Dale Hileman Legacy Fund Announces 2021 Grantees
Three Organizations Receive Grant Awards Supporting
Economic Growth in Appalachian Ohio
Nelsonville, OH – The Dale Hileman Fund recently announced its 2021 grant awards which support three organizations working to promote economic growth in the region: the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, BRITE Energy Innovators, and Village of Chauncey. Dale Hileman was known for his deep commitment to economic development in Appalachian Ohio. With grant awards to support economic growth projects from the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund, that legacy will live on forever.
“We are delighted to continue honoring Dale’s legacy with grants that support the cause Dale was passionate about in the communities he devoted his life to,” said Jim Schoch, executive director of EODA. “Now more than ever, supporting economic development is incredibly important. We look forward to what these grants in Dale’s name will make possible for eastern Ohio.”
The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation in Tuscarawas County received funding to support the purchase of Icehouse curriculum and educational resources for 15 local entrepreneurs. This organization aims to promote economic development through job creation by supporting small, local businesses.
BRITE Energy Innovators received funding to provide outreach and technical assistance to local companies in Columbiana, Carroll, Belmont, Jefferson, and Harrison counties. Technical assistance will leverage the Energy Storage Startup project by connecting Ohio-based energy storage manufacturers and innovators to burgeoning opportunities in “Voltage Valley,” a reuse of the former Lordstown facility.
The Village of Chauncey in Athens County received funding to support the building and instillation of a message board connected to a Baileys Trail system trailhead to feature listings for businesses, lodging, emergency contacts, park rules, and event flyers. This newly constructed trail will be the largest continuous mountain bike trail east of the Mississippi. An information center will allow the Village of Chauncey to create visibility and economic support for local businesses.
Dale Hileman passed away in February 2015 after a lifetime of service to eastern Ohio. Mr. Hileman grew up in Columbiana County and worked for Columbia Gas of Ohio for 40 years, serving Carrollton, Jackson, and Cambridge in Appalachian Ohio. After his retirement, he remained committed to improving quality of life and steadfastly promoting his community of Cambridge in Guernsey County, where he shared his final years with his wife, Evelyn.
The Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA) made the initial $10,000 gift to establish the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) to recognize and honor Dale’s legacy. Columbia Gas of Ohio also made a $25,000 gift to the Fund to recognize Dale’s years of service to the organization and to the region.
The Dale Hileman Legacy Fund promotes economic development and growth, a cause that was close to Mr. Hileman’s heart. The Fund supports organizations working to promote economic growth within the 16 counties served by EODA, comprised of Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas, and Washington counties.
Gifts to the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund are tax deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, and life insurance. To mail your donation, please designate the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Gifts can also be made online at www.AppalachianOhio.org by selecting the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund when donating.
For more information about the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and ways you can honor the legacy of others making a difference in our region, please visit www.AppalachianOhio.org or call 740.753.1111.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org
