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Economic development director touts more than 1,000 job commitments and multiple local investments
Summary
Economic Development Director McCandless reported $16 million-plus capital projects, more than 1,000 job commitments in 2025 and several business incentives paid from the city's reimbursable grant program; he noted a large manufacturing jobs announcement (583 jobs) tied to a company referenced as Champion Windows and described ongoing use of CRA and tax-abatement tools.
Economic Development Director McCandless gave a detailed year-over-year review on Sept. 30, saying the city recorded a range of new investments, notable business openings and commitments for more than 1,000 jobs in 2025.
McCandless listed top capital projects, saying Sean Pan's hotel on Dallin Drive led the list at roughly $16,000,000. He named local expansions and new entrants including Princeton City Schools, UPS, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Vandalia Rental and others. He said withholding and income-tax withholdings increased year over year by about $1,000,000 for the period compared, and that the City's reimbursable business-assistance program has paid nearly $50,000 to date.
On employment, McCandless said the city saw more than 1,000 job commitments in 2025 and highlighted a large manufacturing announcement he associated with a company the remarks referred to as Champion Windows that included a commitment of 583 manufacturing jobs. McCandless also described Standard Arrow's planned 110,000-square-foot expansion and an employee projection of 300–425 workers over five years.
McCandless framed these items as outcomes of council-supported incentives and the city's CRA and tax-abatement programs, noting council-authorized job-creation incentive grants and an annual program that reimburses qualifying business investments. He said Rita's Italian Ice, Miss Jade Soul Food and other local businesses have received support and that some projects in the city were funded with Hamilton County support.
McCandless closed by thanking city staff and noting he intends to pursue an OEDA economic development credential; he invited questions and asked council to support continued coordination between departments.
What happens next: McCandless said he will report back on specific projects as they proceed and that certain projects may be eligible for tax abatement or other CRA incentives pending council review.
