Author brings ideas about success to town
CEO to speak at OU-L on March 17

Jack Schultz, author of "Boomtown USA, 7 1/2 Keys to Big Town Success in Small Towns" will address leaders, residents and the business community at Ohio University-Lancaster on March 17.

Schultz is the CEO of Agracel Inc. an Effingham, Ill.-based industrial development firm specializing in "agurban markets," a Schultz-coined term for small towns in rural America with great opportunities for success with business, jobs and lifestyle.

This concept is viable and can be instrumental to communities in Fairfield County, including Lancaster, said Carol Mackey, community economic development agent with the Fairfield County Ohio State University Extension office.

"Mr. Schultz is a very good speaker and an experienced developer. His book is getting very high acclaims," Mackey said. "He provides a very strong, clear message that can be our blueprint for economic success."

Since its inception in 1986, Agracel's focus has been to facilitate new jobs in the high-tech and manufacturing sectors in small-town America.

The company has projects in eight states and has developed more than 4 million square feet of industrial space on long-term leases and several industrial, office and commercial parks.

"After his visit, we anticipate him identifying some strengths and weaknesses he will hear from community leaders as well as economic development leaders," Mackey said.

Mackey added that the leadership and resources in Fairfield County make this area prime territory for growth and big town success.

"We have strong leadership and people willing to work together to accomplish shared vision and goals," she said. "We have a very high quality of life that includes the arts, parks and schools -- all those things that attract business and industry."

The forum is open to the public, and a $5 donation is requested.

Registration is requested, but not required, Mackey said.

"We hope it's standing room only," she said. "This is a unique opportunity because his book was just published. This is his first book tour and he is speaking in Columbus, where it's going to cost $55 to attend. This is a good opportunity for little or no money to be spent to have a well sought after speaker."

There will be a book signing after the event.

The program is being sponsored by South Central Power Co. and U.S. 33 Works, a four-county marketing organization whose mission is to attract and expand business and industry within the U.S. 33 business corridor that links I-270 to I-77 through Fairfield, Hocking, Athens and Meigs counties.

Originally published Wednesday, March 10, 2004

By Tamaria L. Liddell
The Eagle-Gazette Staff