“When I ran for mayor, we wanted to change the perception of East Liverpool from what everybody thought of it over the years, the decline of it,” Smith said. “We are doing so much better, and this shows it right here.”

Smith then went on to tell the audience that there were several special guests joining him including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine; J.P. Nauseef, president and CEO, JobsOhio; state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel; Chuck Bailey, founder and president, True North LLC; and Craig Cozza, CEO, Cozza Enterprises.

Also in attendance were state Sen. Al Cutrona; Scott Shepherd, project architect, Thompson Building; and former mayor Greg Bricker.

Smith said the group was there to share the details of two important projects — the transformative redevelopment of the Thompson Building and the BOSS Building — and that these projects would transform the city’s historic downtown.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stops during his walk about downtown East Liverpool for a photo with Mayor Bobby Smith. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

DeWine said it was great to be in East Liverpool, a community with great history, and communities like East Liverpool are important to the future of the State of Ohio.

“What we are seeing today with these announcements is that East Liverpool downtown has a great great future,” DeWine said. He also noted that the announcements that were about to be made came about from a conviction that the downtowns in some of the historic communities like East Liverpool with a little help from the state and a lot of help from local communities and a lot of drive could restore downtowns.

He then announced that through a $4.2 million public and private partnership that the State of Ohio is partnering with East Liverpool to support the renovations of the two buildings that are central to downtown East Liverpool.

JobsOhio’s Vibrandt Community Grant is providing $600,000 and more than $627,000 in tax credits from the Ohio Department of Development.

“We are excited to help restore the Thompson Building to its original grandeur,” DeWine said. “This renovation would not be happening without local and private investment, as well. He went on to thank Smith, Bricker, the county commissioners, CIC Executive Director Bill Cowan, CIC President Pat Scafide, Team NEO and the many others who have had a role in gathering the funding for the restorations.

During his visit to East Liverpool Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stopped at the Cadence Vault and Gastro Pub during a walking tour downtown to see some of the businesses. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

DeWine noted that the renovation of the Thompson Building was just the beginning of East Liverpool’s resurgence and the BOSS Building, once the home of JC Penney, would soon be the home and corporate offices of True North LLC, which is relocating from Chester, West Virginia.

“True North is coming across the river and is going to be located right here and is going to expand right here and bring 80 jobs to East Liverpool,” DeWine said. “That includes 55 existing jobs and 25 new jobs as well.”

DeWine told Bailey that he wanted to personally thank him for putting his money in East Liverpool and was very grateful to him. He also noted that True North would continue to house the Buckeye Online School for Success in the building until the school could move to their new home which would be in the Thompson Building.

The BOSS Building, now known as True North, will undergo significant renovation with support from the state, Dewine said. He then announced that JobsOhio is contributing $700,000 from the Vibrandt Communities Program to revive the building. BOSS will be the anchor tenant in the building. The move will preserve 30 jobs and create at least 13 new positions.

“So, for both buildings the total investment from JobsOhio Vibrant Community Program is $1.3 million going into East Liverpool,” DeWine said. “I told the mayor I’m anxious to come back when these two buildings are rehabbed and are moving forward.”

Developer Craig Cozza, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Thompson Building Project Architect Scott Shepherd look at the Thompson Building during DeWine’s visit to East Liverpool to announce a $1.2 million investment for building renovations. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

According to DeWine, the two projects are perfect illustrations of what the Vibrandt Communities grants were really designed to do and to grant awards like the ones announced for East Liverpool testify to the success of the program which directs government community funding to important projects that they believe will serve as a catalyst for future restoration and growth.

Nauseef also said that it is a big day for East Liverpool. He noted that there were 25 more projects like the ones in East Liverpool taking place in communities all around Ohio and 20 more in the pipeline.

“The Vibrandt Communities Program is designed to give Ohio’s communities the resources they need to spark revitalization, and East Liverpool is a shining example of its potential and by investing in these projects we are laying the groundwork for long-term economic success, creating jobs and ensuring East Liverpool’s best days are still ahead,” Nauseef said. “This is really the beginning of a renaissance and resurgence.”

Blasdel said that East Liverpool is a place she cares deeply about and that the investments weren’t just about jobs but putting feet in the street and reigniting the energy of the community.

She also said that the True North Project represents a forward-thinking development which will draw more people and businesses back to downtown.

Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine stops to chat with Mandy Jones, part of the management team for Cadence Vault and Gastro Pub, during his walk about downtown East Liverpool. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Blasdel had an official commendation from the State House which she said she would present to Bailey.

Cutrona said the investments were incredible, noting that it wasn’t jobs but careers they were bringing to the community which would provide the opportunity to keep the children in the community.

“Ohio is open for business, Columbiana County is open for business and East Liverpool is open for business,” Cutrona said. “This is a team effort, and this is how we get things done — working together. I’m so excited not just today but for the future to come. Trust me when I say this, mark my words. This is just the beginning. We will have so much more.”

Bailey was greeted with a huge round of applause when he told the audience that he was told six months ago this wasn’t possible and announced, “Welcome to our new home.”

“We celebrate today, not just the future of True North, but the future of East Liverpool, as well,” Bailey said. “When we first began searching for a place to call home for our new headquarters, we knew it had to be a city with heart, character and a strong community spirit. East Liverpool checked every box for us. This city once the pottery capital of the nation is a rich legacy and a resilient community making it the perfect place for True North to plant its roots and more importantly grow.”

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stops to talk to East Liverpool Firefighter/Paramedic Michael DuBray during a walk through downtown when he visited East Liverpool on Wednesday. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

He also said the journey has been one of unwavering belief in what East Liverpool can once again become.

He expressed his gratitude toward Smith and Bricker and noted that True North is made up of local talent who is personally invested in the success of the project and believe in East Liverpool.

Cozza said that as a developer he has always believed in the power of building community through revitalizing historic buildings.

“The Thompson Building project is about honoring the past while creating new opportunities for the future,” Cozza said. “With the right mix of vision, investment, and community spirit, East Liverpool can become a model for how small towns can make big comebacks.”

Shepherd said that the investments and the building renovations are a great example of what happens when everyone comes together. He also said that so many times he has heard the Thompson Building was just a building, but he counters that the building is special. He believes that the restoration of the Thompson Building has led to others wanting to invest downtown.

“The phrase ‘it’s just a building’ fails to recognize how important buildings like the Thompson Block are to a community,” Shepherd said. “They’re what makes a community different and have character. An amazing thing happened in the community. The community realized once these historic buildings are lost, they are difficult to replace.”

Shepherd told the audience that the Thompson project was not the last project in East Liverpool and that it was only the beginning for future projects, higher standards and working together.

Smith said he feels they are reaching their goal of not just becoming a thriving community again but a destination city. He is hoping next will be the buildings on Fourth Street and development of the East End when the Route 39 project is completed. He is also hopeful to develop the Point of Beginning with a visitor’s center and incorporate that with a bike trail. He noted there is a lot of exciting things happening in the city.

Safety Service Director Bill Jones said it was very exciting to see the events of the morning and the amount of important people who can out for the event. The support so many of them has offered has been tremendous, Jones said. He also noted that he can’t thank Bailey enough for taking an interest in East Liverpool.

“It’s a great town, it’s seen its hard times,” Jones said. “It’s seen people try to beat it down, but there has always been a group of people who do not let them beat it down. The ELCPR, The Beautification Society, East Liverpool Calcutta Garden Club, the work they are doing in town is just tremendous and we can’t thank everybody enough for helping bring us back.”

“This is East Liverpool, and we continue looking forward,” Shepherd said.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks to an audience on Fifth Street in downtown East Liverpool to announce the state’s investment of $1.2 million for the revitalization of downtown. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

State Sen. Al Cutrona speaks to an audience of city, council, and state officials, community members and business owners during Gov. Mike DeWine’s visit to East Liverpool to announce funding for building renovations. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Chuck Bailey, founder and president of True North, points to the BOSS Building now known at True North LLC and tells the audience gathered near the building that “This is our home.” True North LLC will be relocating from Chester, West Virginia, to the building once renovations are completed. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (center) poses with, from left, Chuck Bailey, founder and president, True North LLC; Kiley May; Troy Chisom, Kevin Kerr and Mandy Jones, all management staff at Cadence Vault and Gastro Pub, during his visit and walking tour of downtown East Liverpool. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Developer Craig Cozza, CEO, Cozza Enterprises, speaks on the importance of revitalization and historic buildings in East Liverpool during Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s visit. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Nauseef, president and CEO, JobsOhio, speaks on the JobsOhio Vibrandt Communities Program and the importance of revitalizing small downtowns like the one in East Liverpool during Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s visit to announce a $700,000 investment in East Liverpool from the Vibrandt Communities Program. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

State Rep. Monica Blasdel applauds as she addresses an audience gathered on Fifth Street in downtown East Liverpool regarding Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s announcement of the state investing funds to help revitalize the city. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

A $700,000 check to True North from JobsOhio for renovations on the BOSS Building now known as True North LLC is on display during Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s visit to East Liverpool to announce the investment. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

East Liverpool Mayor Bobby Smith speaks to an audience of city, council, and state officials, community members and business owners during Gov. Mike DeWine’s visit to East Liverpool to announce funding for building renovations. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine holds a ceramic mug presented to him by the East Liverpool Beautification Society during his visit to East Liverpool. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)