City of Barberton

inSITE Advisory Group – 2024 Narrative Summary

inSITE Advisory Group played a central role in advancing economic development efforts for the City of Barberton, working closely with the Mayor, city leadership, and regional partners to strengthen relationships with local businesses, encourage expansion, and position the community for long-term growth.
A cornerstone of inSITE’s work was the coordination and implementation of the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Program. In 2024 alone, the team conducted 35 in-depth meetings with companies employing more than 1,200 individuals and representing approximately 1.6 million square feet of industrial and office space.

These efforts yielded meaningful results. Through the BRE program, inSITE identified 10 expansion opportunities with the potential to retain more than 200 jobs and create an additional 150 to 200 positions over the next five years. These projects could also activate approximately 250,000 square feet of currently vacant industrial space. Throughout this process, inSITE worked closely with business owners to explore all viable options, including properties not publicly listed, with a clear goal of keeping businesses rooted in Barberton. To support these efforts, the team coordinated site visits and served as a dedicated concierge, guiding companies through the site selection process.

inSITE maintained a strong presence in the City’s broader planning and development initiatives. The team participated in weekly internal economic development meetings and bi-monthly coordination sessions with local stakeholders, while also engaging with regional economic development organizations.
Additionally, inSITE supported the City by identifying and sharing state and federal funding opportunities for priority initiatives, including water infrastructure improvements, demolition efforts, and the development of a public arts plan. To further support the City’s economic development strategy, inSITE developed key marketing and planning materials, including an executive summary of Barberton’s economic ecosystem, a community development profile, and a library of high-quality images showcasing local assets.

Overall, inSITE Advisory Group’s work with the City of Barberton reflects a comprehensive and hands-on approach to economic development—one that combines strategic planning, direct business engagement, and strong partnership coordination to drive sustainable growth.