Background
The Wood County Economic Development is a public-private partnership focused on fostering business growth, workforce development, and helping to improve the quality of life. Over the past 30 years, WCED has attracted more than $2.5 billion in private sector investment, and 7,000 jobs since being incorporated as an Ohio non-profit corporation in March 1993.
Recognizing the need to communicate these successes to stakeholders—residents, investors, government officials, and prospective businesses—WCED partnered with The Jakes Group to produce a high-impact video.
Objectives
- Celebrate Achievements: Showcase the commission’s key milestones over the past thirty years.
- Build Trust: Strengthen public confidence in the commission’s initiatives.
- Attract Investment: Position Wood County, OH as a prime location for future economic growth.
Strategy
The Jakes Group proposed a storytelling-driven documentary-style video. The approach centered around the history, authentic interviews, rich visuals of the county, and a narrative that balanced data with success of the county.
Key Elements:
- Interviews: Featured local business owners and executives, established businesses, civic leaders, and WCED staff.
- Cinematic B-Roll: Footage of communities, schools, manufacturing facilities, and infrastructure projects.
- Voiceover Script: Crafted to align with WCED’s tone—forward thinking, professional, and community-oriented.
- Metrics On-Screen: Stats highlighted measurable outcomes: jobs created, funds raised for schools, and statutorily approved abatements that incentivized projects funds paid toward Wood County property taxes.
Results
- Premiere & Engagement: The video premiered at the WCED’s Annual Business Forum.
- Stakeholder Response: Received positive feedback from county commissioners, state legislators, and private partners.
- Future Use: WCED plans on using this video as a marketing and public relations tool to attract new business opportunities into Wood County, Ohio
Conclusion
The Wood County Economic Development video proved to be more than a communication tool—it became a rallying point for the commission and a visual testament to strategic economic development. By investing in compelling storytelling and production quality, WCED not only celebrated its success but set the stage for its next chapter of growth.
Watch the Wood County Economic Development video below.