The Montrose Group’s 5th Annual Economic Development Policy Forum was another great success. The event brought together 200 economic development, real estate, corporate, and public-sector leaders for a wide-ranging conversation. In short, it delivered strong content, fresh industry trends, and plenty of networking.
A Record Turnout at the Economic Development Policy Forum
This year’s economic development policy forum drew a full house. Public officials, developers, site selectors, and corporate leaders all took part. As always, the day balanced substantive panels with the relationship-building that makes the forum valuable.
Setting the Theme: Economic Development in an Age of Uncertainty
Montrose Group Principal and Founder Dave Robinson opened the conference. He framed this year’s theme directly: navigating economic development and public policy in an age of uncertainty. That uncertainty, he noted, is driven by a populist revolt that could threaten U.S. economic dominance for decades to come. With the theme set, the panels took over.
Inside the Panels
Site Development in a Populist Uprising
Ryan Steele of Porter Wright moderated the first panel. He was joined by Jeff Fix, Fairfield County Commissioner; Josh Barken of M/I Homes; and Brant Murdock of Tenby Partners. Together they explored how to advance site development while public sentiment turns more skeptical.
Aviation, Defense, and Energy
Next, the Montrose Group’s Wade Williams led a discussion on the aviation, defense, and energy industries. The panel featured Kurt Wagner of Illuminate USA, Mark Williams of Sierra Nevada Corporation, and David Frash of Anduril. Each outlined market trends that position their industries for future corporate site location growth.
Real Estate Rapid-Fire Q&A
Nate Green of the Montrose Group then moderated a “rapid-fire” Q&A with real estate leaders. Panelists included Mason Malcomb of Kleingers, Jonathan Grubb of Archall, Terry Coyne of Newmark, Dan Lessing of BHDP, Lisa Dziekan of Clayco & LJ&C, Matt Osowski of NAI Ohio Equities, and Marc Werner of NorthPoint Development. The format kept the conversation fast and candid on the industry’s hottest topics.
Solving the Housing Crisis
The forum was also fortunate to host Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. He joined Montrose Group Principal David Robinson for a housing discussion. The mayor outlined how the 15th-largest city in America is addressing a national housing crisis. That crisis, in turn, affects both corporate site location decisions and the lives of everyday residents.
A Data Center Case Study
Finally, the forum saved a timely topic for last. Matt McCollister of the Montrose Group moderated a data center case study. He was joined by Matt McQuade of the New Albany Company, Emily Smith of AWS, and Dan Wendorf of JLL. The panel closed the day on one of economic development’s most debated subjects.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The forum would not be possible without an outstanding group of sponsors. We are grateful to:
- Tenby Partners, Agracel, Kleingers, Archall, and Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives
- Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, Terry Coyne / Newmark, JLL, BHDP, and Clayco + LJC
- NAI Ohio Equities, NorthPoint Development, Miller Valentine Construction, CESO, and Weston Construction
- Huntington National Bank, Realm Collaborative, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Kimley-Horn, Verdantas, MKSK, and Mannik & Smith
Thank you for helping make the 5th Annual Economic Development Policy Forum a success. We look forward to seeing everyone next year.
To learn more about the Montrose Group’s events and economic development services, contact Dave Robinson at drobinson@montrosegroupllc.com.