The Richland County Commissioners express optimism as the new year approaches.

WMFD's Greg Heindel reports they look forward to more jobs in 2013.

Gary Utt says the former General Motors stamping plant in Ontario should be ready for occupancy for two new businesses by summer or fall, and workers will start being hired.

Ed Olson says the county's unemployment rate has dropped from 13.4% in April of 2010, to 7.5%.

So, both say that's why continued worker re-training efforts are a necessity. 

And Tim Wert hopes the wind farm project near Shelby, and oil and natural gas drilling will create jobs.

The commissioners have asked all county elected officials and department heads to come up with a five-year plan on their offices' needs.