EODA meeting in Walnut Creek urges regional push for growth

When Eastern Ohio Development Alliance members gathered in Walnut Creek recently for the annual meeting, there was one central theme that rose above all else, that being members must work together to bring new industry and growth to the region.

Governor’s Office of Appalachia Director John Carey was a keynoter speaker and spoke about the importance of EODA partners working together to build and brand the entirety of EODA’s 16 counties.

Carey said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been impressed with the work EODA has been doing and said other state leaders also are taking note.

Like EODA, the Governor’s Office of Appalachia strives to improve economic growth and quality of life in Ohio’s Appalachian counties. The office partners with local communities, the State of Ohio and the federal Appalachian Regional Commission to support projects involving job creation, workforce training, broadband expansion, infrastructure, tourism, education, health care and community development.

It also helps distribute grant funding and coordinates regional planning efforts aimed at helping Appalachian Ohio communities become more economically prosperous and sustainable.

Carey said recent times have been filled with unique circumstances and opportunities.

“It’s been a historic time; it’s been a challenging time. But we all have to stretch, and we see communities coming together in creating their vision,” Carey said.

He said each member of EODA is critical to the ongoing success of his organization, and he said it has been a pleasure teaming up to better Ohio.

The result has seen the Department of Development invest more than $2.2 billion into Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties since 2019, with $1.3 million of that being counties among EODA’s organization.

“That’s due to all of your efforts,” Carey told those in attendance.

The funds have been invested in projects ranging from water and sewer infrastructure to demolition and clean-up of undesirable sites, preserving historical sites, and many improvement projects.

“A lot of people were skeptical that we would be able to be successful with the money we received through House Bill 77 in 2022,” Carey said. “It was the governor’s idea, and the state legislators were very receptive of the idea.”

He said what makes the final product even more exciting is each project was locally driven by people who live, work and thrive in their local communities.

“Projects that came forward were not things I would have thought of, but they have been transformative to our region,” Carey said.

Melissa Bell, Muskingum County commissioner, then introduced Matt Abbott, president and CEO of OhioSE.

The former Zanesville Muskingum Port Authority executive director for nearly a decade and co-founder of Foxfire Community Schools for At Risk Youth, Abbott understands the value of organizations connecting and working toward common goals.

Abbott said he works with 25 counties, and he said it is exciting to collaborate each day to move the region forward.

“There’s so many different agencies, programs and opportunities to mend things together and to truly make transformational change,” Abbott said.

In 2025 his organization participated in 25 partner projects that created more than 800 new jobs and $1.6 million in new investments.

OhioSE is one of seven networks in Ohio serving as the partner for JobsOhio.

Abbott spoke intentionally about site development, saying speed to develop is a must when so many areas around the state and nation are seeking to bring new business growth to their respective communities.

He said exploring possible sites to build industrial sites and land banks is a challenge, and many funds are being invested in creating spec buildings.

He said the organization recently completed its five-year strategic plan and came away with four initiatives including regional collaboration and coordination, utilizing talent by keeping people in the region, creating competitive assets, and continuing to build economic development.

“This is our time,” Abbott said. “More people are asking about this area because of the assets we have. We’ve got to get better at talking about ourselves. This is our opportunity to take advantage of all these assets at our disposal. I’m excited about making investments in our region.

“It does take everyone working together and not worrying about who is getting the credit to grow and succeed. EODA can really be an advocate for the community it represents and to the entire region to influence policy and procedures that can benefit Appalachia.”

Finally, EODA dished out its annual Excellence Awards. Gradall Industries received the Manufacturing Award, True North was honored with the Technology Award, Apex Gaming & Event Center was presented with the Emerging Business Award, and the Tourism Award went to both U.S.S. Shenandoah Crash Hunt for 100 and Farm at Old World Garden.