Organization that promotes economic development bestows awards on Muskingum Co. entities

ZANESVILLE − A local manufacturer and annual tourist attraction were recently recognized by the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance for contributions to the region.

Ridge Corporation of Frazeysburg received the Large Manufacturer Excellence Award and the Tourism Excellence Award went to A Storybook Christmas holiday attraction across Muskingum County. Both awards were presented by Matt Abott of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority.

HV Coil of Newcomerstown received the Small Manufacturer Excellence Award and Wooly Pig Farm Brewery of Fresno got the Small Business Excellence Award.

Ridge Corporation

Accepting the award for Ridge Corporation were Stuart Daily and Nathan Stultz. Ridge started in 2004 and opened the Frazeysburg plant in 2014. It has offices in Pataskala.

It makes advanced composites, specializing in resilient, lightweight, continuous glass-reinforced, thermoplastic laminates. According to the company's website, Ridge is focused on producing composites for customers that reduce weight, increase durability and performance and improve aesthetics. As an example, they create aerodynamic fittings for underneath semi trailers, campers and boat trailers.

Abbott said Ridge in 2021 invested $11 million into expanding the local facility, doubling its space by an additional 103,000 square-feet. This created another 103 jobs, making a total of 174 employees on site.

In 2023, Ridge bought a nearby 240,000-square-foot building for more growth. Abbott said this addition will add more than 300 new jobs.

"Ridge considers itself a high-tech company. We're constantly using the word innovation, both in our product and our process," said Daily. "But, our most valuable asset has always been and, will continue to be, the people. We feel extremely fortunate to be in a state and, more specifically, a region that turns out hardworking people. It's one of the big reasons why we continue to invest and want to expand in Muskingum County because of the quality of person we find is second to none."

A Storybook Christmas

Accepting for A Storybook Christmas was Kelly Ashby of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce. The project started in 2015 and features a variety of holiday displays, often under a certain theme, at businesses and other locations across Muskingum County. Activities have included horse-drawn carriage rides, trolleys, a house for youth to visit with Santa Claus, parade, 5K, ice skating rink, arts festival, carolers and holiday characters.

Abbott said the steering committee just isn't focused on the Christmas season anymore, but also helps to spearhead and encourage events for holidays year-around. The committee also raised funds to erect a 26-foot ornament tree at the John McIntire Library.

"When we look at economic development and tourism, if that's not linked in your community, it should be linked. Quality of life is important. Employers are asking about it more and more," Abbott said. "These are things 10 years ago, we didn't talk about and we should."

Of everyone who received the EODA awards, Ashby said saw one common theme − the importance of partnerships. She said that's the same for A Storybook Christmas from government officials, to local business owners and community volunteers.

"In 2015, a dedicated group of community volunteers came together and said we need to revitalize and regenerate and light up the downtown. But, not just the downtown, we need to make this a county-wide effort," Ashby said of the origins. "Our first goal was lighting the courthouse. Again, that takes community to pull that off and we did. Then it grew from there."

Ashby said convention and visitors bureaus had to pivot with the social distancing of the COVID-19 pandemic and a a self-guided, outdoor trek across Muskingum County was perfect. It not only appealed to tourists, but community members who possibly never checked out the attraction before.

"It's really crucial to promote and talk about all the great things a community has to offer to not only bring guests in, but to our own community members too. We want to make sure young people never say there's nothing to do, because we want to let them know there is plenty to do," Ashby said. "We want to have that pride and be proud of what we represent. When you come into our community we want to show that off."

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Ridge Corporation, A Storybook Christmas recognized