Ohio Economic Development Association

Housing remains a critical issue in communities across Ohio—and at OEDA’s Legislative Conference on Wednesday, we brought together a powerhouse panel to explore challenges and solutions. Moderated by experienced attorney Molly Gwin of Ice Miller LLP, the session featured insights from Carlie J. Boos, Executive Director of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, and Sarah Kelly, AICP, Director at planning NEXT. From affordability to zoning to cross-sector collaboration, this session sparked important conversations about how economic developers can be part of the solution. Thank you to our speakers for sharing your expertise and passion. #OEDA #OhioEconomicDevelopment #LegislativeConference #Housing #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment

At OEDA’s Legislative Conference on Wednesday, attendees gained valuable insight into Ohio’s fiscal outlook during our Budget Update session, led by Matt Koppitch of Bricker Graydon. Matt provided a clear and timely overview of the state budget landscape, highlighting the issues that matter most to economic development professionals across Ohio. There was a lot of positive feedback from attendees on getting a budget update during this time of year. We’re grateful to Doug Moormann of Development Strategies Group for introducing the session, helping frame the conversation, and supporting the conference. Thanks to both for helping our members stay informed and prepared to navigate the policy and funding environment in 2025 and beyond. #OEDA #OhioEconomicDevelopment #LegislativeConference #PolicyAndAdvocacy #EconomicDevelopment

??♂? Tackling Workforce Challenges in Ohio ??♀? At yesterday’s Workforce Development session, we explored the challenges and opportunities in workforce recruitment, retention, and upskilling—key issues shaping Ohio’s economic future. We really appreciate the expert panel: ?? Moderator: Mike Jacoby, CEcD (Bricker Graydon) ?? Speakers: Kristina Clouse (JobsOhio) & Tracy Green (Lorain County Community College) The discussion covered: ?? Strategies for recruiting and training workers for major job-creating projects. ?? How Ohio employers can find, retain, and upskill employees in a tight labor market. ?? Effective approaches to bridging the skills gap and advancing under-skilled workers. ?? Workforce policy priorities and how to maximize impact within budget constraints. ?? What gives leaders hope for Ohio’s workforce future. A big thank you to our speakers and attendees for an engaging and insightful discussion! #OEDA #WorkforceDevelopment #TalentStrategy #EconomicDevelopment #OhioJobs #OEDALegislativeConference

?? Energy Policy in Focus at the Ohio Economic Development Association Legislative Conference ?? Yesterday’s Legislative Conference featured an insightful Energy session, where we explored Ohio’s evolving energy landscape and its impact on economic development: ? Dana Saucier Jr (JobsOhio) kicked things off with a warm welcome. ? Sen. Bill Reineke provided updates on Senate Bill 2, the Transportation Budget, and legislative developments at the Statehouse. ? Alexandra K. Denney (Ohio Business Roundtable) shared key takeaways from their Energy Competitiveness Study. ? Audrey Flood (Federated Energy Services Cooperative Inc.-North Central Electric and Lorain-Medina Rural Electric) introduced Denney and helped sponsor the session. We also engaged attendees in a discussion on energy policy, sparking valuable dialogue on Ohio’s future in this critical area. We'll be using their input as we begin to build our first policy agenda in almost a decade. Thank you to our speakers and participants for making this session a success! #OEDA #EconomicDevelopment #EnergyPolicy #OhioLegislation

Congratulations to Jim Wyse and Fulton County Economic Development Corporation! ?? We’re thrilled to see Jim Wyse stepping into the role of Executive Director, bringing his leadership and deep commitment to driving economic growth in Fulton County. His experience and passion for the region will be invaluable in advancing local opportunities and strengthening economic development efforts. OEDA looks forward to seeing the continued success of Fulton County under Jim’s leadership! #EconomicDevelopment #Leadership #FultonCounty #OEDA

?? Exciting News: The 2025 OEDA Annual Summit is Headed to Akron! ?? We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 OEDA Annual Summit will take place in Akron, Ohio, at the John S. Knight Center from October 15-17, 2025! The decision to rotate the Summit across Ohio was shaped by feedback from our record-breaking 2024 Summit attendees, who overwhelmingly supported bringing the event to different regions of the state. Akron stood out in a highly competitive selection process for its strong economic momentum, engaged leadership, and prime location in Northeast Ohio. As Ohio’s premier economic development conference, the OEDA Annual Summit attracts 500+ economic development professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers, featuring 30+ breakout sessions, five experiential tours/learning labs, and countless networking opportunities. ?? JP Nauseef, President & CEO, JobsOhio: “With diverse industries, a talented workforce, and a spirit of innovation, Northeast Ohio plays a vital role in Ohio’s economic future. The Summit will bring together top professionals to drive strategies that strengthen communities across the state.” ?? Matt Dolan, President & CEO, Team NEO: “Northeast Ohio is a hub of business growth, innovation, and collaboration, making it an ideal host for the 2025 OEDA Annual Summit.” ?? City of Akron, Ohio Mayor Shammas Malik: “We are excited to welcome the OEDA Annual Summit to Akron in 2025. Our city has a rich history of innovation and a bright future ahead, driven by collaboration and investment in economic growth.” ?? County of Summit, Ohio Executive Ilene Shapiro: “Hosting this event provides a special opportunity to showcase our vibrant economic landscape and engage with professionals dedicated to advancing Ohio’s economic development.” ?? Steve Millard, President & CEO, Greater Akron Chamber: “In Greater Akron, we’ve created new ways to leverage regional resources to drive resilience and reinvention. We look forward to sharing our successes with Ohio’s top economic developers.” ?? Gregg Mervis, President & CEO, Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau: “From our cultural attractions and vibrant downtown to our scenic parks, attendees will find plenty to explore in Akron while they’re here for the Summit.” ?? David Zak, President & CEO, OEDA: “Akron’s selection is a tremendous opportunity to highlight the economic momentum and innovation happening in Northeast Ohio. By moving the Summit each year, we showcase the strength of different regions, create new connections, and make the event more accessible to our members statewide.” ?? Mark your calendars for October 15-17, 2025! Join us in Akron for a bigger, bolder OEDA Annual Summit, where we’ll shape the future of economic development in Ohio together. Read full release here: https://lnkd.in/eembzejy #OEDA #OhioEconomicDevelopment #Akron2025 #EconomicDevelopment #Networking #OEDAAnnualSummit

?? A Powerful Evening at the OEDA Legislative Reception! Last night, OEDA members and Ohio’s legislative leaders came together for an incredible evening of connection, discussion, and collaboration at our Legislative Reception. With 22 legislators and state officials in attendance, this event provided a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships and advance the conversation on the policies that shape Ohio’s economic future. A huge thank you to: ? Our state legislators and government leaders for engaging in meaningful dialogue with Ohio’s economic development professionals. ? Our sponsors and investors, whose support makes events like this possible. ? Our OEDA members, who continue to champion economic growth and innovation across the state. This reception was not just about networking—it was about ensuring that Ohio’s economic development priorities remain front and center in legislative discussions. By working together, we can continue to shape policy, drive investment, and create opportunities in every corner of the state. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to a successful evening - including Matt Koppitch, Kyle Havenar, Gerard Basalla, Todd R. Bailey, Alexis Fitzsimmons, Brittany Misner, IOM, Dr. Valerie A. Mockus, Kelly Conrad, CED, Kevin Malecek, Gregg P. Cramer, Mario Codispoti, MBA, MHA, Lisa Hutson, Kristi Spears Tanner, Gary Thompson, CPA, Destiny Bryson, Evan Scurti, CEcD, Kimberly Marshall, Chris Singerling, Jason Foster, OhioCED, Sarah Ross, Kip Wahlers, Jim Whelan, Sarah Boyarko, Jason Neal, Adam Greenslade, Audrey Flood, Harry Eadon, AA, BA, MAcc, OhioCED, Ellen Heinz, M.Ed., OhioCED, Ryan Rivers, OhioCED, Ryan Silvashy, OhioCED, Julie Needs, OhioCED, Kendra Cundiff, Julie Szeltner, Bryce Riggs, Adam Gillmor, Brian Dicken, IOM, MOD, Ashley Epling, Andrew Deye, and many more! #OEDA #OhioEconomicDevelopment #LegislativeReception #Advocacy #EconomicGrowth #Networking

?? Advanced Economic Development Training in Action! Today, economic development professionals from across Ohio are leveling up their skills at the Plaza Hotel with Carol Johnson from Continuous Dialog leading Building Competitive Advantage, an advanced economic development sales training. Investing in professional development is key to driving growth and impact in our communities, and we’re thrilled to see so many dedicated leaders sharpening their expertise. Kudos and thanks to Rebecca Bennett, Kimberly Marshall, Holly Harris Bane, Lisa Hutson, Kayla Cross, Sarah Ross, Steven Adams, CTA, Cathy Bieterman, Matt Falter, CBEP, Julie Needs, OhioCED for attending and investing in professional development for their communities. Tagging attendees who are committed to advancing their skills—drop a comment if you're here! ?? #OEDA #EconDev #ProfessionalGrowth

?? Hilliard, Ohio: A National Leader in Economic Development Innovation City of Hilliard Economic Development and City of Hilliard, Ohio USA has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in Economic Development for 2025. This accolade highlights the city's forward-thinking initiatives and commitment to fostering economic growth. Here are some of the reasons cited: ??Hilliard City Lab: https://lnkd.in/e-kMj7J4 ??Construction of 60-mile-long fiber network ??Ohio Manufacturing Innovation Center ??AI Sandbox: https://lnkd.in/eHeWa5zU ??$1M in grants to 32 projects in last 4 years to seed small startups ??Congratulations to the Hilliard ED team of David Meadows, Alexandria Boomershine, and Angela Zody, as well as City Manager Michelle Crandall, as well as City Council and all of the businesses, supporters, and partners--including One Columbus and JobsOhio--for supporting their efforts. https://lnkd.in/eDT3hKKF

?? Site Selection Spotlight: Seneca County – #6 Micropolitan in the U.S. for 2024! ?? OEDA continues to celebrate Ohio's dominance of this year's Site Selection rankings, with the state securing the #3 spot nationally, several metros receiving top ratings, and 20 micropolitan areas recognized. Today, we honor Seneca County. ?? Seneca County Makes Its Mark! ?? In 2024, Seneca County earned the #6 ranking among all U.S. micropolitan areas, driven by 10 qualifying projects. This achievement reflects the strong leadership, collaboration, and commitment to economic growth by its dedicated economic development teams. ?? Huge Congratulations to the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation & Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership Teams: ?? Fostoria Economic Development: ?? Renee Smith, President ?? Sarah Stephens Krupp, Project Administrator ?? Courtney Miller, Planning & Development Manager ?? Michele Cochran, Executive Director, Greater Fostoria Community Foundation ?? Sherry Yaple, Workforce Development Manager ?? Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP): ?? Bryce Riggs, Interim President & CEO ?? Adam Gillmor, Economic Development ?? Donna Gross, Downtown Main Street Manager ?? Carol (Owen) Kern, Business Services Consultant (OMJ) ?? Noah Paris, Community Development & Grants We also celebrate their regional partner Regional Growth Partnership and state partner JobsOhio - all working together to move Seneca County forward. Your dedication to fostering business growth and investment continues to elevate Seneca County as a leading micropolitan community. Well done! ?? #SenecaCounty #Fostoria #Tiffin #SiteSelection #EconomicDevelopment #OhioWins #MicropolitanSuccess #OEDA