County Commissioners Association of Ohio Implementing Success Strategies County Economic Development Symposium June 24-25, 2015 June 25, 2015Final Session1 Mark Barbash, Finance Fund Greg Davis, OSU Extension Community Development

June 25, 2015Final Session2 The Critical Role of Counties in Economic Development

Workforce Development: Infrastructure: Tax Incentives: Community Leadership: June 25, 2015Final Session3 Counties have critical roles in four areas of Economic Development

Workforce Development: – Workforce Development is the highest priority for economic developers – Important County Role in the OhioMeansJobs Centers June 25, 2015Final Session4 Workforce Development

Infrastructure: – Roadways, Bridges, Sewer/Water – A key priority for economic development – A key priority for site selectors – Needed for both existing businesses and new business locations – Broadband – County Land Banks June 25, 2015Final Session5 Infrastructure Development

Tax Incentives: – Property Tax Abatement – Tax Increment Financing – Sales Tax – Key part of relationship with municipalities June 25, 2015Final Session6 Tax Incentives

Community Leadership: – Collaboration is the new Competition – Site Selectors like to see all levels of government working together – Elected official leadership – County Department leadership and engagement – Streamlined processing, permitting, investment June 25, 2015Final Session7 Community Leadership

Final Session8 June 25, 2015 So where do we go from here?

What did you learn from the data you received here? Does the data ring true from your practical experience? How can the data be used to help frame your economic development strategy? What will be the first thing you do when you return to your county? June 25, 2015Final Session9 Discussion

Mark Barbash, EVP, Strategic Initiatives Finance Fund (614) Greg Davis, Assistant Director OSU Extension Community Development (614)