Our Organization & Mission

About Portage Development Board

The Portage Development Board (PDB) is a 501 (C)(3) private non-profit which consists of a Board of Directors (up to 37 members) and a 12-member Executive Committee. Our responsibilities include providing assistance to industrial realtors, builders, local industries and local communities in an effort to maintain and improve the economic base in Portage County.

What we do:

Build consensus between private and public sectors

Cultivate high-quality workforce

Group representation from across business, civic and education spectrum

PROVIDE Business community with legal and financial resources

Community Spotlight: Portage Development Board

by Portage County Safety Council | Episode 255: Brad Ehrhart, President of the Portage Development Board, shares about the economic development work they're doing and how they can help companies locate, stay & grow in Portage County!

Annual Reports

The Portage Development Board produces annual reports each year on a variety of topics. These reports are usually produced in response to developing opportunities which encourage retention, expansion, and attraction of business.

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Our mission statement

The Portage Development Board will create and retain jobs by coordinating economic development activities that encourage retention, expansion and attraction of businesses; assisting business and educational institutions in cultivating a qualified workforce; and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships with private and public sector collaborators that influence the quality of life and business.

Core Values

Collaboration

Committed to forming meaningful collaborations with regional and state economic development organizations to leverage and complement the unique capabilities of each.

Leadership

Provide the leadership to create an attractive environment for economic development.

Transformation

Lead economic transformation by providing innovative and focused economic development services.

Our Impact

Portage Development Board continues to have a major impact on the Portage County business scene, creating a climate where companies of all sizes can succeed. We’ve helped companies launch dozens of new projects, create or retain thousands of jobs and create or retain hundreds of millions of dollars in payroll. Our impact goes beyond numbers, but these stats help put our impact in focus.

Total Investment

$963,602,958

New & Retained Payroll

$540,237,648

Total Projects

119

New Locations

41

Jobs Retained

5,274

New Jobs Created

5,857

Who calls Portage County home?

See more businesses in Portage County.

Let's work together

Connect with us to discuss why Portage County is the place your company should do business.