GOVERNOR NAMES CINCINNATI AREA BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE
Chris Smith to Serve as Taft's Regional Economic Development Advisor
COLUMBUS (December 8, 2003) - Governor Bob Taft today announced the appointment of Chris Smith as the Governor's regional economic development representative for the Cincinnati area.
Smith will be responsible for directing economic development efforts and establishing an agenda for continued growth for the state's Southwestern Economic Development Region, which includes Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont counties. He will also act as a liaison between state government, local business leaders, elected officials and economic development groups, allocating government resources to meet business challenges. He also will monitor the productivity and effectiveness of the Ohio Department of Development's programs in Southwestern Ohio.
"With a demonstrated commitment to economic development and a proven record of achievement, Chris possesses the skills necessary to effectively cultivate a positive business climate in the Cincinnati area," Taft said. "I'm confident Chris' strong economic development background, vast experience and understanding of state and local programs will assist the region in its business growth and expansion efforts."
Smith most recently served as the vice president of development services for the Clermont Chamber of Commerce. He has more than 20 years of senior-level leadership experience in the areas of economic development, property management and business development. Aside from his position with the Clermont Chamber of Commerce, Smith has also been self-employed as a commercial real estate broker specializing in industrial, commercial, office and retail transactions.
Smith will begin his new position Wednesday, December 10.
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Contact: Orest Holubec, Governor's Office, at (614) 644-0957; or
Bill Teets, Ohio Department of Development, at (614) 466-2382.