Communiqué
‘Impact Ohio’ Brings a Regional Conference to Athens to Discuss Policy Issues
< < Back toFor the first time Impact Ohio is bringing a regional conference to Southeastern Ohio to examine issues confronting Appalachian Ohio.
The conference will be Thursday, November 7th from 11 a.m. to 4:30 at the Ohio University Inn and Conference Center. If you would like to attend, go to Impact Ohio’s website at https://impactohio.org and click on the registration tab.
Impact Ohio is a bi-partisan group that offers conferences around Ohio to explore issues and possible policy solutions. The goal is to connect people, policy, and politics, says Jennifer Flatter, chief executive officer of Impact Ohio.
The organization has been in existence since 1984. It brings politicians of both parties together with policy makers and citizens from particular parts of Ohio to frame issues and discuss possible solutions.
In Athens, three panels will discuss infrastructure problems, opportunities for economic development and how to create a culture of health within the region.
The conference also will be addressed by Lt. Governor John Husted, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, State Treasurer Robert Sprague and State Representative Jay Edwards. Ohio University President Duane Nellis and Athens Mayor Steve Patterson also will give remarks.
The key to the conference is to bring government officials together with civic and business leaders and community members to discuss issues important to Southeastern Ohio, Flatter says.
In addition to six regional conferences around Ohio, Impact Ohio sponsors a Post-Election Conference every two years to talk about the policy and political agendas for the upcoming biennium.
Each Impact Ohio Conference is co-sponsored with the Ohio Democratic and Republican Parties. This allows for a bi-partisan examination of future policy making, Flatter adds.
Flatter holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Ohio University and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs and is the President of Ohio Women in Government.