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The LCIC, which since 2006 has served as the lead economic development agency for Lucas County, took this action based on the recommendations of a Task Force, chaired by Dan Johnson, President Emeritus of the University of Toledo.
The Board had been previously composed of 5 private sector members and 4 elected officials from throughout Lucas County.
“Northwest Ohio is in an economic emergency, and our residents deserve an economic development agency that is squarely focused on creating jobs,” said Commissioner Pete Gerken, who previously served on the Board. “I’m confident that these private-sector leaders have the talent, skill and business sense necessary to lead the LCIC at this critical time.”
According to its report, the Task Force recommended a “reformed” Board with up to nine members that would be broadly representative of the private and business sectors in Northwest Ohio. Those members who were appointed by a unanimous vote include:
• Baldemar Velásquez, President of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO (FLOC);
• Keith Burwell, President & CEO of Toledo Community Foundation;
• Joe Rideout, Partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP;
• Mary Jo Waldock, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development at the University of Toledo;
• Rashmi Agnihotri, Director of Corporate Strategy, The Andersons, Inc.;
• Gary Yunker, VP of Real Estate Development for Timberstone Group, Inc.
• Derick Gant, President of Gant Investment Advisors, Inc.;
• Mark Rasmus, President of Tomahawk Development Company; &
• Joe Zerby, President & General Manager of the Toledo Blade
The Task Force report also recommended a dedicated funding stream to allow the LCIC to maximize its impact in the community. Commissioner Gerken introduces a resolution allocating $650,000 to the LCIC for 2009, scheduled for vote on Jan. 27, 2009.
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