Ohio Valley Politics

Earlier today Zack Space’s office sent out a column written by the Congressman on his upcoming “Renew Ohio” summit series. While most of the information in the column has already been announced, there is one important note. Anyone wishing to participate in one of these summits should RSVP with Space’s office (866-910-7577).

In case anyone is interested I’ve reprinted Space’s column after the jump. It’s nice to hear why he’s doing this in his own words, so I recommend checking it out. You can also find some local news coverage on the announcement of the Nelsonville alternative energy summit here.

Column: RENEW OHIO-18 – REalizing a New Economic Way for Ohio’s 18th Congressional District

- Developing a Long-Term Blueprint for the Economic Revitalization of Southeastern Ohio -

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As we all know, Ohio has been devastated by the loss of many jobs in recent years.  Most of the lost jobs have been in the manufacturing sector thanks to unfair trade deals that have debilitated our region and our state.  I strongly believe that we must prepare ourselves to capitalize on opportunities for new industries and jobs.  Our greatest resource is our workers and our know-how, and I am asking for your help.

That’s why I am undertaking an extensive five-month campaign to develop a new economic blueprint for Southeastern Ohio.  I’m calling this effort RENEW OHIO-18 (REalizing a New Economic Way for Ohio’s 18th Congressional District).  During this effort, we will bring together researchers, industry leaders, and interested citizens to share ideas about how we can attract new businesses and industry to take advantage of economic sectors that have significant promise for the future.

On Friday, January 25th, we will hold our RENEW OHIO-18 Kickoff Breakfast in Zanesville.  Over the next four months, individual Working Groups throughout the district will be charged with mapping out a proposal for the following issues sure to be critical to Southeastern Ohio’s economy in the coming years: Broadband, Agriculture, Alternative Energy, and Health Care.  Finally, on Friday, May 23rd, we will hold a day-long RENEW OHIO-18 Summit, where the findings of each of these groups will be presented and debated.  Each meeting will be open to the public, as we will welcome all ideas on how to make our region a leader in economic revitalization. 

January 25: RENEW OHIO-18 Ohio Kickoff, Zanesville, OH

February 29: RENEW OHIO-18 Broadband Working Group Meeting, New Philadelphia, OH

March 21: RENEW OHIO-18 Agriculture Working Group Meeting, Coshocton, OH

April 11: RENEW OHIO-18 Alternative Energy Working Group Meeting, Nelsonville, OH

April 25: RENEW OHIO-18 Healthcare Working Group Meeting, Chillicothe, OH

May 23: RENEW OHIO-18 Summit, Zanesville, OH

We have a unique opportunity now to take action to ensure that Southeastern Ohio is a place that will not only attract leading industries from around the country and the world, but also a place where our children will have the economic opportunities necessary to raise their families.  Generations to come are depending on our efforts now to save our region.

I believe strongly that the time has come to undertake this endeavor.  No issue deserves our attention more than preparing ourselves to attract new businesses with the jobs that our residents so greatly deserve.  I hope you will join me in making Southeastern Ohio a model for other regions when they go in search of solutions.

With the right attitude, some old-fashioned know-how, and dedication, we can and will create a new economic future for Southeastern Ohio.

If you are interested in participating in any of the RENEW OHIO-18 meetings, please contact my office toll free at 866-910-7577 to RSVP.

Congressman Zack Space