Data-driven insights to help “Bend the Curve” by 2030
At its seventh annual ED NOW event today, Team NEO convened more than 350 economic development professionals, elected officials, business, and community leaders to explore how a new online interactive tool can help “Bend the Curve,” and build a stronger, more vibrant Northeast Ohio economy by 2030.
The Vibrant Economy Indicators (VEI) is a set of over 600 data points that highlight Northeast Ohio’s current economic opportunities and challenges. The tool provides a detailed and accurate measure of economic performance, community strength, and individual prosperity across all demographics in Northeast Ohio and in 12 markets across the U.S.
“This new interactive tool is a call to action for the region to create and execute a shared vision for a vibrant economy – one that is both aspirational and achievable,” said Team NEO Chief Executive Officer Matt Dolan. “By looking at the same data, we can better align our efforts to invest in untapped talent, foster equity, drive innovation, build resilience, enhance competitiveness and increase prosperity.”
Jacob Duritsky, Team NEO’s Vice President of Strategy, Research, and Talent encouraged Northeast Ohio’s ecosystem to use the tool to identify gaps so we can identify and implement solutions and “Bend the Curve” by 2030: “The VEI provides a roadmap. But data alone won’t change the future. It will take everyone working together to drive progress.”
In addition to the launch of the VEI tool, the event featured:
- A JobsOhio update with President & CEO J.P. Nauseef
- A fireside chat with Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development and Rebecca Kuzma, COO of Strengthening Stark.
- A federal elected officials panel with Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Congressman Max Miller (OH-07), moderated by Nick Gattozzi, Executive Director of Government and Community Relations at Kent State University
- A Keynote Address from Dell Gines, Ph.D., Chief Innovation Officer at the International Economic Development Council.
The dialogue and data-driven insights from ED NOW will help leaders build on Northeast Ohio’s economic strengths while making further investments in talent, innovation, equity, and resilience. Local businesses, economic developers, and civic leaders can join in these collaborative efforts:
- Schedule a 30-minute VEI Lunch & Learn with Team NEO’s research team to explore how the VEI can inform strategies to drive economic growth.
- Submit existing strategies, initiatives, and programs to Team NEO as a VEI case study for publication in future reports.
About Team NEO
Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that ignites economic vibrancy, fosters sustainable growth, and champions equitable prosperity. As a designated JobsOhio Network Partner, we collaborate across all 14 counties in the Northeast Ohio Region to create strategies to attract and retain companies, drive innovation, cultivate a skilled workforce, advance market-ready sites, and promote and engage the region. To learn how Team NEO helps make Northeast Ohio more competitive, visit northeastohioregion.com.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage.