The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Gerker named to head Delphos ED entity

VW independent/submitted information

DELPHOS — Sue Gerker has been appointed director of the newly-formed Delphos Area Economic Growth Partnership.

“There is incredible momentum in Delphos right now and I am confident that Sue will be able to hit the ground running, including working with stakeholders in all sectors of the planning and economic development community,” said Cindy Metzger, one of the founders of the DAEGP. “Sue has the kind of experience, knowledge, skills and abilities we need to help grow the Delphos area.”

Sue Gerker
Sue Gerker

Gerker has been a project manager for the Van Wert County Economic Development office since December, and has been assisting with the county’s revolving loan fund and meeting with local business and government officials to learn more about the tools available to assist employers. The Delphos native has served on various community boards, including the Delphos Chamber of Commerce.

“Among the city’s best assets are the community leaders dedicated to making Delphos a great place to work and live,” Gerker said. “A group of individuals united several months ago because of their belief in the city and the result is the Delphos Area Economic Growth Partnership.

“I am humbled they have asked me to direct the group,” she added. “Together, we will work to bring some success stories to our area.”

The DAEGP is another variable in the economic and community development equation, along with the Delphos Community Improvement Corporation, Chamber of Commerce, city leaders and officials from Van Wert and Allen counties.

“Delphos is home to many quality employers because of the dedicated and available workforce,” Gerker noted. “The DAEGP will work with all entities to ensure current employers have what they need to prosper as well as prepare for future development.”
Any individual or business wanting to participate in the DAEGP may contact Gerker at choosedelphos@gmail.com.

According to Van Wert County Economic Development Director Sarah Smith, Gerker’s new position is more of a title change, rather than a change in her duties.

“It actually ties perfectly into the the commissioners’ intent for our connection with Delphos,” Smith said. “It makes her Delphos point person, which is what Delphos needed.”

Commissioner Todd Wolfrum agreed, noting that Delphos currently provides $3,500 to help fund Gerker’s position, which he said would continue to evolve over time.

“Delphos is part of the county and we’d like to get them more involved in the whole county experience,” Wolfrum said of the reason for Gerker’s new title and added responsibilities, and added that he hopes Gerker can help facilitate a closer relationship between Van Wert and Allen county economic development entities.

POSTED: 03/27/15 at 7:24 am. FILED UNDER: News