Licking Today

New development projects in Licking County are expected to bring 20 new jobs and over $2 million in new payroll, according to an announcement by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted.

Microsoft Corporation is launching a new project across multiple locations, including Heath, Hebron, and New Albany. The project is expected to create 20 full-time jobs and generate $2 million in new payroll.

The multinational technology firm develops, manufactures, licenses, and sells computer software, electronics, and personal computing services. As part of the initiative, Microsoft has committed to a fixed-asset investment of $1 billion, which includes $700 million for building costs and $300 million for machinery.

TCA approved a 100%, 15-year data center sales tax exemption to support the project.

The Ohio Tax Credit Authority announced at its monthly October meeting 6 new economic development proposals. These proposals were brought by JobsOhio, a private economic development corporation that advocates for businesses in the state of Ohio. These new projects are expected to bring $1.1 Billion in investment, $24 million in new payroll, 415 new jobs, and retain 1,118 jobs statewide.

"This week on Ohio Means Jobs: 165,475 jobs posted, 110,156 jobs pay over $50,000 per year, 31,276 jobs pay over $50,000 per year and don't require a college degree," Husted highlighted in a recent post on X. Ohio Means Jobs is a division of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Jon Husted was adopted and raised in Northwest Ohio's Williams County. He earned multiple degrees from the University of Dayton. He previously served as vice president at the Dayton-Area Chamber of Commerce before joining public service.

Husted has served as Ohio Secretary of State and House Speaker. First elected Lt. Governor in 2018, he was reelected in 2022. Husted and his wife Tina have three children.