Diversified jobs key, says new coalition boss

By John Nolan, Staff Writer

DAYTON — The new head of the Dayton Development Coalition, said Monday he wants to help diversify the region’s jobs base and improve communications with local governments. Jeff Hoag-
land said the coalition needs to identify key suppliers of recent economic recruits, like the Caterpillar parts distribution center in Clayton and the WilmerHale law firm’s business services center in Kettering, and work to attract those companies to the area.

“Who do those businesses work with? What do we need to do to get those supply-chain companies here in the Dayton area?” he said.

Hoagland, 43, is a former Vandalia city manager who was hired in December as the coalition’s executive vice president of operations. He was promoted Monday to presi-
dent and chief executive officer. Hoagland will receive a base salary of $195,000, compared with the $225,000 base salary paid in 2009 to predecessor Jim Leftwich.

Hoagland said he wants to use his public sector experience to assure member local governments that everyone within the coalition is pursuing the common goal of bringing new jobs to the area. Other priorities include supporting the technology development needs of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and building aerospace research and development, Hoagland said.

Leaders of organizations that work with the coalition said communication is essential for recruiting and retaining employers.

Edison Materials Technology Center, a state-backed organization in Kettering that helps technology companies get started, has had a good working relationship with the coalition and its state-supported, startup-nurturing Entrepreneurial Signature Program, said David Swenson, EMTEC’s vice president for business initiatives. But the lines of communications must stay open about prospective entrepreneurs and their needs, Swenson said.

“Anytime that you have collaborating organizations, it takes work to make sure that you’re in sync,” he said.

Tips about companies having financial trouble,
or those interested in relocating or expanding here, are invaluable for local governments competing with other regions and states for jobs and investment, said Greene County Administrator Howard Poston.

“Our biggest issue always is communications — being informed as to what’s going on and being way ahead of those issues,” Poston said. “The more lead time you get, the better your chances of achieving your objective.”

In recent years, Greene County slashed its annual membership contribution
to the coalition to $25,000, down from $190,000. But that was due to tight finances and competing needs, not because of problems with the coalition’s work, Poston said.

Hoagland succeeds Leftwich, who left the coalition in March to become director of the Ohio Department of Development in Gov. John Kasich’s administration.

Hoagland’s background in economic development and his established relationships helped him land the job, said Bruce Langos, chairman of the coalition’s board and chief operating officer of Teradata Corp.

In addition to his six years as Vandalia’s city manager, Hoagland has been the city of Kettering’s assistant city manager and economic development manager and worked in the Montgomery County community and economic development office.

Hoagland graduated
from the University of Dayton in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Wright State University.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2242 or jnolan@Dayton