About the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange, the Economic Development Authority

Our Vision

MODE will be a catalyst for regional economic development, in partnership with community and business leaders.

Who We Are

Established in 1995, MODE is the regional economic development authority for the mid-Ohio region. The membership includes municipalities, counties, and other public sector communities and organizations from throughout this region. Additionally, private sector businesses and utility providers also make up the associate memberships of this group.

What We Do

MODE was founded to facilitate attracting new businesses to the area, to work with existing businesses on retention and expansion needs, to improve the education and training of development professionals and to address issues that affect the development and business community. It provides opportunities for collaboration in the areas of education and marketing, and provides networking opportunities for economic development professionals on a regular basis.

The concept of regional develoment authority has been strong in central Ohio since 1995. Communities and other organizations involved in development have worked together since that time to attract new businesses, retain and expand existing businesses, and create jobs within our region. We have also worked together through MODE to become more educated about development tools, regulations affecting development, and policies of competitors for our region.

MODE Board of Directors

MODE is governed by an elected board volunteering its time and efforts in furthering regional economic development.

President	Eric Phillips, Union County / City of Marysville
Vice President	Matthew Shad, City of Upper Arlington
Treasurer/Secretary	Joy Davis, Violet Township
Past President	Jeff Green, Village of Groveport
Directors-at-Large	Jean Carter Ryan, Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority Julie Colley, City of Westerville Gus Comstock, City of Delaware James Schimmer, Franklin County Robyn Stewart, City of Worthington

MODE Committee Structure

Volunteer opportunities to serve on committees and plan events are available and welcomed.

Administration Chair: Matthew Shad	Develops and maintains MODE's organizational structure; maintains a balanced budget and controls accounting; and oversees the administration of contracts and the board.
Communication Chair: Robyn Stewart	Works to enhance the image of MODE to public entities, the business community, and site selectors; communicates organizational and member events and activities to the membership; oversees any print materials for the organization; and serves as a resource for all other committees to promote activities and events.
Programming Chair: Julie Colley	Provides members several opportunities throughout the year to increase professional development and awareness, focusing on issues appealing to the interests of members.
Legislative: Co-chair: Jeff Green Co-chair: Jim Schimmer	Monitors and report on legislative issues pertinent to economic development; works with regional organizations to identify and develop issues important to Central Ohio; promote improvements, changes to laws, regulations, and issues.
Membership Chair: Gus Comstock	Coordinates member recruitment and retention efforts. This committee also is a resource for those needing assistance through the membership application process.

Become a Member

Membership in the MODE economic development authority allows you:

To attend MODE meetings, programming events, and economic development training programs
To improve the education and training of development professionals
To provide an environment for networking
To partner with regional organizations
To address issues that affect the development and business community
To collaborate in the areas of education and marketing
To track legislation that affects development and receive briefings of the issues
Access and training for development programs and software
Access to the Columbus Chamber Regional Marketing program and materials
Access to regional data and site selection services

To learn more, download the MODE Brochure, or Membership Application, or contact Gus Comstock, Membership Chair.

Connect with Our Community

Not sure who to talk to to? Check out our list of key contacts.

Contact our economic development team » 614.225.6067

How We Work Together

How do more than 20 communities work together when they also have to compete with each other for the same project? The MODE Creed sets the standard for regional cooperation.

Latest News

Diverse Economy Helped Columbus in Downturn

Central Ohio gets chance to show off for influential group at IEDC conference

New Chamber Position: Economic Research Analyst

Upcoming Events

Monday, August 9, 2010
Capital Connections with Rob Portman

Aug. 24; 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Getting Started with Interns

Sept. 14; 3-5 p.m.
Hosting an Effective Internship

Latest Press Releases

Chamber Leader to Step Down
June 22, 2010

Study: Midwest Records Solid Metrics in Employment, Housing
May 25, 2010

Columbus Chamber Reports First Quarter Employment Stable
May 17, 2010

Advertise here