Release Date: May 17, 2010

Holmes County Economic Development Council Awards

The Holmes County Economic Development Council (Council) paid tribute to the extraordinary efforts of two local companies at the organization’s inaugural annual event held on May 11^th.

Pride of the Hills Manufacturing was presented with the Strategic Growth Award, for significant progress made by a Holmes County based enterprise. In 2009 the company experienced a significant surge in business due to the increased drilling of the Marcellus Shale in the northeastern United States.   To address demand, the company acquired a 42,000 square foot structure located on the Straits Industrial Park in Killbuck. Transforming the facility to meet the company’s needs, Chief Executive Officer Curt Murray has doubled production bringing on an additional 50 new employees since November.

In accepting the award Murray acknowledged the company’s good fortune in being confronted with a unique opportunity never before available in his thirty plus years in business.  According to Murray, further company growth will persist for years to come, as activity in the Marcellus is projected to increase exponentially.  

The day’s second award was provided to Holmes Cheese Co.  The Community Commitment Award  recognizes the long term support and investment in the Holmes County Community.  Chief Financial Officer, Hans Ramseyer was in attendance to accept the award.   A part of the local business community for nearly 70 years, in 2009 Holmes Cheese Co. began a series of facility upgrades at the company Millersburg plant including the construction of a new façade and wastewater treatment plant. Concerned about keeping Holmes County beautiful, in the early project planning stages the company investigated a number environmentally friendly options.    With numerous green energy solutions available on the market, Holmes Cheese elected to install an anaerobic digestion system designed to turn plant waste into biofuel, a form of methane which will be reused in production. 

In thanking the Council for their support, Ramseyer said, he and his family are proud of the progress made in the past year and are furthermore honored by the recognition.

The Council serves as an area advocate for the local business community providing a wide array of resources and services designed to strengthen individual enterprises and the overall business climate.

 For more information visit holmescountydevelopment.org or call 330.763.2954.