The new facility will provide Ashtabula County with state-of-the-art office space for Growth Partnership and the other organizations to continue to provide the highest quality economic development services to prospects seeking to form a business in, relocate to or expand within Ashtabula County.
CDC Funding History: 1990

Non-Profit Organization Center

Allocation: $300,000
Description: Several non-profit organizations and service agencies, led by Ashtabula County Community Action Agency, are partnering with the City of Ashtabula and the Ashtabula City Port Authority to acquire and renovate an existing building on Main Avenue in the City, transforming it into a multi-tenant, non-profit organization center. CDC�s funds will assist with the acquisition and renovation costs.
Impact: Once fully realized, the center could house ten or more organizations, in the aggregate employing over 100 people. In addition, portions of the main floor are intended to be dedicated to small businesses, providing services to those employed in the structure. Not only will the project provide office and program space for the organizations, it will positively contribute to the City�s downtown revitalization efforts, representing a significant economic development opportunity in what was once a thriving commercial district.
CDC Funding History: Ashtabula County Community Action Agency 1990, 1995

Ashtabula County Family Y

Allocation: $175,000
Description: Continued remodeling and upgrading of its facilities enable the Y to more effectively handle new programs and provide continued quality service for existing programs. CDC funds will be used for racquetball court and gym repairs, creating new program space, and improving the HVAC and security system.
Impact: High usage facility, which has seen an increase in membership during the past year. The Y services a broad cross section of the community.
CDC Funding History: 1960, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000

Conneaut Community Center

Allocation: $30,000
Description: On the National Register of Historic Sites in America, the Conneaut Community Center�s Kilpi Hall is one of the remaining examples of Great Lakes Finnish immigration. The CCCA offers classes to children and adults in painting, theater, dance and music lessons. The Center is also home to the Harbor Artist group. CDC funding will assist in major kitchen renovation, main entrance improvements and completion of window replacement.
Impact: The Center is the only community center in Conneaut. The improvements will support the preservation of this historical building and increase its capabilities for serving parties, meetings and other community gatherings.
CDC Funding History: 1980, 1985, 1990, 2000

Camp Whitewood Northeast Ohio 4-H Camps

Allocation: $40,000
Description: CDC funds will provide for improvements in the wastewater treatment system in order to comply with EPA requirements for discharge into Phelps Creek and the Grand River. Camp Whitewood is in the heart of Ashtabula County, and it has served youth for 63 years.
Impact: The camp serves nearly 5,000 campers yearly, making it a significant recreation destination. For it to continue operation, the problems with the current wastewater treatment system must be corrected.
CDC Funding History: First time request and funding

Growth Partnership Economic Development Impact Fund

Allocation: $125,000
Description: CDC�s Economic Development Fund provides, when appropriate, the necessary local contribution to assist Growth Partnership in leveraging grant, loan and investment dollars for local projects.
Impact: Numerous projects in the past three campaigns have resulted in significant investment and job creation in Ashtabula County. Sewer, water system, wetlands and related infrastructure improvements made possible significant industrial park development in Andover, Austinburg, Geneva, Saybrook and Orwell since the last campaign and generated nearly 1800 jobs
CDC Funding History: 1990, 1995 and 2000

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