As published in the July 1, 2005 Toledo Business Journal
Hans Rosebrock
FirstEnergy, manager, economic development, Ohio
Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Devolopment
Association, president
Toledo Business Journal recently sat down with Hans Rosebrock, manager, economic development, Ohio, FirstEnergy and president, Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development Association (NORED), which covers 11 northwest Ohio counties. He shared the following thoughts.
TBJ: What do you see as the most important need in the business community? Would you like to provide any suggested solutions?
HR: We need to get the word out internationally on some of the neat things we have going here – just a few examples would be Midwest MicroDevices, the labor agreement between Jeep and the UAW, and how Toledo was just rated the fifth highest in the US for wireless connections.
As a community, I think we’ve not done a good job of marketing ourselves domestically and internationally. There are neat things going on and we’ve just got to tell the world about it.
It also goes back to telling these stories locally, so the companies that are here know this is a good place to be.
TBJ: What advice would you provide for advancing the economy in our region?
HR: Part of my responsibility at FirstEnergy is an international program – we try to help our customers grow by introducing them to international opportunities. There are many strong, internationally competitive companies here that could be selling their products and services overseas. I think we in the economic development community need to do a better job of providing them with information about those opportunities.
Small to medium-sized companies that are aggressive about seeking opportunities internationally will grow and expand – it’s a fact.
TBJ: Can you share your thoughts on the issue of regional economic development and NORED’s role?
HR: NORED in the past has been a group to help market the region as a whole; to work on legislative issues; and networking, education, and advocacy. Those have been our three roles and I think we’re going to continue those roles in the future. Perhaps we will put a greater emphasis on the legislative and networking, education, and advocacy, and maybe allow the marketing to go a bit more through the RGP for two reasons: they’re going to have a lot of resources and expertise to do that and, on the NORED side, we just don’t have the resources to do a big marketing splash.
We’re doing a survey of all the NORED members, including board members and associate members, to find out where they think the organization is, where it might be going, and to get their perceptions on how well we’ve done with our three roles. We’re working with Ohio State University Extension Service; they’re helping us with this at no charge.
NORED has never done a survey such as this. In meetings, in a group situation like that, some people may shy away from sharing an idea. Since this survey is confidential, it will be a good way to gauge people’s thoughts, opinions, and perceptions.
Preliminary survey results will be presented to the membership on July 14, and we’ll use that to chart the course for where we want to go.
TBJ: Looking down the road, how do you see a regional approach on economic development making a change?
HR: I think some things are easier if they’re done at the local level. But as far as attraction, many companies now go to a regional organization or a state organization to help them find a site or facility. I think the groups need to work together for the benefit of the whole region.
TBJ: Do you see the increase in the private sector’s involvement in economic development having an impact?
HR: Yes, I think it will be a plus. Some of the regional folks, outside of Lucas County, see Lucas County politics dictating what they should do in their area. I think with the private sector coming to the table, some of those concerns and perceptions evaporating – whether they’re correct or not.
TBJ: Please identify an important community organization that needs more support.
HR: My personal favorite is Big Brothers Big Sisters, that’s where my United Way money goes every year. Positively influencing people’s lives at an early age, when their thoughts and values are formed, is very important.
FirstEnergy also works closely with the Northwest Ohio Food Bank – we do a big food drive every year.