Lake Erie West Regional Council earns National Achievement Award for CEDS Summit

The award recognizes our leadership in advancing regional collaboration through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Summit in March.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Lake Erie West Regional Council has received a Regional Achievement Award from the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), recognizing the organization’s leadership in advancing regional collaboration through its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Summit.

The award was presented during NARC’s 60th Annual Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and honors the impact of the March summit, which convened 120 leaders from government, business, and community organizations across Northwest Ohio. The event focused on advancing shared priorities outlined in the region’s first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

Accepting the award from NARC leadership on behalf of Lake Erie West was Sandy Spang, executive director, and Marissa Bechstein, regional development program manager. The Summit advanced the goals of our first-ever regional CEDS—serving Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties—and helped move the conversation from planning into action through collaboration.

Accepting the award on behalf of Lake Erie West was Sandy Spang, executive director, and Marissa Bechstein, regional development program manager. The award highlights the organization’s commitment to moving the CEDS from strategy to implementation. The plan serves Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties and provides a coordinated framework for economic growth, resilience, and quality of life.

“This was an exciting opportunity to be alongside regional leaders from across the country,” said Spang. “We’re especially proud to see our team’s work recognized at the national level. The success of our CEDS Summit reflects the strength of partnerships across our region and our shared commitment to turning strategy into action.”

In addition to receiving the award, Lake Erie West staff participated in the national conference, which brings together regional organizations from across the country to share best practices and advance collaborative approaches to economic and community development.

Spang also served as co-chair of NARC’s Economic and Community Development Committee and presented strategies for maximizing the impact of federally designated Economic Development Districts (EDDs). Her presentation focused on how regions can leverage EDD designation to access additional federal resources and support long-term economic development.

While in Tulsa, conference attendees also marked the 100th anniversary of Route 66, exploring its historical role in connecting communities and supporting economic growth across the United States.

The recognition underscores Lake Erie West’s role as a leader in regional collaboration and its continued commitment to advancing shared priorities across Northwest Ohio.