2025 Archived News
ZMCPA Awarded $800,000 Rail Rehabilitation & Expansion Grant
Ohio Rail Development Commission Recognizes Eastpointe Business Park Project
The Transload Facility Track Expansion Project at Eastpointe Business Park in Zanesville, Ohio, will preserve and enhance existing rail lines and corridors, as well as provide rail access to retain existing businesses and attract new
businesses to Muskingum County.
This project will add two new transload tracks, relocate and resurface an existing track, and improve drainage and access to each track. The objective of this project is to expand transload capacity and improve rail infrastructure at Eastpointe Business Park to support growing industrial demand and enable continued economic development in Muskingum County.
The Zanesville Muskingum County Port Authority owns the Eastpointe Rail Transload Station. It is currently operating at full capacity, supporting three companies. The expansion will allow the station to double its capacity.
Executive Director Eric Reed Finalist for OEDA Rookie of the Year
Recognizing Eric Reed, Executive Director of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority (ZMCPA), as a finalist for Rookie of the Year!
A lifelong Muskingum County resident, Eric’s leadership has brought fresh energy and strategic direction to regional development efforts. With a background in infrastructure, project management, and public administration, he’s advancing initiatives that strengthen local industry, enhance workforce development, and foster collaboration across Eastern Ohio.
Eric’s commitment to his community, paired with his forward-thinking leadership, is helping Zanesville and Muskingum County grow stronger every day.
👏 Congratulations to Eric and the ZMCPA team for their outstanding work driving progress and opportunity in Southeast Ohio!
COMING SOON - Genesis Eastpointe Health Center
The Genesis Eastpointe Health Center will be situated within the Eastpointe Business Park, offering a convenient option for employees and their family members. Follow the Port Authority or Genesis Healthcare System for updates!
Port Authority Receives L.E.A.P Grant from AEP Ohio
The AEP Ohio Economic Development Local Economic Advancement Program (LEAP) Grant provides financial support for economic development projects that promote the creation and
retention of manufacturing investments and jobs throughout the AEP Ohio service area. These projects must involve collaboration among multiple stakeholders and deliver benefits to a specific area or region.
The ZMCPA, in partnership with the Zanesville Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce, Muskingum County Convention & Facilities Authority, and the Zanesville Muskingum County Visitor’s Bureau,was awarded $5,000.00 to create a local video series. Photographer Chad Kettlewell has been contracted to bring our community to life for prospective site selectors. We will share the finished product on our websites, in newsletters, and on social media.
STAY TUNED!!!!
Port Authority Awarded $20.7M Grant
Port Authority Accepting Bids for Eastpointe Business Park Transload Facility Track Expansion Project.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids will be received at the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority, at 205 North Street, Zanesville, Ohio, 43701, until September 11th, 2025, at 1:00 PM, and will be opened immediately thereafter for the Eastpointe Business Park Transload Facility Track Expansion Project.
Bids will be accepted for All Trades Combined Bid, materials, and installation.
Each bidder is required to furnish with its bid, a Bid Guaranty in accordance with section 153.54 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Complete specifications, including bid documents may be obtained from: EMH&T Engineers, Surveyors, Planners, Scientists, 5500 New Albany Road, Columbus, OH, Phone:(614) 775-4367; E-mail: John Hilborn at jhilborn@emht.com
There will be a pre-bid meeting held at the Owner’s facility at 10:00 am EST on August 19, 2025. Attendees will meet in the stone area between Gene Sands Drive and Track 1 (Approximate location: 39°58’50.3″N 81°56’56.1″W). This meeting is intended to provide Bidder with an open forum in which to discuss the project and further his or her understanding of the project, and it will be held as long as necessary to answer all bidders questions regarding this request for bids. Bidder shall wear Personal Protective Equipment to the pre-bid meeting including ankle-high steel-toed work boots, hard hat, safety glasses, and high visibility reflective vest or clothing.
The Purchaser will conduct a site visit to acquaint the Contractor with the existing site conditions and the potential effects upon the work scope. The pre-bid conference is not intended to supplement or replace the information contained in the Bid Documents. Failure to attend the meeting and visit the site may withdraw the Contractor from consideration. It shall be understood that omissions from the bid due to failure of the bidder to fully acquaint himself with the site conditions and the requirements of the Bid Documents will not entitle the bidder to additional consideration or compensation if awarded the project.
Technical questions regarding the project must be submitted in writing via email to the same individuals listed herein. Questions will be answered in the form of an addendum distributed to all bidders. Oral explanations or interpretations given before the award of the contract will not be binding.
The Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any or all bids.
BY ORDER OF THE
Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority:
Eric Reed, Executive Director
Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority
205 North 5th Street
Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio 43701
___________________________________________________________
Prepared by:
Prosecuting Attorney
Muskingum County, Ohio
Sterling Teal International Inc. Announces Expansion in Zanesville
Sterling Teal International Inc., in collaboration with the Zanesville Muskingum County Port Authority, JobsOhio, an Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) today announced its expansion into Muskingum County, creating 30 new jobs.
Sterling Teal International was formed in 2013 through the merger of Sterling Teal Corporation and Keystone Scent Company. Sterling has been producing high-quality automotive air fresheners since 1993, offering both traditional and designer-type scents. Keystone, known for its K29 ScentStone line since 1949, has long led the market with its unique porous ceramic technology, recognized for lasting longer than competitors. That same trusted technology now powers the new VentStone line, quickly gaining traction in the car vent category.
“Sterling Teal is excited about this next phase of our company’s growth. Partnering with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), and the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority has been a positive experience, and we appreciate their financial support,” said John Walsh, CEO of Sterling Teal International. “It has given us the confidence to make a large investment in the Zanesville operation to support the ongoing growth of our manufacturing business. Expanding the manufacturing base in Central Ohio is part of our core mission. We hope to have a positive impact on the local economy and the lives of our employees.”
The company currently has a facility in nearby Perry County. Due to rapid growth over the past three years, Sterling Teal is expanding into the former Cardinal Health facility in Zanesville. The move will allow the company to compete for new contracts and accommodate future growth.
“We are pleased to be a part of the growth of Sterling Teal International as the company expands into Muskingum County,” said Matt Abbott, OhioSE President and CEO. “Advanced Manufacturing is at the core of many operations in the OhioSE region and we welcome this new investment.”
JobsOhio is supporting the expansion with a $75,000 JobsOhio Revitalization Grant. The JobsOhio Revitalization Program offers loans and grants to bridge the financial gap between the appealing cost of brownfield sites and the cost of site redevelopment. This program mitigates financial risk and accelerates projects, returning land and buildings to productive use more efficiently.
“Sterling Teal’s investment in state-of-the-art equipment and the creation of 30 new jobs is fabulous news for Muskingum County,” said Eric Reed, Executive Director of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority. “This expansion shows confidence in our workforce and a commitment to the community. We are grateful for the continued partnership with OhioSE, JobsOhio and other partners who assist our agency in creating a thriving business climate in Muskingum County.”
