Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Central Ohio Aerospace and Technology Center
COATC Conference Center, Heath

The Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority, the Licking County Planning Commission, and the Newark & Licking County Chamber of Commerce hosted a half-day conference for community leaders. The event proved to be a unique opportunity to gain insights into the key elements of economic development in Licking County from a national, state, and local perspective.

Special thanks to our SPONSORS: Ohio Central Railroad, The Boeing Company, Kaiser Aluminum, Mid-Ohio Development, and Southgate Corporation

Special thanks also to: Licking County Commissioners, City of Heath, City of Newark, City of Pataskala, and Village of Hebron

NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Bob Ady, President of Ady International, presented Site Selection: Mission Possible.

Ady is a nationally-known site selection consultant. He gave a unique national perspective on Licking County with a look at the elements of site selection and approaches to dealing with facility locators.

Also, Jeffrey Finkle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council provided another national perspective on economic development. Finkle heads up the nation's largest economic development trade organization and, interestingly enough, is a Licking County native.

STATE PERSPECTIVE
Tonya Barnett, Governor Taft’s regional economic development representative, led a panel of state development officials outlining the tools they use to aid in Licking County’s progress.

Tracy Allen, Manager, Office of Financial Incentives, and Nate Green, Transportation Liaison and Co-Chair of the Ohio Port Authorities Council, completed the state panel.

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
Conferees gained a unique perspective on Licking County aboard a passenger train. The trip along the Columbus & Ohio River Railroad line included a look at many of Central Licking County’s development engines.

Post-Conference Information
  • Conference photo collage
  • Conference Info Packet [In PDF Format]
  • Conference Agenda
  • 1st Mailer [In PDF Format]


    Photos
    Photos from Licking County Perspectives Conference.
    Bob Ady

    Keynote Speaker Bob Ady presents Site Selection: Mission "Possible."
    		 Jeff Finkle

    IEDC President & CEO Jeff Finkle gives a national perspective with a Licking County bent.
    		 State Panel

    State development officials present the tools the state provides for development.
    		 Conferees

    Over 150 people registered for this first-ever conference.
    The Train

    The Ohio Central Railroad train awaits departure from the COATC.
    		 On Board

    Conferees enjoyed a leisurely, yet informative trip that stayed on time.
    		 Outside View

    The State Route 79 widening project was visible along the train route.
    Additional Train Photos:
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

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