By Kimberly Gasuras | FreeWire – Your News, Your Voice
BUCYRUS — The new director of the Crawford Partnership for Economic Development
is excited for 2026, especially with the news from IB Tech (Imasen Bucyrus
Technology), a leading automotive supplier, earlier this week.
The company announced its plans for a $15 million expansion project at its Bucyrus
facility that will add 53,000 square feet to the plant while creating 170 new jobs in
Crawford County.
“We’re thrilled to see the economic impact this project will bring,” said Makenna Laser,
who stepped into her director role a few months ago.
While IB Tech is part of a large corporation, Laser also understands how important small
businesses are to the local economy.
“I come from a small family business background and understand how pivotal these
businesses are to the local economy,” said Laser.
She said one example of the Partnership’s support of local businesses is the revamped
Small Business Microloan Program, which provides $3,000 no-interest loans to
businesses looking to start or expand within Crawford County.
The Birch Tree Bookery was the first recipient of the loan which helped them open their
bookstore in Bucyrus at the Showplace building on East Mansfield Street.
Applications for the micro-loan program can be found on the Partnership’s website.“Another example is the Workforce Internship Program we executed this summer which
provided two local interns with opportunities at Hord Family Farms and Arrogant Goat
Brewing,” said Laser.
She has several goals for Crawford County as she looks ahead to 2026.
“We will continue the programs that have served the community well, like CU Lead,
WAGE Tours, and Teacher Boot Camp, with opportunities to expand, especially in our
K–12 engagement work,” said Laser.
She said it is important to strengthen relationships with other counties.
“Crawford County is part of a four-county Comprehensive Economic Development
Strategy alongside Ashland, Richland, and Wyandot Counties, and we also share a
labor force with Morrow and Marion Counties,” said Laser.
Laser said she wants to help the county continue to grow while also laying the
groundwork for future investment.
“This includes ensuring we have the right sites available for industry and addressing
critical workforce barriers like housing, childcare, and transportation,” said Laser.
She said she meets with local administrations on a regular basis.
“I meet every other week with Crestline and Bucyrus, and every Monday with Galion, to
stay updated on business and site development timelines and share program updates,”
said Laser.
She will continue to provide Crestline, Galion and Bucyrus with quarterly updates at
each city’s council meetings, so every community has a clear understanding of what the
Partnership is working on.
“Ultimately, a win for one town is a win for the entire county. Business growth success in
Bucyrus benefits Galion, Crestline, and the county overall,” said Laser. “My hope is to
continue convening collaborative conversations across communities to support
sustainable, county-wide development, and so far, the feedback from each city has
been very positive.”
For more information, visit https://www.crawfordpartnership.org/.
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