I’m not sure how everyone else feels, but I felt like I “blinked,” and 2023 was gone. 2023 has been a busy year for the Erie Basin Resource Conservation & Development Council, and we have been lucky to have Greg Small, with his vast experience, leading the helm. The Erie Basin RC&D, and its various members made up of county commissioners, SWCD personnel, economic development professionals, and at-large members, from the ten-county region we serve, in North-Central Ohio, have been busy with quarterly meetings, as we work towards the important mission of improving conservation efforts. Several efforts in line with this mission include educational programs and materials like our SK Worm animatronic and coloring books, a past Wildlife expo, and a downtown revitalization revolving loan fund that also helps to improve the communities we serve.
The Erie Basin RC&D committee is committed to the economy, in the counties we serve, and this has been strengthened by the Erie Basin Revolving Loan program. Qualified businesses and individuals wanting to start a business can apply for this unique micro-funding to help them revitalize a downtown space, purchase equipment/inventory, further develop energy-saving mechanisms, and all for an interest rate less than the going prime rate. This unique RLF is the primary reason the Erie Basin RC&D has been able to sustain itself, as most other similar organizations have folded over the years.
As we move forward in 2024, my goal for the Erie Basin RC&D is to further develop ideas that support the mission of improving conservation efforts in the region. These can also include more educational materials and educational opportunities for the general public. The committee is always open to ideas from the public we serve as well. We also encourage our supporters to please help us spread awareness of the various programs and resources we offer, as it truly “takes a village”. Thank you for supporting our mission!
• Michalina
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