THE MUNICIPAL at the 60th annual Ohio Municipal League conference

Robert Tribby, Mayfield Heights finance director and president of the Ohio Municipal League, addresses the attendees at the 2011 OML conference in December. (Photos provided)

Ask the average American what challenges this country is currently facing and you’d most likely hear a few common concerns – the economy, unemployment, health care and renewable energy. These are the big issues that affect us every day. I discovered they’re also the big issues under discussion among elected officials in Ohio.

The 60th annual Ohio Municipal League conference brought together city mayors and town managers from all across the state to represent large and small towns that are full of “average Americans.” The conference provided these civil servants an opportunity to learn effective ways to tackle these and other challenges, utilize the very best in municipal products and services and cast a vision for a culturally – relevant, economically-strong Ohio.

Springfield, Ohio, City Manager Jim Bodenmiller was among the municipal leaders who attended the 2011 OML conference in December.

Conference exhibitors showcased products and services ranging from renewable energy programs to workman’s compensation management and the raw materials to build stronger municipal structures.

Organizers provided attendees the opportunity to collectively discuss current issues facing the state and to share stories of success. Keynote speaker Mark Kvamme, CIO and president of JobsOhio, led several large, round table discussions. The good news? Officials are rebuilding the state town by town, reintroducing industry giants like Ford Motor Corp. into Ohio through tax credit legislation and investing in renewable energy like the wind farms in Van Wert.

Ohio Municipal League is leading the way toward a smarter and more secure Ohio, where residents are satisfied with – and proud of – their elected government.

Steve Gutowski
Account Executive