May 21, 2000

Focht led maturing of SIEDC endeavor

As Rich Focht leaves the helm of the industrial development effort in Tiffin and Seneca County, there has been reflection on the accomplishments during his 10 years.

And the numbers speak for themselves, from dollars invested to jobs attracted or retained to local payroll added.

And the community daily sees the benefits &emdash; esthetic and economic &emdash; from the revival of the Shawhan.

But Focht's most important legacy may not be so visible or easy to count.

It's this. He oversaw the coming of age of the development effort.

He wasn't its first president. But during his years the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corp. grew from an endeavor citizens and leaders hoped would succeed to one they expected to succeed.

He leaves behind an organization that will be ready for a new leader to take forward into the 21st century.

Focht, who will continue to call Tiffin home, is swapping local challenges for regional ones with the Regional Growth Partnership in Toledo.

We wish him well.