2022 ED NOW

When: February 25, 2022 7:30 am - 12:00 pm

What does it mean to have a vibrant regional economy?

Join us for this half-day session as we explore this topic at this year’s ED NOW workshop that promises to be an educational session with lively breakouts to uncover new, data-driven takeaways that will help us make businesses in our region more competitive, residents more prosperous and communities more resilient.

COVID Update: We will adhere to public health safety protocols. You are kindly asked to wear a mask when in close proximity to others. Please stay tuned for additional updates. If you have any questions, please connect with Steve Fritsch, sfritsch@teamneo.org.

Who should attend?

  • Elected Leaders, including County Commissioners, Executives, Mayors
  • City Managers
  • Council Members and Township Trustees
  • CIC Directors and Board Members
  • Economic Development Organization Board and Staff
  • Business Leaders Supporting Economic Development

Agenda

  • 7:30 – Networking Breakfast
  • 8:15 – Program Begins
    • Welcome
      • Renee Ligon – Director, Partnerships and Engagement: Team NEO
      • Jennifer Price – Executive Director: Ohio Economic Development Association
      • Rhonda Knight, Ph.D. – Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer: Bricker & Eckler
    • Open Remarks
      • Bill Koehler – CEO, Team NEO
    • Economic Development 101
      • Sondra Palivoda – Research Manager, Team NEO
    • Reimagining Economic Vibrancy: Enabling Regional Competitiveness and Economic Prosperity
      • Jacob Duritsky – Vice President of Research and Strategy, Team NEO
  • 9:10 – Everything Begins with Talent and Equity
    • Panel
      • Brad Whitehead – Senior Advisor, The Fund for Our Economic Future  
      • Marsha Mockabee – President/CEO, Urban League of Greater Cleveland 
      • Jacob Duritsky – Vice President, Strategy & Research: Team NEO
      • Dr. Marcia Ballinger – President, Lorain County Community College
    • Moderator
      • Bill Koehler – CEO, Team NEO
  • 10:10 – Breakout Workshops
    • Talent
      • Panel
        • Adam Snyder – Sector Partnership leader for Workforce Connect – Manufacturing: MAGNET 
        • Rebecca Kuzma – COO, Strengthening Stark 
        • Abbey Bemis – Executive Director, Erie County Economic Development Corporation 
        • William Gary – Executive Vice President, Cuyahoga Community College
      • Moderator
        • Kristi Clouse – Senior Managing Director, Talent, JobsOhio
    • Equity
      • Panel
        • Marsha Mockabee – President/CEO, Urban League of Greater Cleveland
        • Jenice Contreras – Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development
        • Robert DeJournett – Vice President, Opportunity & Inclusion, Greater Akron Chamber
      • Moderator
        • Eric Logan – Principal, KPMG, LLP
    • Innovation
      • Panel
        • Ken Patsey – President & Executive Director, Manufacturing Works
        • Sara Daugherty – Director of Partnerships, BRITE Energy Innovators
        • Barb Ewing – CEO, Youngstown Business Incubator
      • Moderator
        • Brandon Cornuke – Vice President of Strategy & Innovation, MAGNET
    • Resilience
      • Panel
        • Ray Hexamer – President & CEO, Stark Economic Development Board
        • Jodie Perry – President & CEO, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development
        • Bethany Dentler – Executive Director, Medina County Economic Development Corporation
      • Moderator
        • Ella Hochstetler – Director of Regulatory and Pricing, Dominion
  • 11:10 – Connecting the Dots: Launching a Vibrant Economy Index
  • 11:55 – Closing Remarks

Thank you Event Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

Partner Director Sponsor

Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber logo

Breakout Workshop Sponsor

Breakfast Sponsors

Break Sponsors

Economic Expansion Sponsors

aep logo

Economic Catalyst Sponsor