City part of winning team to bring GreenField here

The Fourth Annual Team NEO Economic Development "Plus" Awards were announced at an event Wednesday night at Akron's John S. Knight Center.

The city of Oberlin, Team Lorain County, the city of North Ridgeville, and the Lorain County Growth Partnership won the award in the Business Attraction category for collaboration in attracting GreenField Solar Corp to Lorain County.

The world headquarters and laboratory for GreenField Solar is located in Oberlin's industrial park.

"The event celebrates the 'wins' in Northeast Ohio," Tom Waltermire, Team NEO's chief executive, said in a statement. "(These are) projects that are helping to diversify and advance our economy."

Oberlin city council vice president Sharon Soucy and city manager Eric Norenberg were in Akron to receive the award along with the co-recipients and GreenField Solar representatives.

"The award recognizes our city's cooperation and collaboration with other agencies in the county for this particular project," Norenberg said. "However, it is important to know that this work doesn't end after one 'win' or after an award. Our staff and regional partners persist in following leads, nurturing relationships and trying new ideas to strengthen our local and regional economy. "

In the last 12 months, more than a half dozen new businesses have opened in Oberlin.