Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) proudly recognizes the exceptional efforts of our top-performing counties in the 2024 Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Program. BR&E initiatives are critical to fostering relationships with local businesses, addressing their needs, and driving economic stability and job creation across our region.
This year’s top-performing counties and their local economic development leaders include:
East Region (Project Manager: Marisa Vetula):
- Guernsey County: 29 meetings – Led by Bill Arnett, Economic Development Director, Cambridge-Guernsey County CIC
- Holmes County: 18 meetings – Led by Mark Leininger, Executive Director, Holmes County Economic Development Council, Inc.
Central Region (Project Manager: Brad Peoples):
- Athens County: 20 meetings – Led by Mollie Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Athens County Economic Development Council
- Muskingum County: 14 meetings – Led by Matt Abbott, Executive Director, Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority (ZMCPA)
South Region (Project Manager: Gloria Blauvelt):
- Jackson County: 34 meetings – Led by Sam Brady, President & CEO, Jackson County Economic Development Partnership
- Gallia County: 27 meetings – Led by Cole Massie, Director of Economic Development, University of Rio Grande
Under the leadership of our project management team and in collaboration with our local economic development partners, OhioSE collectively completed over 330 BR&E meetings with companies across the 25-county region. These engagements played a vital role in identifying opportunities, addressing challenges, and laying the groundwork for continued economic growth.
“Business retention and expansion visits are the cornerstone of economic development, with 80% of project wins originating from existing businesses,” said Katy Farber, Vice President of OhioSE. “The commitment shown by these counties and their leaders highlights the importance of fostering strong relationships with our local companies to drive regional success.”
Congratulations to our top-performing counties and their economic development leaders for their outstanding dedication to supporting businesses and strengthening our economy!
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. Geographically the largest of the seven 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.
