The Village of Gibsonburg and the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) are proud to announce the upcoming re-establishment of a local pharmacy at 241 W. Madison St. This project, which addresses a critical healthcare gap in the community, is made possible through a partnership with local investor and pharmacy owner Kelsey Echelbarger and is supported by a $192,200 Vibrant Communities Grant from JobsOhio and the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP), alongside a $50,000 Small Business Grant from the Village.
The initiative directly addresses the limited access to local pharmacy services following a closure in August 2024. For nearly two years, residents have been forced to travel up to 20 miles to neighboring cities for essential medications and healthcare services. By reopening as the Gibsonburg Pharmacy, the site will once again provide a 5,974-square-foot facility dedicated to traditional medication dispensing, clinical pharmacy services, and community wellness programs.
This project is a key piece of a larger effort to strengthen the downtown corridor. In addition to the pharmacy, the investment includes infrastructure improvements at 233 W. Madison St. to support the growth of existing tenants, Countyline Co-op and Cabinetry, Countertops & More. These upgrades will ensure the continued success of the local grain elevator and allow for the expansion of small businesses that support local trades and agriculture.
“This project has been nearly two years in the making, and it is a dream come true to see it moving forward. The success of this initiative is entirely due to the joint efforts of our team, including property owners Mike Warren and Rebecca Montgomery, as well as the tireless leadership of Marc Glotzbecker, Beth Hannam, and Bill Burkett. We are not just dispensing medication; we are re-establishing Gibsonburg as a one-stop destination for our residents and ensuring that their healthcare needs are met right here at home.”
– Kelsey Echelbarger, owner of Gibsonburg Pharmacy
The Village of Gibsonburg and the SCEDC would like to extend a sincere thank you to Kelsey Echelbarger and the participating local businesses for their significant investment in Gibsonburg and Sandusky County. Their commitment to the community’s future is what makes this revitalization possible. We also congratulate the Village of Gibsonburg for the incredible hard work and vision they have shown in revitalizing their downtown. This pharmacy project is the latest in a series of successful efforts to improve the Village as a whole, making it an even better place to live and work.
“I want to thank everyone involved for making this opportunity possible. The road was long and challenging to get a Pharmacy back in Gibsonburg, but we never gave up,” said Gibsonburg Mayor, Steve Fought. “This is a great thing for our village, our residents, and our downtown. I am proud of the work everyone put in to make this happen. It’s a vital piece of our community, and an essential piece for the good things to come to Gibsonburg in the future.”
This project was made possible by the JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Program, which was established to assist small and mid-sized cities with catalytic development projects that fulfill a market need and represent a significant reinvestment in the community. The Village of Gibsonburg and the SCEDC are deeply thankful to JobsOhio and the Regional Growth Partnership for their generous investment in Sandusky County and for recognizing the importance of this project to the region.
“Quick and reliable access to health and wellness services is a vital component of a thriving community, big or small. Re-establishing a pharmacy in Gibsonburg improves quality of life for residents while adding momentum to downtown revitalization efforts, positioning the region to attract investment, create jobs, and support long-term economic growth.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
Renovations are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026, at which time the pharmacy will be fully licensed, staffed, and ready for its Grand Opening.
About SCEDC
The Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to workforce development, business retention and expansion, and business recruitment for Sandusky County. Our mission is to enhance the economic well-being of all residents and businesses within the county.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including the Regional Growth Partnership, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage.
About Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national, and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.