New director named for Norwalk corp.

NORWALK — The Norwalk Economic Development Corp. recently announced its new leader. Effective July 26, Sarah Ross becomes the executive director. Ross comes from the Erie County Economic Development Corp., serving as its program director for the past three years. She has extensive experience both in the private sector and, more recently, in leading economic development programs. Ross' notable accomplishments with Erie County's corporation include: • Playing a key role in the attraction of Ardagh Group to Huron, a $400 million-plus project, which will create 200-plus new jobs • Leading the entrepreneur support program, known as the Regional Incubator for Sustainable and Entrepreneurship, which the Norwalk corporation partners with, to bolster local economic activity • Doubling its client base • Helping to facilitate the development of Firelands Forward, a regional workforce collaboration Ross' communication skills, work with minority-owned and small businesses along with her involvement with local education initiatives aim to strengthen Norwalk's corporation's core programs and improve economic development coordination throughout Huron County. "I'm confident Sarah will lead (the Norwalk corporation) as a skilled and highly motivated director that expertly manages the change required to sustain and improve economic development in Norwalk," Norwalk corporation president John Lendrum said. With these attributes, Norwalk's team believes Ross can lead its corporation to identify and capitalize on opportunities in hopes of improving the area's business base. "I'm excited to join (the Norwalk corporation) to build off the great work that's been done to support private industry, job creation, wealth generation and growth for the Norwalk community," Ross said. "My experience within our regional economic development system combined with (the Norwalk corporation's) forward-thinking and collaborative attitude will be a recipe for success in Norwalk." Ross — who replaces Heather Horowitz, previously resigning from the post — will lead Norwalk's corporation as an organization with more than 55 investors that operates from the Development Center, 12 Benedict Ave., Norwalk. The five strategic priorities of Norwalk's corporation are being a resource connector, workforce conduit, industry supporter, business advocate and regional partner.