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
- Welcome
- 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
- Panel
- 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
- Panel
- 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
- Panel
- 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
- Panel
- 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
- Panel
- Talent
- 11:10 – Connecting the Dots: Launching a Vibrant Economy Index
- 11:55 – Closing Remarks
Thank you Event Sponsors!
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