The 2026 Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) Annual Summit brought a record-breaking crowd of more than 600 economic development professionals to Dayton, centered on the theme "Built on People and Trust." Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized that successful economic development depends on strong relationships, collaboration, and community engagement. Ohio Cooperative economic development professions in attendance were: Kelly Barr, Manager, External Affairs, OEC, Justis Clifford, Chief Strategy Officer, LMRE/NCE, Brad Ebersole, Community and Government Relations Director, Consolidated Cooperative, Todd Garrett, Manager of Community and Government Relations, Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Casey McVicker, Marketing and Member Services Manager, Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative, and Peter Niagu, Business Development and Key Accounts Coordinator, Paulding Putnam.
Key sessions featured Electra CEO Marc Allen, who shared how Ohio secured an $850 million aviation manufacturing project through persistence and partnership; JobsOhio CEO J.P. Nauseef, who discussed maintaining Ohio's economic momentum through site readiness, workforce development, and regional collaboration; and IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle, who highlighted the importance of community stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring future leaders.
The summit also explored topics including aerospace and defense growth, artificial intelligence, workforce development, site readiness, legislative updates, and business retention strategies. Attendees celebrated outstanding projects and professionals through the OEDA Awards of Excellence, recognized 19 new Ohio Certified Economic Developers, and honored industry leaders Patty Huddle and Jason Kester with induction into the Hall of Honor.
Closing the event, OEDA reported record growth in membership, education participation, and summit attendance, reinforcing Ohio's strong economic development network and the value of partnerships in driving future success. The association also announced that the 2027 OEDA Annual Summit will be held in the Lake to River Region in Niles, Ohio.
