The mission of the Monroe County Office of Economic Development & Tourism is to promote the location, growth, and development of businesses within the county by providing management, development and technical assistance for both new and existing businesses. 

In addition, a key element of economic development is the promotion and expansion of travel, tourism, and recreation within the county to take full advantage of Monroe County's incredible scenic beauty and abundant natural resources.

The Monroe County Office of Economic Development and the Monroe County Community Improvement Corporation were formed as public partnerships, whose missions are to direct and coordinate activities relating to economic development throughout Monroe County.

To provide a coordinated economic development program, based on:

• creating a pro-active business environment;
• providing tools and programs needed for business expansion and attraction; and
• building an aggressive marketing program on a state and national level.

In order to develop a pro-active business environment, it was important to expand and improve the delivery of services to all and act as a focal point for industry.

• Act as a one stop clearinghouse concerning site/building information, state financing vehicles, incentive programs, and export/import information. Inform industry through a quarterly newsletter of several potential opportunities (i.e., international trade, legislative issues).
• Provide accessibility to business resources, (i.e. trade shows, legislative items and environmental issues.)
• Facilitate efforts to provide solutions to issues affecting the business environment. With the help of two local revolving loan funds we offer small businesses gap financing vehicles in which to create new job opportunities.
• Work to lessen the difficulties which companies may face and provide information and guidance where appropriate. We monitor and assist those industries that may have potential problems and/or opportunities which may affect the local community.
• Identify new start-ups and entrepreneurs and look to provide financial assistance, demographics, site inventory and building information to any local industry or prospect.
• Facilitate efforts to provide solutions to issues affecting the business environment.

Second, was to provide existing and new industry with the tools and programs needed for business expansion and attraction.

• Established the Monroe County Enterprise Zone Program
• Monroe County CDBG Revolving Loan Program
• Monroe County Micro Enterprise Revolving Loan Program
• Construction of the Black Walnut Center multi-tenant facility
• Since 1988, developed and sold land for development in the Monroe County Commerce Park
• Sponsored or participated in educational seminars (generally for start-up businesses)
• Provided counseling to individuals starting or expanding a business
• Provided information on various state and federal financing instruments; and fostered a cooperative spirit on projects with other groups in the county (i.e., Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, Monroe County Jobs and Family Services, Monroe County Airport Board, Monroe Works and Ohio State Extension.)

Third, is to build an aggressive marketing program on a state and national level.