Over 100 members of the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA) recently gathered for their 35^th annual meeting at the Carlisle Inn to celebrate economic development excellence in the region. The EODA is an independent, non-profit organization serving 16 counties in Eastern and Southeastern Ohio to promote economic growth. U.S. Congressman Troy Balderson (12^th – District) was the keynote speaker. Congressman Balderson provided an update on key legislative issues and activities impacting the region. Matt Abbott, President and CEO of Ohio Southeast Economic Development, provided members with updates on current economic development projects in the region. State Senator Al Landis (31^st – District) was in attendance to give comments and present commendations to award winners. Three EODA Excellence Awards were presented to businesses or organizations. The Small Business Excellence Award was presented to the Southeastern Ohio Credit Union. Tourism Excellence Awards were presented to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) and Skyline Resort.  A representative from the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio joined the meeting to announce grant awards from the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund and the Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund. Mr. Hileman was a founding member and director of EODA. Mr. Myers was a former, long-term president of EODA.

The following organizations were awarded grant funds from the Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund:

• Southeast Healthcare to support comfort care kits for elementary school students in Union Local Schools in Belmont County.
• Southern Ohio Soles to provide footwear to children in Jackson and Vinton counties with plans to expand to Pike County in the 2025-2026 school year.
• The Groknu Foundation and Hocking Hills Inspire Shelter to provide side gig and small business education to shelter clients focusing on basic accounting and tax education in Hocking County.

The following organizations were awarded grant funds from the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund:

• The Adena Historical Society to fund the completion of a Mining and Railroad Room at the Adena Museum, a new attraction in Harrison and Jefferson counties that is being renovated room by room.
• The Lightship Foundation to support Columbiana County entrepreneurs participating in the 2025 Black Tech Week Meetup, which provides Black entrepreneurs and innovators opportunities to network, exchange ideas and receive funding through a pitch competition.
• Nelsonville-York School District in Athens County to support its summer internship program, providing high school students hands-on, paid internships while connecting local businesses and organizations with potential future employees.

Small Business Excellence Award

Southeastern Ohio Credit Union – (L to R): Senator Al Landis, Allen Fraley, Tammy Clark, Cathy Cline, Missey Carver, Gwynn Stewart, Congressman Troy Balderson

Tourism Excellence Award

MWCD (L to R): Commissioner Mitch Pace (Tuscarawas County), Senator Al Landis, Adria Bergeron, Cara Musser, Gwynn Stewart, Congressman Troy Balderson

Tourism Excellence Award

Skyline Resort – (L to R): Senator Al Landis, Allen Fraley, Matt Blakney, Matthew Blakney, Gwynn Stewart, Congressman Troy Balderson