Hall extols positives of Holmes County at EODA meeting

As a Holmes County commissioner and lifelong Holmes County citizen, Dave Hall doesn’t bat an eye when it comes to singing the praise of the county.

He had a chance to do that at the recent Eastern Ohio Development Alliance annual meeting at Carlisle Inn at Walnut Creek, where he provided a big Holmes County welcome to all the EODA members and significant attendees.

Hall recognized the area’s county leaders in attendance, stating that as commissioners they get to see firsthand the backbone of the county doing good work.

“These people do the work, and we as commissioners get to be a part of it,” Hall said, noting the members in attendance of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, Holmes County Economic Development and Holmes County Planning Commission do incredible work. “Holmes County has become an economic juggernaut.

“We are growing, and with that growth we have challenges with government and infrastructure, and that is a good thing. We just need to maintain the fabric of who we are.”

He discussed the newest county endeavor, the development of the wetland corridor, where he said Holmes County has positioned itself to become one of the premier bird-watching places in the U.S.

“People are traveling from all over to visit because of that,” Hall said. “We’re excited about that, and with our wetland corridor, it mirrors with the completion of our more than 29-mile trail work."

He said Holmes County, led by Chamber Executive Director Tiffany Gerber, is now pushing the three B’s — birding, boating and biking.

“That’s going to be different and exciting,” Hall said. “We have an opportunity to have more outdoor recreation, so on behalf of the county commissioners, I ask you to return and explore the many opportunities to shop, dine, drive through our beautiful county.”

With membership leaders from many counties in Northeast and Southern Ohio in attendance, it provided a perfect opportunity for Hall to extol the beauty and entrepreneurial spirit of Holmes County, as well as present an important message about the EODA.

“EODA is a perfect example of how to put politics aside and work together for the betterment of all of the people involved and not just a specific area or county,” Hall said.

He said one of the reasons Holmes County continues to prosper is so many leaders, businesspeople and others understand the value of putting Holmes County first.

“Get people here to the county; they’ll find the places they want to go,” Hall said.

In addressing the crowd, Hall, who has spoken at the EODA meeting many times, said it was an honor to address a group that plays an instrumental role in growth throughout the state.

“When I look back over the past three decades I’ve been involved with EODA, I see some legendary people who are committed to serving their communities,” Hall said.

He pointed out several key people who have helped guide EODA over the years and said their leadership has been foundational.

“It’s at the point now where you can’t go anywhere in the 16 counties (in EODA) and beyond without realizing those (leaders) have made a significant difference in our counties,” Hall said. “That’s special, and EODA is special. As we move forward, I expect EODA will grow even stronger now that COVID is in the rearview mirror.”

He said one of the key components of EODA is creating a network between its members, one that allows them to share ideas, concerns and hopes so they can learn from one another.

“Networking together may be old school, but it is a must,” Hall said. “I see so much excitement in this organization.”

Hall was as passionate about the mission of EODA as he is sharing about Holmes County. He said there are special people who can carry the baton into the next generation.