Columbus 2020 received first place in Excellence in Economic Development Marketing and Excellence in Economic Development Innovation at the 2012 OEDA Awards.

1. Ohio Economic Development Association
17 South High Street, Suite 200
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-221-1900
Fax: 614-221-1989
Email: tracey@assnoffices.com
www.ohioeda.com
Press Release
Contact: Tracey Hogan FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2012
OHIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (OEDA)
PRESENTS 2012 ANNUAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
COLUMBUS, OH, OCTOBER 26, 2012: The Ohio Economic Development Association presented its
annual Excellence Awards at its 2012 Annual Summit, held October 24-26 at the Columbus Marriott
Northwest.
The Ohio Economic Development Association’s annual excellence awards program recognizes the
achievements of individuals and organizations throughout Ohio in the areas of economic and workforce
development.
Along with its annual excellence awards, OEDA presented an OEDA Board of Directors Service

2. Page 2
Award to Thomas R. Blaha, former Executive Director of the Wood County Economic
Development Commission and former OEDA board member. This service award was presented to Mr.
Blaha,
who recently retired, to recognize his years of dedication to Ohio and the economic development
profession.
Annual Excellence Award Recognition was presented to:
Best Project
The Best Project Award recognizes outstanding and innovative projects in economic and business development that
retain or generate jobs and investment.
• 1st Place Award Winner - Downtown Kent Revitalization Project
• Finalist - Abbott Liquid Nutrition Manufacturing Facility - Tipp City
• Finalist - BX Solutions Provides Fresh Start to Cargo Operations at Toledo Express Airport
Excellence in Economic Development Marketing
The Economic Development Marketing Award recognizes successful marketing/marketing campaigns.
Small Community:
• 1st Place Award Winner - Preble County Development Partnership - Consultant Contact (Cookie) Campaign
• Finalist - Miami Township, Montgomery County, Ohio - ICSC Web-based Economic Development Portal 2012
and Related Print Materials
Large Community:
• 1st Place Award Winners (tie)
o Columbus 2020 – Columbus Region Branding
o Muskingum Growth Partnership – "Welcome to the Neighborhood" OOGA Marketing Campaign
• Finalist - Cincinnati USA Regional Partnership - 2011 Annual Report-Big Time: A Region in Motion
Excellence in Economic Development Innovation
The Economic Development Innovation Award recognizes unique approaches to any aspect of economic
development and recognizes a person or organization that has developed innovative practices and programs.
• 1st Place Award Winner - Columbus 2020, as led by Chief Economic Officer, Kenny McDonald

3. Page 3
• Finalist - Clinton County Regional Planning Commission-Energize Clinton County
• Finalist - Bethany Dentler, Medina County Economic Development Corp.
Excellence in Workforce Development Innovation
The Workforce Development Innovation Award recognizes unique approaches to any aspect of workforce
development and recognizes a person and/or organization that has developed innovative practices and programs.
The strategy(ies) should provide direction, guidance, and motivation to Ohio’s workforce and business community.
• 1st Place Award Winner - Towards Employment-WorkAdvance, Cleveland, Ohio
• Finalist – C-TEC of Licking County-Manufacturing Certification Program and Pre-Employment Training
Program
• Finalist – Stark State Barberton Satellite Center
The Ohio Economic Development Association supports efforts by state, regional and local governments and
other organizations to strengthen the economic climate in Ohio, foster employment growth and expand
economic opportunities for Ohio’s citizens. For more information about OEDA, please visit www.ohioeda.com.
-End-