When a new facility opens, economic developers expect there to be an impact on the community, and Ohio Patients’ Choice has surpassed our best expectations.
Construction of the state-of-the-art, highly secured medical marijuana cultivation facility is complete (for now). The company operates a 25,000sf cultivation facility and headquarters office on previously vacant land in the City of Huron with room to grow – The company has plans to expand up to 75,000sf depending on patient demand and regulatory approvals.
Construction of the current facility involved more than 120 local workers and over $8M in contracts with 19 local companies. Since completion, the startup has hired 35 employees just three months into their operations and growing season. And both figures are set to grow as the company adds a processing laboratory (pending licensure) and dispensary to their business.
OPC’s 35 new employees have been a mix of local talent as well as other Ohioans that have moved to the region for the lifestyle we offer and a commitment to the mission and work of Ohio Patients’ Choice. Human Resources Director, Jane Hann, notes “It’s important to remember that these are all good paying jobs with full benefits. As a part of our corporate social responsibility ethos, we are committed to paying all our team members a livable wage, which means starting wages for entry level employees are at a minimum of $17 per hour and they have room for growth into a solid career.” Once in full operation there will be more than 20 different roles in the organization. But employee impact on the community goes beyond economics. In 2019, the company is rolling out a “Community Giveback Program”. Each OPC team member will be given one paid day every month to do something meaningful in the community for those in need. Local partnerships welcome!
