FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RFP now open for OEDA’s next strategic plan; proposals due July 1, 2025
COLUMBUS, OH; Tuesday, June 3, 2025 — The Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop a new strategic plan, its first in nearly a decade. The plan will guide the organization’s direction and priorities over the next three to five years.
“Our profession is evolving rapidly, and so is OEDA,” said David Zak, President & CEO of the Ohio Economic Development Association. “Place-based strategies, regional EDO networks, advancing technology, and rising professional standards are all reshaping the field. As Ohio leads the nation in economic development performance, OEDA must lead alongside it—equipping our members with the vision, tools, and voice to thrive.”
The planning process will include an environmental scan, a stakeholder engagement strategy aligned with OEDA’s annual member survey, and at least one facilitated session with the board or broader membership. The final plan will include measurable goals, strategic priorities, and a clear framework for implementation and accountability.
“This process comes at a moment of real transformation for us,” Zak continued. “We’ve seen record membership growth, launched new intermediate and advanced professional development programs, reintroduced a rotating statewide Summit, and revived our legislative conference after six years. We’re building momentum, and now it’s time to build a bold, focused plan for the future.”
OEDA serves more than 730 members from across Ohio’s public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors. As the state’s leading professional association for economic developers, OEDA is committed to advancing growth, prosperity, and opportunity for all Ohioans through education, advocacy, and strategic collaboration.
“This is a pivotal moment for our association and the broader economic development community,” said Amanda Miller, OEDA’s Marketing & Engagement Manager. “We are looking for a planning partner who can help us shape a forward-looking, inclusive vision and create a clear roadmap to serve our members and stakeholders effectively.”
The association is seeking qualified consultant teams, with preference for proposals that include a university partner. The budget for the engagement is $25,000–$50,000, with the final plan expected to be approved in early 2026.
The full RFP is available at www.ohioeda.com/oedarfp. Proposals are due by Monday, July 1, 2025.
About the Ohio Economic Development Association
Established in 2005, the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) is one of the largest and most respected state economic development associations in the nation, with more than 730 members representing Ohio’s local, regional, and state development organizations and partners. OEDA’s mission is to advance the practice of economic development to foster growth, prosperity, and opportunity for all Ohioans. Through top-tier professional development, a robust statewide network, and strategic advocacy, OEDA helps members expand their knowledge, influence, and impact. Its flagship offerings include the Ohio Economic Development Institute, the rotating OEDA Annual Summit, and new programming that reflects the evolving needs of the profession.