New look. New energy. New ways to get involved.
The Ohio Economic Development Association is more than just a new website. There’s a new energy at OEDA, reflecting those we serve. As the professional association for economic developers, our new brand reflects our members– dynamic, on-the-move, decisive, knowledgeable, informed, engaging. The Ohio Economic Development Association is committed to helping our members expand their knowledge, expand their network and expand their influence. So, come join us as we work to expand your opportunities.
The Ohio Economic Development Association is committed to providing Ohio’s economic development community with resources to help practitioners best serve their business community during the COVID-19 outbreak. We believe one of the most helpful roles OEDA can play is curator; sifting through and summarizing the vast amount of information so you can focus on what you need as professionals.
New look. New energy. New ways to get involved.
THE STATEWIDE AUTHORITY ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
MEMBERS
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Prioritizing Ohio Businesses During COVID-19 Recovery
This year presented us with a lot of unexpected challenges. But as Ohioans, we don’t give up, and throughout this pandemic, we’ve demonstrated the value of our economic development network. The JobsOhio team is thankful for all you’ve done to help companies and your communities during this time. We have a long road still ahead of us, but JobsOhio believes this is the time to rebuild, improve and seize opportunities.
read moreLand Bank Expands Neighborhood Revitalization Program
Looking to repeat the positive results of a pilot program implemented in one neighborhood over the past two years, the Montgomery County Land Bank has recently begun two more projects under its Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative.
read moreSmall Business in Hamilton Thriving Despite Pandemic
Even in the midst of a historic pandemic, business goes on in Hamilton, Ohio. Over the past few months, the city has celebrated the opening of Pinball Garage, a classic pinball arcade with a cocktail bar; Smoochies Boba & Crepes, a bright and cheery place to grab a bubble tea, fresh fruit smoothie, or a yummy crepe; and the Strauss Gallery & Gift Shop, a hip shop with works from local artists living in the downtown Artspace lofts.
read moreTracked House Bills – July 2020
News from the Statehouse:
House Speaker Arrested, Charged with Federal Bribery and Related Offenses
On July 21, the FBI raided the home of Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder. Later during the day, law enforcement arrested Speaker Householder and four other individuals in connection with a $60 million bribery case related to H.B. 6, legislation that subsidized Ohio’s two nuclear power plants. Speaker Householder had returned to the House in 2016 following a stint in the early 2000s when he also served as Speaker. His earlier departure coincided with another FBI investigation stemming from e-mails and related to funneling of campaign contributions. No charges were ever filed in that case.
The other four individuals arrested are Neil Clark, founder of Grant Street Consultants, a prominent lobbying firm in Columbus; former Ohio Republican Party chair and consultant Matthew Borges; Juan Cespedes, co-founder of The Oxley Group in Columbus; and Jeffrey Longstreth, adviser to Householder. They were released from custody afterward, with travel restrictions and prohibitions on contact with others involved in the case. All face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
read moreTracked Senate Bills – July 2020
COVID-19 Update:
Mask Requirements:
With COVID cases on the rise, on July 22 Governor DeWine announced that beginning on Thursday, July 23, at 6:00 p.m., a statewide mask mandate will go into effect for citizens living in all 88 Ohio counties. All individuals in Ohio must wear facial coverings in public at all times when:
At an indoor location that is not a residence
Outdoors, but unable to maintain six-foot social distance from people who are not household members
Waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, such as a taxi, a car service, or a private car used for ride-sharing.
Tracked House Bills – June 2020
Federal News:
Unemployment Numbers Improve: As reflected in numbers released Friday June 5, the U.S. economy gained 2.5 million jobs in May as some states reopened. The unemployment rate dropped to 13.3 percent from April’s number of 14.7 percent. The positive news was complicated by the fact that the Bureau of Labor Statistics said it had misclassified data in May, as it had in April and March. Without the error, the unemployment rate in April would have been higher at 19.7 percent, and May’s rate would have been 16.3 percent.
HEROES Act: On May 15, the House approved a fifth aid bill dubbed the “HEROES Act” (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act) that would authorize additional COVID assistance totaling $3 Trillion. The bill is now under consideration by the Senate. It includes another round of direct cash payments to individuals, extends unemployment benefits to the end of January, adds hazard pay for front-line workers and includes aid to state and local governments. It also expands virus-testing efforts and contact tracing and treatment. The bill also includes some changes to programs that were approved in the CARES Act, including an expansion of the IRS payment program. In addition, the plan sets aside $3.6 billion to protect federal elections, $25 billion to support the U.S. Postal Service, $100 billion for low-income rent support, $75 billion for a homeowner assistance fund and $100 million for the Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs. It also would expand funding for small-business loans, enhance an employee-retention tax credit program and boost worker protections.
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