Chillicothe and Ross County, Ohio, maintained a favorable economic trajectory despite the challenges posed by the closure of a major paper mill, according to an annual review presented at a development breakfast. The event, hosted by Greater Chillicothe & Ross County, Ohio Development (GCRCD) on December 3, 2025, at the Chillicothe Country Club, brought together state, regional, and local experts to discuss economic progress.
Matt Abbott, president and CEO of OhioSE—a nonprofit established in 2011 to boost economic vitality in Southeast Ohio—shared insights on regional efforts. He noted that OhioSE played a key role in the six-month-long response to the shutdown of Pixelle Specialty Solutions, collaborating with the mill’s owner and supporting workforce transition.
Abbott emphasized that the organization supports small enterprises, even those creating just a few jobs, such as “Maggie’s Farm & Aromatics” in Chillicothe. He highlighted that modest startups can evolve into larger employers over time, underscoring the importance of early-stage assistance.
Since its founding, OhioSE has managed over 100 projects through JobsOhio-funded grant programs offering $25,000 to $50,000 to small businesses. Abbott also discussed the absence of a dedicated regional development body prior to OhioSE’s creation, which filled a critical gap in economic support infrastructure.
Kristina Clause, Senior Managing Director at JobsOhio, was among the featured speakers, alongside coordinators of the Ross County Strategic Plan. GCRCD director Tammy Eallonardo moderated the event and facilitated a symbolic gesture where Matt Day presented Susan Gearhart of GCRCD with a photograph printed on one of the final sheets produced by the mill.
Further details about the event and related developments can be found on the Scioto Post. Kevin Coleman, who covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio, reported on the gathering.
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Economic Report Good Even After Stress of Paper Mill Closure
Chillicothe & Ross County — The stress and then relief over the paper mill was the background to a positive outlook on economic development in an annual economic review. n nIn their “Celebration Breakfast,” Greater Chillicothe & Ross County, Ohio Development (GCRCD) hosted state, regional, and local experts on development at the Chillicothe Country Club on December 3rd, 2025. n nOne of the speakers was Matt Abbott, president and CEO of “OhioSE,” a regional economic development nonprofit for Southeast Ohio “to increase economic development activities and viability.” n nHe summarized the year’s efforts, and gave a regional perspective to compliment the presentation from the statewide nonprofit, JobsOhio. Abbott said he highlighted Ross County happenings – the challenges and rising opportunities. n nOhioSE was a partner in the ‘paper mill task force’ that spent six months wrangling with the closure of Pixelle Specialty Solutions. Abbott said OhioSE provided support and worked with the owner of the mill. n nAbbott also pointed out that OhioSE will help small businesses even when they can create only two jobs, such as “Maggie’s Farm & Aromatics” in Chillicothe. He said they support the many small companies here – and you never know when a company with 10 employees may turn into 100 in five years. n nAbbott pointed out that there was no regional economic development entity for Southeast Ohio, so they were started in 2011 to fill that niche. He said they had more than 100 projects in two years for the $25-50K small business grant programs from JobsOhio. n nHear Abbott in his own words in the below interview video. OhioSE has a website, and you can find Abbott’s Facebook post on the event. n nAnother lead presenter was Kristina Clause, Senior Managing Director of JobsOhio. Coordinators of the ongoing Ross County Strategic Plan also spoke. n nTammy Eallonardo, director of Greater Chillicothe & Ross County, Ohio Development, emceed – as well as hosted Matt Day, who gave a his photo of a mill worker printed on some of the last paper produced by the paper mill to Susan Gearhart of the GCRCD. Learn more about that in the related story. n nFind the article on the Scioto Post. n nKevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.