Region Takes First Steps as Economic Development District
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) will hold the inaugural meeting of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee, following the recent designation of the Columbus Region as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). This designation makes the Columbus Region the largest metropolitan area in Ohio to achieve EDD status.
What:
The CEDS Committee will convene to begin implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy priorities for the Central Ohio Economic Development District (EDD) which includes 11 counties. This committee will advise MORPC’s Economic Development District Board on activities, funding opportunities and strategies to consider to advance the region’s unprecedented growth, focusing on infrastructure development, workforce needs, and economic resilience. The committee consists of representatives from public, private, and nonprofit sectors, reflecting the diverse economic interests of the region.
The Central Ohio Economic Development District (EDD) includes Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, and Union counties. The EDD designation follows the approval of the Central Ohio Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in February 2022, a crucial step toward achieving this status.
When:
Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Where:
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, 111 Liberty St., Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43215
Why:
Achieving EDD status unlocks new opportunities for the region, including access to additional funding sources and key economic development tools that will support future growth and investment. The CEDS Committee’s work will be instrumental in crafting a strategic blueprint for regional prosperity, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and preparing the Columbus region for sustained economic success.
Who:
The CEDS Committee includes a diverse group of leaders from across the region. Daryl Hennessy, City of Sunbury, will serve as the chair. Other members include Kristen Easterday, Columbus Regional Airport Authority; Patty Huddle, Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority; Brad Ebersole, Consolidated Cooperative; Todd Bailey, Huntington Bank; Jeff Reed, Honda Motor Company; Bob Lamb, Connect Realty; Jesse Longoria, Ohio Health; Peter Korda, Crane Group; Alicia Oddi, Rev1 Ventures; Doug McCollough, Color Coded Labs; Colleen Gilger, The Ohio State University; Rob Messinger, Columbus State Community College; Megan Meyer, City of Bexley; Michael Loges, City of Groveport; Jeremiah Gracia, City of Dublin; Mark Lundine, City of Columbus; Ruchelle Pride, Franklin County; Dana McDaniel, Delaware County; Rick Szabrak, Fairfield County; Stephanie Bosco, Lancaster Port Authority; Alexis Fitzsimmons, GROW Licking County; Jeff Gottke, Knox Area Development Foundation; Ben Vollrath, Logan County Chamber of Commerce; David Kell, Madison County; Gus Comstock, Marion CAN DO!; Jamie Brucker, Morrow County; Matt McCollister, One Columbus; Tim Colburn, Pickaway Progress Partnership; Eric Phillips, Union County-Marysville; Desmond Bryant, Columbus Chamber of Commerce; and Lauren Rummel, Aspyr (formerly the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio).
Learn more about the CEDS committee at Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee – MORPC.org
