OhioSE Hosts Fall Prosperity Forum, Highlights Regional Economic Strategies

Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) held its second annual Fall Prosperity Forum on Tuesday, September 15th at Shawnee State University, celebrating the economic impact made across Southeast Ohio and sharing a vision for the future.

“The business development, economic growth, expanding workforce, and increased investment in Southeast Ohio show the tremendous progress that has been made over time,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “The partnerships we’ve built are paying off in big wins, including Vertiv’s growing manufacturing footprint in Ironton and Centrus Energy’s expansion in Piketon, which will continue to accelerate momentum in the region.”

The event welcomed over 100 guests from across the region. The event’s theme, Built on Partnership, Positioned for Growth, aimed to lead discussions around the region’s economic position, how it connects to what’s happening at a state level, and what’s next for southern and eastern Ohio.

Shawnee State University President Eric Braun welcomed guests to the university and introduced Drew Cooper, Senior Managing Director of External Affairs at JobsOhio. Cooper spoke to Ohio’s earned ranking as CNBC’s #1 State to do Business and how long-term strategy, investments, and partnerships have helped Ohio increase its competitiveness.

Cooper introduced keynote speaker Rick Carfagna, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Carfagna shared the Ohio Chamber’s refreshed Blueprint for Ohio’s Economic Future and walked the audience through some of the state’s key advantages and challenges.

"What's happening in Southeast Ohio right now, from major energy investment to renewed interest in regional supply chains, is proof that this region can compete for the biggest opportunities in the country,” said Carfagna. “Kudos to OhioSE for convening a diversity of stakeholders across this region and demonstrating how we can turn statewide priorities into community results when all partners are pulling in the same direction. Our collective challenge now is to make sure the workforce, infrastructure and policy environment keep pace with that momentum.”

Following the keynote address, Cooper and Carfagna were joined on stage by Matt Abbott, OhioSE President and CEO, for a moderated panel discussion on how regional and statewide strategies are aligned.

Abbot closed out the Fall Prosperity Forum talking through the organization’s Strategic Plan and its four pillars: regional leadership, talent, competitive assets, and economic development.

“Over the past year, we took a hard look at this region. We looked at the data, at marketplace conditions, and most importantly, we listened. We heard directly from partners across all 25 of our counties. That work informed our new Economic Development Strategy,” said Abbott. “The OhioSE region doesn’t need to invent its economic future from scratch. We need to continue to make more of what we already have.”

Abbott shared recognition and gratitude for the investments made by area partners from across the region. “Your participation tells this region that private-sector organizations already see the value here, and we’re grateful for it,” he said, ending with a call to action to keep the conversations and connections going.

With record-setting achievements behind them and bold new strategies ahead, OhioSE and its partners remain committed to ensuring Southeast Ohio is a region where businesses can grow, families can thrive, and communities can prosper. As Abbott emphasized, the work ahead will require collaboration, innovation, and vision—but together, the region is well-positioned to build on its momentum and shape the next chapter of growth.

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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.