News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Chief Economic Development Officer Mark Barbash today announced the appointment of Jerry D. Good as the Regional Economic Development Director for the Lima region. Good will be responsible for directing economic development efforts and establishing an agenda for continued growth for Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert Counties in West Central Ohio. He will serve as a liaison between the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) and state government with local business leaders, elected officials, and economic development groups to meet the economic, business, and community opportunities throughout the region.

"Jerry brings to this position an accomplished record of working in collaboration with businesses and communities to promote economic growth in West Central Ohio," said Barbash. "His strong background in workforce development and business retention and expansion, as well as his broad-based business experience will be a great addition to the region's efforts to build business opportunities."

Prior to his appointment, Good was Vice President of the Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG), where he developed and implemented economic development programs to attract and retain domestic and international investment. Good also contributed to the design and implementation of the workforce development programs: AccentOhio.org, which assists employers in finding and retaining skilled workers and helps job seekers find employment; and WorkingEd.com, which links post secondary graduating students and interns with businesses in the region. Before joining the AEDG, Good work for 22 years with Taggart Supply Company, a $3 million industrial/commercial/residential wholesale business. As Operations Manager, he managed personnel, accounts payable and receivable, sales and purchasing.

Good served in several capacities on various board and committees in the Lima region, including: Area Three Director for the Ohio Economic Development Association; member of the Port Authority of Allen County; member and Past Chair of the Allen County Regional Airport Authority; member and Past Chair of the James A. Rhodes State College Foundation Board; and member of the Downtown Lima, Inc. Economic Restructuring Committee. He also served two years as President of the Ohio Economic Development Association.

Good is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Organizational Management from Bluffton University.

Good will begin his duties on May 29, 2007.

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Media contacts: Melissa Ament at (614) 466-6619 or Maria Smith at (614) 466-2382