VAN WERT, OH, April 27, 2022 – Van Wert Forward, the organization driving the $100 million downtown Van Wert revitalization, is pleased to announce the members of its inaugural Board of Directors. The Board is made up of five representatives who are involved in the project through various community engagements.
The first Board of Directors for Van Wert Forward includes Stacy Adam, Gary Clay, Troy Klingler, Charles Koch, and Taylor Ray Orsbon. Property Manager Hall Block shared his excitement for this Board, saying “Van Wert Forward’s Board of Directors has the opportunity to develop a dynamic change in our historic downtown. Their vision will be instrumental in determining how to fill the missing components of a healthy downtown business environment. As the project continues into Phase Two and further, these men and women will champion lasting transformational action.”
Stacy Adam is the Executive Director of the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation, a position she has held for more than five years. Stacy will bring an executive mindset to Van Wert Forward having originally retired from TruGreen LandCare as the East Division VP of Operations following 30 years with the company. She is excited about Van Wert Forward as the project will be a catalyst for business attraction in our downtown, and will provide affordable residential spaces for young professionals and families looking to invest in Van Wert. She also believes the scope and planned speed of Van Wert Forward construction is what sets the project apart from other regional developments.
Gary Clay serves Van Wert Federal Savings Bank as the Chairman of the Board. Gary is excited about Van Wert Forward because he is passionate to see the revival of buildings restored to their previous vibrant glory. The revival of a downtown business district in our community is also exciting and important to Gary. Gary additionally serves as a Van Wert County Foundation Trustee.
Troy Klingler is the Commercial Lines Pricing Manager for Central Insurance Companies and is joining the Van Wert Forward Board as a representative of Central. Troy is both honored and excited to be a board member for this unprecedented project and is thrilled to see how the downtown development will impact Van Wert’s regional standing.
Charles Koch is the Managing Partner of Koch White Law and the Chairman of The Van Wert County Foundation Board of Trustees. Charles is excited to be a part of the Board as Van Wert Forward transforms our reimagined community and quality of life. As a lifelong resident of Van Wert, Charles has been committed to the development of Van Wert County for many years. He has been involved in a multitude of civic organizations and is pleased to see the culmination of those efforts result in Van Wert Forward.
Taylor Ray Orsbon is the Senior Director of Brand and Marketing at Central Insurance Companies. She is excited to serve on the Board of Directors as Taylor believes Van Wert Forward will inspire how our community lives, works, and plays. Creating an impact that preserves our community’s history while also preparing the community for a sustainable future is important and energizing to her. Taylor is pleased to support Building Vibrancy downtown and leave a lasting, transformational impact.
Van Wert Forward is transforming quality of place by planning, developing, and sustaining the built environment in downtown Van Wert. For more information visit Van Wert Forward’s website vanwertforward.org, or contact the Director of Engagement and Outreach, Joel Germann, joel@vanwertforward.org.