Inaugural Lake Erie West Regional Council CEDS Summit

Are you interested in the future of northwest Ohio’s regional economy? The Lake Erie West Regional Council (formerly the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments) invites you to a summit featuring a keynote message by Ohio Department of Development Director, Lydia Mihalik. The summit will focus on the priorities and opportunities identified in the Lake Erie West Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

Covering Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties, the CEDS sets a shared, regionally driven framework for economic growth, resilience, and quality of life. This summit is designed to move beyond the written report and into conversation bringing together leaders from across sectors to explore how the strategy can be implemented through collaboration.

To highlight the region’s vibrant small‑businesses and the entrepreneurs who help define its identity, the summit will also feature a “Taste of Bowling Green”, our host city, which will showcase a curated selection of tasty treats from locally owned restaurants. By celebrating these businesses, we aim to underscore the important role that food and community play in strengthening the Lake Erie West region’s economic future.

Event Program:

• 8:00 am: Check in with light breakfast and networking

• 9:00 am- 10:45 am: Two moderated panels with regional and state leaders

• 11:00 am: Keynote: Lydia Mihalik, Director, Ohio Department of Development

• 12:15 pm: Lunch

• 12:30 pm: Final moderated panel

• 1:15 pm: Closing remarks
  

Who Should Attend

• Lake Erie West Regional Council members

• Elected officials and local government staff

• Economic and workforce development professionals

• Infrastructure, housing, and community leaders

• Members of the media

About the Lake Erie West Region CEDS

The summit will focus on the priorities and opportunities identified in the Lake Erie West Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Developed with input from local governments, economic development partners, institutions, and the private sector, the CEDS aligns priorities across jurisdictions and helps the region for federal and state investment.

The Lake Erie West Region CEDS will be implemented and evaluated using both high-level regional performance indicators and specific outcome-based metrics, with progress reviewed and reported annually.

You do not need to have read the full CEDS report to participate meaningfully in this summit.

Summit Themes
The summit will explore the core themes of the Lake Erie West Region CEDS through three moderated panel discussions, featuring knowledgeable regional and state leaders, with time for audience questions and discussion.

Expanding and Diversifying the Regional Economy
From advanced manufacturing and logistics to technology, aerospace, agriculture, and food systems, this theme focuses on attracting high-quality jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, redeveloping vacant and brownfield sites, and strengthening the region’s economic base.

Enhancing Workforce Development and Retention
This discussion will examine how education, training, childcare access, digital skills, and talent attraction intersect to strengthen labor force participation and help employers meet evolving workforce needs.

Addressing Housing Affordability and Access
Panelists will explore strategies to expand workforce and affordable housing, reduce development barriers, encourage infill and mixed-use development, and align housing with economic and infrastructure planning.

Modernizing Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity
This theme highlights transportation, utilities, broadband, ports, and airports—and how coordinated infrastructure investment supports economic competitiveness and community growth across urban and rural areas.

Strengthening Regional Identity, Quality of Life, and Community Resilience
From downtown revitalization and placemaking to environmental assets, health access, and food systems, this discussion focuses on the factors that make the region livable, resilient, and attractive to residents and businesses alike.

By attending the summit, you will walk away with these tools and insights:

• A clear understanding of the strategic priorities guiding the Lake Erie West Region

• Insight into how the CEDS will be implemented, measured, and updated over time

• Data-informed perspectives on workforce, housing, infrastructure, and economic trends

• Opportunities to engage directly with regional and state leaders

• A stronger understanding of how regional cooperation delivers results across county lines
  

Join us on March 6 and be part of the conversation shaping the Lake Erie West Region’s economic future.