Business View Civil and Municipal | April/May 2022

9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 said Mihalik, noting ODOD’s contribution of $10 million to the organization during the pandemic. “We’re always looking for those kinds of partnerships and organizations who can take an investment from us, add development, and leverage it into additional private dollars to help support our communities.” Following Director Mihalik, Lt. Governor Jon Husted addressed the crowd virtually, touching on business growth across the state. Mike Jacoby, President of OhioSE, then provided an overview of the organization’s impact over the past year. OhioSE experienced growth again in 2021, adding new team members, programs, and initiatives to better serve the Southeast Ohio region, Jacoby shared. Last year, OhioSE in partnership with JobsOhio and local economic development partners, assisted 46 company expansions and new locations. “Those companies will create 1,340 jobs and invest $352 million in fixed assets,” said Jacoby. Looking ahead, Jacoby said the organization will focus on further site and building development, large and small company expansion and attraction projects, workforce development through the Good Jobs Challenge grant, and transformational downtown projects. “This hardworking, dedicated team of professionals is delivering tangible results for the region,” he said. Jacoby introduced JobsOhio President and CEO JP Nauseef, who discussed the unique economic development platform of JobsOhio, investments made in Southeast Ohio, and the project pipeline growth over the past few years. “Ohio Southeast is on an incredible track where the momentum is building, getting traction, and creating measurable results,” said Nauseef. The Annual Meeting concluded with OhioSE Vice President Katy Farber announcing the recipients of four awards recognizing outstanding economic development efforts within the region. OPENING L INES