2023 NEO Rising Event Recap
Team NEO’s annual event: NEO Rising. Celebrating Today. Building tomorrow., held at Cleveland Public Auditorium on May 9, recognized the accomplishments of a strong, coordinated network and celebrated Team NEO’s 20-year anniversary as the Northeast Ohio Region’s economic development partner.
The event drew a crowd of 400 business leaders, community leaders, and economic development representatives from the 18 counties of Northeast Ohio. Attendees heard about regional and statewide opportunities from JobsOhio President & CEO J.P. Nauseef and Team NEO CEO Bill Koehler. They also enjoyed a panel discussion on the evolution and future of regional economic development.
Panelists included:
- Peter Broer, President: Lumitex, Inc. and Team NEO Board Chairman
- Bethia Burke, President: The Fund for Our Economic Future
- Robert C. Smith, Partner & Market Leader: Cerity Partners and
JobsOhio Board Chairman
Moderated by:
- Kimberly Riley, Chief Operating Officer, Northeast Region: Hylant
We honored three individuals as 2023 Regional Economic Development Champions for their work to leverage the full strength of the Northeast Ohio Region’s economic development network to advance our region.
Business Leader: Thomas A. Waltermire, Former Chairman/CEO: PolyOne and Retired CEO: Team NEO
Economic Development Leader: Ray Hexamer, President & CEO: Stark Economic Development Board
Community Leader: Marsha Mockabee, President & CEO: Urban League of Greater Cleveland
Team NEO’s CEO Bill Koehler acknowledged champions’ leadership and consistent partnership: “Our 2023 Champions are some of our most influential leaders, demonstrating that a regional approach, aligned with targeted local strategies, can create lasting economic growth and prosperity for the entire region.”
The event concluded with a keynote address from Robert Schlaeger, Deputy to Chief Product Officer at Foxconn, who shared Foxconn’s plans in the Voltage Valley – and why the company chose Northeast Ohio for its growth.
