Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) marks the week of May 8 to May 12, 2023, as the next Economic Development Week. During this week, communities across North America will celebrate and recognize the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities.
Created in 2016 by International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.
“As local and regional economies evolve, the role of economic developers and development organizations are crucial in energizing, preparing, and promoting local economic growth,” says IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle. “The 2023 Economic Development Week will recognize, distinguish, and show appreciation for the innovation and leadership of our community leaders building an equitable, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future. I hope communities everywhere will join us in celebrating the accomplishments and important work economic developers perform in their communities year-round.”
This spring, OhioSE recognized local economic developers across Southeast Ohio for their outstanding efforts. For Best Project, Sam Brady and Bellisio Foods were honored. The project represents the third major investment Bellisio has made in its Jackson County facility during the last eight years. For Best Site Development, Gwynn Stewart and Crock Construction were honored for the Caldwell East of I-77 Business Park in Noble County, which includes the development of six construction-ready pads and an initial 10,000-square-foot speculative building.
For Best JobsOhio Inclusion Grant Project, River Roasters Coffee Company in Pomeroy, Ohio was recognized. The company started in 2018 on a shoestring budget, revived a historic building, and survived an Ohio River flood prior to opening. For Best Community Development Project, the Hotel McArthur in Vinton County was honored. The Vinton County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau purchased the historic hotel and is planning a $2.6 million renovation to restore the building and add modern amenities.
So far in 2023, OhioSE has assisted 15 company expansions and new locations. Those companies will create 597 new, quality jobs and invest over $50 million in fixed assets. Over the past eleven years, OhioSE has built a strong team of 13 dedicated professionals, developed a brand, supported over 380 projects that have or will create over 11,000 jobs, invested over $42 million of JobsOhio funds in 19 speculative site and building development and redevelopment projects, and helped to lay a foundation for future business growth in the region.
“The work of economic development happens behind the scenes and can take years to bear fruit. Sustaining a business retention and expansion program, building business parks and infrastructure, aligning local leaders and stakeholders, ensuring responsive workforce development programs, and developing business development campaigns require hard work, perseverance, and dedication,” said OhioSE President Mike Jacoby. “This week we pay tribute to those local economic development professionals grinding away every day to make their communities more prosperous.”
Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties; they are the newest and geographically the largest of the six regions across the state. OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.
