,

Growing Competitive Communities

When: November 12, 2026 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Corporate College, 4400 Richmond Rd Warrensville Hts., OH 44128
RSVP

NOVEMBER NODE

Registration

Join regional leaders for a conversation on the importance of working together to build a stronger, more competitive Northeast Ohio. The session will highlight the role elected officials, local policies, and community readiness play in supporting economic growth.

Attendees will gain practical insights into economic development fundamentals, from site readiness and incentive strategies to talent engagement and zoning and leave with a shared understanding that a vibrant economy depends on collaboration across organizations, communities, and the region as a whole. Northeast Ohio’s success depends on acting as one region with one shared purpose.

Agenda

  • 3:00 PM Networking
    • 3:45 PM Welcome
      • Kendra Palko, Manager, Partnerships and Engagement: Team NEO
      • Kevin P. Vonderau, Northeast Ohio Regional President: First Financial Bank
          •  3:45 – 4:15 PM Moving from Anti to Pro Economic Development
            • David Zak, President & CEO: Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA)
            • 4:15 – 4:50 PM Panel Discussion: Why rally around one region and why it makes our region’s communities more competitive
              • Moderator: Steve Fritsch, Vice President, Industry Advancement and Engagement: Team NEO
              • Tom McNair, Chief of Integrated Development: City of Cleveland
              • Suzanne Graham Moore, Economic Development Director: City of Akron
              • Peter Zahirsky, Economic Development Director: City of Canton
              • Barrett Thomas, Economic Development Director: City of Mansfield
            • 4:50 – 5:20 PM Ohio Chamber Blueprint presentation
              • Rick Carfagna, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs: Ohio Chamber of Commerce
              • 5:20 – 5:25 PM Introduction of Economic Development Champion – Community Leader
                • Sponsor: Ivan Henderson, Business Development Director: Aqua Ohio
              • Award Presentation
                • Eric Wobser, CEO: Greater Sandusky Partnership
                • 5:25 PM Closing Remarks
                  • Kendra Palko, Manager, Partnerships and Engagement: Team NEO
                    • 5:25 – 6:30 PM Reception & Networking

                    Looking for sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to Dawn Southard (dsouthard@teamneo.org) for more!

                    Thank you sponsors!

                    Thank you to our 2026 NODE Signature Sponsor!

                    Economic Development Award Sponsor

                    Economic Development Leader Sponsor