2022 ED NOW

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

Breakfast Sponsors

Break Sponsors

Economic Expansion Sponsors

Economic Catalyst Sponsor