Grant to support sustainability innovation
Chef’s Garden, a farm practicing regenerative agriculture methods to deliver specialty products with optimum shelf life, quality, flavor and nutrition, has received a $50,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant. The grant will support the company’s sustainability efforts as they embark on a renewable energy project to become energy independent by incorporating wind, solar, and generator sources of electricity on the farm.
“The team at The Chef’s Garden is grateful for the support of Team NEO for their assistance with our renewable energy project here at the farm! We are excited to be working with you to grow our family farm and provide nutrient dense food, carbon neutral in the near future,” commented Co-Owner and CEO Bob Jones, Jr. “This is an exciting time for Ohio and Erie County. The continued efforts like these public/private collaborations are having positive impact for our entire community!”
The assistance from the aligned economic development community – including Greater Sandusky Partnership, JobsOhio and Team NEO – also helped Chef’s Garden’s decision to recommit to Erie County with the retention of 134 jobs and plans for 15 new positions.
“We appreciate the investment in our community from Chef’s Garden as they continue to innovate not only with what they grow but how they grow it,” said Director of Economic Development for Greater Sandusky Partnership Nico Samaniego. “The support from Team NEO and JobsOhio continues to allow Northeast Ohio to be a top destination for businesses to grow.”
In 2021 Chef’s Garden also received a grant to help expand its veggie-box delivery service. “Chef’s Garden is a true success story employing innovative technology to stay on the leading edge in the food science and agriculture business,” noted Team NEO Chief Executive Bill Koehler. “Along with our local partners and JobsOhio, we are committed to supporting this woman-owned business. Chef’s Garden is an excellent example showing how food businesses thrive in Northeast Ohio, leveraging resources like our 14 million acres of farmland and close proximity (within 500 miles) to 50% of the U.S. population.
About Chef’s Garden
The Chef’s Garden has been delivering specialty products with optimum shelf life, quality, flavor and nutrition direct from the farm to the world’s most discriminating chefs for over 30 years. Under the guidance of Lee Jones, and Bob Jones, Jr. – who follow in the footsteps of their father, Bob Jones, Sr., – The Chef’s Garden employs traditional regenerative farming methods combined with innovative technology to stay on the leading edge of the produce business.
About Greater Sandusky Partnership
The Greater Sandusky Partnership is the result of the integration of Erie County Economic Development Corporation and Erie County Chamber of Commerce. As a comprehensive economic development organization led by businesses in the Sandusky Bay region, the partnership’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and economic vibrancy of the region through business retention, attraction and expansion, workforce development, entrepreneurship support, place-based initiatives, and advocacy work.
About Team NEO
Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that ignites economic vibrancy, fosters sustainable growth, and champions equitable prosperity. As a designated JobsOhio Network Partner, we collaborate across all 14 counties in the Northeast Ohio Region to create strategies to attract and retain companies, drive innovation, cultivate a skilled workforce, advance market-ready sites, and promote and engage the region. To learn how Team NEO helps make Northeast Ohio more competitive, visit northeastohioregion.com.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage.