Tours and Special Events

Living on top of the Old Margarine Factory and other Dirty Redevelopment Stories
Date: Sunday, September 26
Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Price: Price: $45

Every community has them – that one building, piece of property, or collection of properties – that could be an incredible development opportunity if you could just get past the property acquisition, environmental, or financing issues. This tour will explore four sites in three communities that were able overcome these issues to develop the “impossible dream”. The first stop is a former grocery chain administrative offices and warehouses that has experience a rebirth as a mixed-use project known as Grandview Yard. From there, the tour will travel to Harrison Park, a former margarine factory that has been converted to single family homes, lofts and flats that are attracting young professionals. A former industrial site will be the next stop that is laying the infrastructure for development of more than 500 units of condominiums and apartments and 1.5 acres of greenspace and a community center. The final stop on this redevelopment tour will be in the community of Gahanan to learn about the Creekside development—a variety of recreational opportunies, public spaces, and a mix use development that is integrating the creek and historic Olde Gahanna. In addition to learning about how each of these sites were redeveloped, this tour will highlight the different financing programs used.

Rural Focus - Union County
Date: Sunday, September 26
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Price: $45

Union County is home to several large corporations however it maintains a strong agricultural base with 87% of its land area dedicated to farm land. In 2007 cash receipts from marketing of farm commodities was $128,027,000. In 2009, the first Union County Business Agriculture Business Association, an association of the Union County Chamber of Commerce, was formed to ensure and enhance agricultural economic development and activity through communication, education and promotion to consumers, Agribusinesses and public entities. The goals of this association include create public awareness, agri-voice for the promotion and protection of Union County agricultural development, promotion and education.

This Agriculture Tour will take you to three facilities in Union County, Ohio just outside of Columbus. The tour will take you to Univenture, an Algae research and technology center, Springdale Perch farm and Select Sires, an international superior bovine genetics production facility. You will learn how agriculture is playing a major role in creating jobs and investment in rural America and how agribusiness has become a major part of economic development programs.

Technology and Higher Education
Date: Monday, September 27
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Price: $45

In March of 2008, Forbes named Columbus the #1 Up and Coming Tech City. In this mobile workshop, you’ll visit a few of the reasons why Columbus received this designation and explore the critical role of technology and education in encouraging economic development.

The Ohio Supercomputer Center is the first stop on the tour and was established by the Ohio Board of Regents in 1987 as a statewide resource designated to place Ohio’s research universities and private industry in the forefront of computational research. The center provides supercomputing, research and education resources to a diverse state and national community, including education, academic research, industry and state government.

Located in the 315 Technology Corridor, TechColumbus leverages the assets of the corridor—The Ohio State University, Battelle and the Columbus Research Institute—to support and provide resources critical to emerging technology businesses. It has provided technology incubation support for 111 companies, creating 665 jobs with an average salary of $65,000, and generating revenues in the nature of $145 million.

The last stop on the tour is the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center (DEC) in Dublin’s 1,300- acre Innovation Park. Confronted with a 40,000 square foot building, the City of Dublin master-leased the building and began assembling the partners and resources targeted to meet the needs of innovative start-up companies. The combination of the DEC, DubLink (Dublin’s broadband infrastructure) and its workforce training program have resulted in the City’s recognition as a Smart 21 community in 2008 and 2009, one of the top seven International Intelligent Communities in 2010, and as the #1 city in the country to start a business by Fox Business News.

Rickenbacker
Date: Monday, September 27
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Price: $65 (lunch included)

Rickenbacker, located 10 miles southeast of downtown Columbus, is an international cargo-dedicated airport, a multi-modal logistics hub, a charter passenger terminal, and a U.S. Foreign Trade zone. Formerly the Rickenbacker Air Force Base that was decommissioned in 1980, a comprehensive initiative was launched to redevelop Rickenbacker as a private sector, international logistics center. Designation as a foreign trade zone occurred in 1987 and has propelled development

The mobile workshop will explore the numerous industrial parks with over 39 million square feet of development housing more than 150 companies. Businesses include cargo airlines, freight forwarders, logistics companies, retailers, corporate aviation businesses, manufacturers and distributors.

In March of 2008, the Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal, a collaborative effort between the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and Norfolk Southern Corporation, was dedicated. Initially occupying 175 acres, shipping containers arrive by rail from eastern ports to be transferred between trains and trucks. The Intermodal Terminal utilizes the latest in gate and terminal automation technology.

Honda of America
Date: Monday, September 27
Time: 12:00 - 4:30 pm
Price: $45; limited to 35 attendees

Just 25 minutes northwest of Columbus, Honda of America has evolved from a motorcycle plant employing 64 associates in 1979 to become Ohio’s top vehicle producer. As a result of their partnership with the State of Ohio, Honda has invested more than $6.1 billion in its Ohio facilities, contributed $1 billion in payroll taxes to local communities while producing almost $20 billion in products annually. And Honda’s impact goes far beyond economic numbers - its commitment to sustainable environment development is evident throughout its operations.

Honda of America manages more than 8,000 acres of land in Union and Logan counties, including more than 500 acres of wetlands, 1,400 acres of forestlands and 3,000 acres of farmland. Honda constructed a pond system capable of capturing 22 million gallons of rainwater. The pond’s rainwater is used at the Marysville Auto Plant in order to keep the plant cool in the summer, reducing the plant's groundwater usage by about 40 million gallons per year. Five wetland areas were constructed to slow runoff from parking lots, providing for the absorption of excess nutrients, sediments and other materials and preventing these sediments from entering streams, lakes and rivers such as the Big Darby watershed. These wetlands also provide habitat for many aquatic plants and animals.

In the early days of Honda's Ohio manufacturing, most parts came from Japan until a local supply base could be established. Instead of sending the containers back empty, Honda experimented with shipping local commodities back to Japan. The result – HAPI, Harmony Agriculture Products Inc – today the largest producer of organic soybeans in Ohio and one of the largest in the nation. Its beans are gathered locally, and from organic fields in neighboring states, and sold for tofu and other food products overseas.

Bringing Life Back to Downtown Columbus (A 2-hour walking tour)
Date: Tuesday, September 28
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Price: $45

In 2001, the City of Columbus embarked on a process to revitalize its downtown in time for the City’s Bicentennial in 2012. A private, non-profit development corporation – the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation – was created to implement the plan’s five core strategies: 1) Increase downtown living; 2) Stabilize the downtown office market; 3) Concentrate new mixed-use development in key, designated areas; 4) Create a riverfront park and promenade; and 5) Improve parking and the movement of cars, transit and people. Since 2002, 5,000 housing units have been built, are under construction or in the pipeline, office vacancy rates have been reduced to 14.7% from 26% while a million square feet of office space was added.

On the walking tour through Downtown Columbus, you will visit many of the projects integral to “Bringing Life Back to the City”. The first stop is the Arena District – a 75-acre mixed-use urban infill once home to the Ohio Penitentiary. The master-planned district features housing, restaurants, office and a variety of entertainment venues in a Neo-classical American design.

Currently underway, the Scioto Mile is a $44 million renovation of the riverfront that has two key elements – a 30’ wide promenade with trees, art and water features, and a river walk, which will provide recreational opportunities at the river’s edge.

The 23-acre River South District, previously a sea of surface parking lots, is being transformed into a dense urban neighborhood consisting of lofts, condo and apartments. The district is anchored by two LEED projects: the historic Lazarus building, newly converted to state, county and local government offices, and the Franklin County Courthouse complex.

Completing the tour is historic Gay Street, a recent urban street revitalization project. The $2 million transformation is now complete and provides streetscape amenities such as trees, plants and bike racks to complement the office, restaurant and newly added housing. Capital South provided façade grants to help upgrade the buildings and a Special Improvement District provides funds for maintenance.

Golf Outing at OSU Scarlet
Date: Sunday, September 26
Time: 8:00 am – 2:30 pm
Price: $150 (Limited to 48 players)

Transportation to Scarlet Golf Course will be provided. The bus will depart at 8:00 a.m. We ask that all golf participants meet at 7:45 am in the North drop off area. Tee times will begin at 9:00 am with intervals every 12 minutes.

Through the great foresight of L.W. St. John, (OSU Athletic Director, 1912-1947) Ohio State University can claim two golf courses considered by many to be masterpieces in classical golf course architecture. The Scarlet course (take an online tour) is rated as one of the top collegiate courses in the nation. Dr. Alister MacKenzie, a world-renowned golf course architect, submitted the original routing plans to L.W. St. John on January 6, 1931 and construction of the Scarlet course was overseen by famed architect Perry Maxwell. The Scarlet was completed in 1938 and the Gray was finished later in 1940. In 1941, Ohio State made history when it hosted the first ever women's collegiate golf championship on the Scarlet course.

In 2005 and 2006 the Scarlet Course underwent a major restoration project overseen by former Buckeye legend Jack Nicklaus. Jack concentrated on restoring the course to the way Alister MacKenzie originally intended it to play. The bunkers were redesigned to appear more like the classic MacKenzie designs at his numerous other courses. The course was also lengthened to play more than 7,400 yards and the par was changed to 71. The driving range was also enlarged and a short-game practice area was built for both of the varsity golf teams as well as another one for the members of the club.

Learn more about the course: Ohio State Golf Club Tops Rank

Regions at the Crossroads: Transforming Higher Education and Economic Development
Date: Sunday, September 26
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Price: $85; $110 workshop only

Higher education institutions and economic development organizations engage on many projects including technology transfer, revitalizing surrounding neighborhoods and regions, entrepreneurship promotion, real estate development, and talent development. Yet the understanding of mutual areas for collaboration between higher education and local and regional economic development organizations faces obstacles such as differing definitions and metrics for economic development and misperceptions of each other’s roles. Working towards the common goal to grow jobs, entrepreneurs, investment and talent in the knowledge-based economy, fostering the engagement between economic development organizations and institutes of higher education is essential.

At the 2010 Annual Conference, IEDC will host a candid town hall-style workshop to examine the power of collaboration between economic development organizations and universities. Topics discussed include:

• Exploring the changing face of Higher Education and its growing role in achieving economic prosperity
• Understanding points of entry for economic developers into institutions of higher education
• Discovering opportunities to work in partnerships including global connectivity, regional problem solving, and entrepreneurship

Opening the town hall will be knowledgeable and experienced economic development practitioners and higher education leaders to provide their insights on the issues and open discussion on the intersection and collaboration. Following open remarks and insights, this town hall will open to discussion and questions among the panel and the audience. As a town hall, there is a high expectation for audience involvement and feedback. IEDC invites economic developers, university leaders, community development organizations, local elected officials, real estate developers and anyone connected to the collaboration between higher education and economic development.

Moderator: David Sweet, Ph.D., President, Youngstown University

Speakers:
• Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor, The State University of New York, Albany, NY
• Mark L. Weinberg, Professor, Department of Political Science, Ohio University
• Lloyd A. Jacobs, M.D., President, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
• Luis Proenza, President, University of Akron, Arkron, OH

Chairman’s Reception
Date: Sunday, September 26
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Price: Free, but registration is required

Don’t miss the opportunity to see old friends and make new acquaintances. Join IEDC Chair Bill Best and your colleagues for an evening of networking and fun in the Battelle North, Exhibit Hall.

Economic Development Ethics Workshop
Date: Monday, September 27
Time: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Price: Price: Free, but registration is required. Box lunch available for $10

Do you know how to tackle difficult situations that pose ethical dilemmas in your professional life? Did you know that IEDC adopted a Code of Ethical Conduct in 2008?

Economic developers encounter numerous situations on a regular basis that require sound judgment and strength of character. IEDC developed a Code of Ethics in 2008 to pave the way for the economic development profession in terms of upholding high standards of behavior. This session will provide basic instruction on ethics, the difference between ethics and legal definitions, as well as the use of case study examples to boost learning among participants on ethical decision making. Look out for additional training opportunities offered by IEDC and its accredited partners in 2011.

Defining Issues Lunch: The Next American Dream: Revitalization of Our Downtowns
Date: Monday, September 27
Time: 11:45 am – 1:15 pm
Price: $45

American downtowns have gone through a remarkable transformation in recent years in response to changing demographic and socioeconomic trends of the last decade. As demographers predicted a steady rise in the percentage of American households without children and a tremendous increase in the demand for walkable urban spaces—what will the next American dream look like? This year’s Defining Issues Luncheon will examine how American downtowns have evolved and adapted to the changing culture and what communities should think about today to keep pace with current demographic and socioeconomic trends.

Highlights from the recent PBS special The Next American Dream—Revitalization of our Downtowns will be shown at the luncheon. The film blends the story of Kansas City’s comeback with interviews from urban planning experts from around the country, archival footage and commentary from the people who are returning to live in our downtowns. The Next American Dream highlights how the built environment has reflected (or some would say driven) the American Dream and how urban planners and downtown developers are re-adapting their strategies to meet the needs of a modern and more environmentally conscious society. Christopher Leinberger and Robert Marcusse will break down the film and interpret the lessons and messages from the urban planning experts around the country. Using Kansas City as a case study, attendees will hear what these trends mean and innovative ways to promote and adapt to their own communities rapidly changing environments.

Keynote Speakers:
• Christopher Leinberger, Fellow, Brookings Institution, Metropolitan Policy Program, Washington DC
• Robert Marcusse, President and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council, Kansas City, MO

Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall
Date: Monday, September 27
Time: 11:45 am – 1:45 pm
Price: $10

Recognition Dinner
Date: Monday, September 27
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Price: $100

Join in honoring those who have contributed to making the profession what it is today. Honors to be conferred include:

• Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of Edward DeLuca
• Fellow Members (FM) and Honorary Lifetime Members (HLM)
• Leadership Award for Public Service
• New Economic Developer of the Year Award
• Citizen Leadership Award and
• Chairman's Award for Excellence in Economic Development

Specialized Development Seminar: Preparing for the CEcD Exam Workshop
Date: Tuesday, September 28
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 am
Price: Free, but registration is required

Networking Reception
Date: Tuesday, September 28
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Price: Free, but registration is required