Port Authority News & Press Releases

The Clinton County Career Exploration Fair is an interactive event open to high school students from districts throughout Clinton County and the surrounding region. The Fair provides hands-on experiences for students that create awareness of career opportunities right here in Clinton County.

By generating exciting in your industry with today's students, you're creating a talent pipeline so that when those students enter the workforce, they already have an interest in the industry and an understanding of what it takes to work for you!

Registration fees are based on the number of employees:

• $50 for businesses with 1 to 99 employees
• $150 for businesses with 100 to 499 employees
• $250 for businesses with more than 500 employees

Registration is available online. The registration deadline is Friday, September 26. Full event details will be shared upon registration.

Questions? Email Dessie Rogers or call (937) 382-2737

The Clinton County Port Authority is seeking information from developers, investors, historic preservation consultants, and local residents regarding the future use and redevelopment of the historic Masonic Building, located at 28 West Main Street in Wilmington.

While the goal of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit information, capabilities, and redevelopment strategies from qualified firms and individuals that may be interested in responding to a future Request for Proposals, no formal qualifications are required to respond to this RFI.

“At this stage, creative thinking, community orientation, and feasibility are just as valued as technical expertise,” said Alex Beres, Executive Director of the Clinton County Port Authority. “A project like the Masonic Building will need tremendous partnership and strategic capital to become fully redeveloped, and because of that we want to hear from community members as well as interested individuals, prospective tenants, and investors.”

The Masonic Building, dedicated in 1913 for use by Masonic Lodge No. 52, has seen many changes in its history. Designed by Frank Packard and constructed for $40,000 ($1.2 million in 2025 dollars), the 21, 480 square foot building quickly became a hub for economic activity. Centrally located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, the building has been home to retail, restaurant, office, and art studio space. The Port Authority, through its DRIVE I, LLC subsidiary, acquired the building in October 2023. Additional information about the Wilmington DRIVE program can be found at https://www.chooseclintoncountyoh.org/doing-business/wilmington-drive. 

Experienced developers, investors, firms, and historic preservation consultants interested in submitting information can find the full RFI at https://bit.ly/28WMainRFILongForm. Local residents, investors, and businesses interested in submitting information, ideas, and interest can do so by completing the form at https://bit.ly/28WMainRFI or by emailing DRIVE.Wilmington.OH@gmail.com. RFI responses are due August 22, 2025.

Experienced developers, investors, firms, and historic preservation consultants interested in a site visit can schedule a walkthrough on August 1 or August 8, 2025, by contacting Tom Perry with CDC of Ohio at thomasjperry@att.net. An additional walkthrough for the general public will be held at 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon to 1 p.m. on August 15, 2025. 

“Our hope is that the information we receive in response to this RFI will better inform the next steps and identify potential partners for the Masonic Building,” Beres added.

The City of Wilmington, in collaboration with the Clinton County Port Authority (Port Authority), has been awarded an additional $175,000 in funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Jobs & Commerce Economic Development Grant Program to support Phase III of the Davids Drive reconstruction project.

This most recent grant award builds upon ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize this critical industrial corridor that serves several major employers and manufacturers in both the City of Wilmington and Union Township. 

“Davids Drive is an important industrial corridor and connector for Wilmington,” said Wilmington Mayor Pat Haley. “This additional funding allows us to continue enhancing the infrastructure that supports our growing business community. I express my appreciation to the Port Authority for their ongoing partnership with my administration on the City’s initiatives.”

As part of the successful grant application, the Port Authority coordinated with the City of Wilmington and private employers along Davids Drive to document the number of jobs positively impacted by the roadway improvements. A recent and substantial private investment from Alkermes, despite the firm not being within the City’s boundaries, was a key component in demonstrating the project’s economic return and securing the award. The Jobs & Commerce Program exists to support infrastructure improvements that directly enhance job creation and private investment.

“This grant is another example of how we are working diligently to reduce the burden on local taxpayers by leveraging external resources,” said Wilmington City Auditor Mary Kay Vance. “Every dollar we secure from the state helps us stretch our local dollars further.”

The funding will support Phase III of the Davids Drive project, which will continue eastward improvements from Fife Avenue to Rombach Avenue. The enhancements will include full-depth pavement reconstruction, lane widening, drainage improvements, and upgraded traffic signage—continuing the transformation of the corridor into a more functional, safer, and business-ready roadway.

“The Port Authority’s mission is to serve as a vehicle for economic development and investment into Clinton County,” said Clinton County Port Authority Executive Director Alex Beres. “Public and private investment can, sometimes with the right nudge, compound and become a virtuous cycle, where private investment lures public investment, which then incentivizes additional private investment.”

To date, the Clinton County Port Authority has assisted in securing $1.575 million in total funding to support the multi-phase reconstruction of Davids Drive—an investment that strengthens the region’s logistics, manufacturing, and life sciences sectors.

The Clinton County Port Authority (CCPA) and the Ohio Air National Guard (OHANG) are proud to announce a historic joint exercise, "Live in '25," marking the first time in OHANG history that all four wings will collaborate for an exercise at a non-military installation.

Wilmington Air Park, a regional hub of cargo flights and MRO operations in Southwest Ohio, is set to host this important OHANG readiness exercise from May 1 through May 6, 2025, emulating the kind of environment where American units might need to operate in a potential future conflict.

Col. Curtis Voltz, Commander of the 180th Fighter Wing, attended a recent Port Authority Board meeting and shared, “During the Live in ‘25 event, the Ohio Air National Guard will complete their operations simultaneously with other ongoing airport operations. This Agile Combat Exercise opportunity will enhance the training the units complete throughout the year.”

"This exercise represents more than just a training opportunity," said Pat Haley, Mayor of Wilmington. "It's a testament to our community's heritage and our continued support of our military personnel. By opening our community to military training, we're not just supporting national defense, but creating new
economic opportunities for our region."

Clinton County Commissioner Mike McCarty emphasized the broader regional impact: "Military operations have always been crucial to our county's economic and strategic landscape. These partnerships showcase how local infrastructure can play a pivotal role in supporting national security while driving economic growth."

Walt Rowsey, Chairman of the Clinton County Port Authority, highlighted the strategic vision behind the partnership: "Our goal has always been to maximize the potential of the Wilmington Air Park. By attracting diverse operations – from cargo logistics to military training – we're ensuring the long-term productivity and relevance of this critical asset for Ohio."

"We're honored to play a role in supporting the OHANG's national defense mission," said T. Alex Beres, Executive Director of the Clinton County Port Authority and the Air Park. "Our team has been working closely with OHANG leadership over the last year to set up this event for success and create the best quality environment for these pilots and crews.”

"Wilmington Air Park began its life as a military airbase so supporting military aircraft is in our DNA," Beres said. "When Ohio Air National Guard units land, conduct hot pit refueling, take off and do their other operations in this exercise, we'll support them with the same world-class facilities and assets that make us one of the busiest cargo-focused and industrial airports in the country. Our state is on the forefront of a new wave of innovative defense related activities, and this is just another great effort to do what we can to support our Nation’s military readiness and show that it can be done right here in Ohio, by Ohioans."

For Kirby Tolliver, a local resident and former Clinton County Air Force Base worker, the exercise carries deep personal significance. "Seeing military activity return to Wilmington after 54 years is incredibly emotional. When Clinton County AFB closed in 1971, it left a void in our community. I not only served at the base, but I grew up watching the guard practice parachuting exercises during their summer camps. This exercise proves that Wilmington remains a vital strategic location for military operations."

"When I returned to Wilmington in 1960, I was searching for work," reflected Bob Baker, another local resident who served at the former base. "Finding a position with the 160th Air Refueling Group wasn't just employment—it was a blessing. The heartbreak was palpable in 1971 when we learned the 160th was being transferred to Lockbourne AFB. Our community bent but never broke. Now, seeing the Guard's return after all these years, it’s a homecoming."

The "Live in '25" exercise will showcase the versatility of the Wilmington Air Park, which has already established itself as Ohio's highest volume cargo airport and a key economic driver for the region.

About the Clinton County Port Authority

The Clinton County Port Authority is a special purpose government formed to operate transportation infrastructure and lead economic development efforts. Designated by Clinton County, the City of Wilmington, and the CIC of Wilmington as the lead Economic Development agency for the County, it coordinates with the Dayton Development Coalition and JobsOhio to attract jobs to, and retain jobs in, the area. It has been voted a Best Workplace for the last five years. The Port Authority owns and operates the Wilmington Air Park, an integrated aviation and logistics business park located on 1,900 acres with nearly three million square feet of industrial, office and hangar space. It is the highest volume cargo airport in Ohio and ranked 23rd in the United States and was named Best Airport in Ohio in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Learn more at www.ChooseClintonCountyOH.org and www.WilmingtonAirPark.com.

Media Contact: Beth Huber – BHuber@CCPortAuthority.com; 937-655-7040

The Clinton County Port Authority Board and Staff extend its congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Klus on her acceptance of the Director of Economic Development position for the City of Dublin, Ohio.  

“We wholeheartedly wish her the best on this next step in her career,” said Walt Rowsey, Chair of the Clinton County Port Authority Board. “She has been a great help in growing our county-wide Economic Development Program, and her influence on it will be missed.”

Ms. Klus will begin with the City of Dublin later this month, continuing her long career in Economic Development. She started with the Port Authority in January of 2020 and has been involved in several projects including county-wide COVID communication and small business grant efforts, a county-wide Housing Study, the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative initiative, and the recent Polaris, Inc. expansion.  Of particular note, Ms. Klus initiated efforts to bring SBDC services to Clinton County, which have been widely utilized.

“I have enjoyed the work and environment here,” said Klus, “and greatly enjoyed working with Port Authority Staff and Board. This is wonderful opportunity for me professionally and will allow me to continue to do Economic Development on a larger scale.”

“Jennifer is a consummate professional, an exceptional colleague, and driver of economic development activity. She has had a significant impact on our organization and community, and her shoes will be hard to fill,” offered Dan Evers, Executive Director of the Clinton County Port Authority.

 The countywide collaboration will continue with the current Port Authority Staff as an evaluation is made for next steps. Economic Development questions, projects and concerns should be directed to Daniel Evers, Executive Director for the Clinton County Port Authority.

About the Clinton County Port Authority

The Clinton County Port Authority is a special purpose government formed to operate transportation infrastructure and lead economic development efforts. Designated by the County, City of Wilmington, and the Wilmington CIC as the lead Economic Development agency for the County, it coordinates with the Dayton Development Coalition and JobsOhio to attract jobs to the area. It twice has been recognized as a Best Workplace. The Port Authority owns and operates the Wilmington Air Park, an integrated aviation and logistics business park located on 1,900 acres with nearly three million square feet of industrial, office, and hangar space. It is the highest volume cargo airport in Ohio and ranked 25th in the U.S. It was named Best Airport in Ohio in 2020 and 2021. Learn more at www.ChooseClintonCountyOH.org, and www.WilmintonAirPark.com.

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