Despite setbacks to the overall economy, Clermont County is celebrating an apparent leap in job creation locally.

According to the Clermont County Office of Economic Development, jobs were created last year at a record pace. In all, more than 700 jobs were created with more than $26 million in capital investment, according to information provided by the Clermont County Office of Public Information.

“The trend is two-fold, a direct result of the county’s efforts and the efforts of our local communities to actively pursue job creation opportunities like the creation of Ivy Pointe commerce park,” said Clermont County Economic Development Director Andrew Kuchta. “We’re also more involved in infrastructure improvements to help make a site more suitable for business growth. That’s a big part, our direct efforts have helped us capture more growth.”

Kuchta said that aggressive campaigning to bring jobs, business and development to the area has been aided by various maladies to surrounding areas, such as severe congestion on roads and expensive land.