ED group hears roundtable discussion

Van Wert independent/submitted information

The Van Wert Economic Development Advisory Group met Friday in the Community Room at Vantage Career Center.

During the meeting, the more than 40 participants heard from a guest speaker, Mark Barbash, the chief operating officer of Finance Fund, a statewide non-profit financial intermediary committed to bridging resources for low-to moderate-income communities. His message to the group, pertaining to “Economic Development Readiness”, was drawn from his past 30 years of economic development experience, including serving as chief economic development officer for the Ohio Department of Development, development director for Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, executive director for the Columbus Countywide Development Corporation and vice president for the National Development Council in Washington, D.C.

The meeting invitation was extended to local entities responsible for economic and community development, including the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Van Wert, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Business Development Corporation, Community Improvement Corporation, Van Wert City Council and the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners.

The extended meeting included a roundtable discussion facilitated by the speaker on the topic of “Community Fiscal Health, Quality of Life and Readiness to Compete in the Marketplace”.

The outcome of the roundtable was formation of a group that would commit to a follow-up discussion in an effort to create a more comprehensive approach to community and economic development.