As communities across the country celebrate Economic Development Week (May 12–16), Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is proud to recognize the power of local collaboration and long-term investment in building a stronger, more resilient Southeast Ohio.

This annual celebration highlights the often behind-the-scenes work that fuels business growth, strengthens infrastructure, and improves quality of life in our region. From revitalizing industrial parks to expanding workforce pipelines, OhioSE and its partners continue to drive impactful, community-centered development throughout all 25 counties we serve.

"The future of economic development is centered around collaboration and partnerships," said IEDC president and CEO Nathan Ohle. "Economic Development Week is an opportunity to celebrate and lift up the stories of economic development happening throughout the world. At the heart of this year’s Economic Development Week are stories of collaboration and partnership, and how the field of economic development works together to support, cultivate, and drive economic prosperity for place of all sizes, in every region in the world.”

The IEDC created Economic Development Week in 2016 to recognize the work that EDOs and professionals do in their communities. IEDC celebrates Economic Development Week every year, highlighting the programs, best practices, and exceptional individuals that positively impact life in their communities. In just a few years the event has become one of the most widely recognized awareness weeks of its kind validating the—often unheralded—work of the economic development profession.

“Economic Development Week gives us a moment to step back and recognize the progress we’ve made together,” said Matt Abbott, President and CEO of OhioSE. “At its core, economic development is about partnerships — and we’re proud to work hand-in-hand with local leaders across all 25 counties to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Over the past thirteen years, OhioSE has built a strong team of 13 dedicated professionals, developed a brand, supported over 440 projects that have or will create over 12,600 jobs and invest over $15.7 billion in fixed asset capital. OhioSE has worked with JobsOhio to invest over $46 million of JobsOhio funds into speculative site and building development and redevelopment projects, helping to lay a foundation for future business growth in the region.

“Economic development isn’t always visible — but its impact is lasting,” Abbott said. “From business retention efforts to infrastructure development and workforce alignment, the work we do requires long-term commitment and deep collaboration. This week, we recognize the economic developers on the ground, in every corner of our region, who are driving progress every day.”

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Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.