Our Vision

MODE will be a catalyst for regional growth, in partnership with community and business leaders.

Who is MODE?

Established in 1995, MODE is the regional economic development organization for the mid-Ohio region. MODE was founded to facilitate attracting new businesses to the area, to work with existing businesses on retention and expansion needs, to improve the education and training of development professionals and to address issues that effect the development and business community. It provides opportunities for collaboration in the areas of education and marketing, and provides networking opportunities for economic development professionals on a regular basis.

The membership includes municipalities, counties, and other public sector communities and organizations from throughout this region. Additionally, private sector businesses and utility providers also make up the associate memberships of this group.

The concept of regional cooperation in economic development has been strong in central Ohio since 1995. Communities and other organizations involved in development have worked together since that time to attract new businesses, retain and expand existing businesses, and create jobs within our region. We have also worked together through MODE to become more educated about development tools, regulations affecting development, and policies of competitors for our region.

MODE Board of Directors

MODE is governed by an elected board volunteering its time and efforts in furthering regional economic development.

President	Jeff Green, Village of Groveport
Vice President	Eric Phillips, Union Co./City of Marysville
Treasurer/Secretary	Matthew Shad, City of Upper Arlington
Past President	James Schimmer, Franklin County
Directors-at-Large	Jennifer Chrysler, Village of New Albany Julie Colley, City of Westerville Colleen Gilger, City of Columbus Dana McDaniel, City of Dublin Chris Strayer, Village of Canal Winchester

MODE Committee Structure

Volunteer opportunities to serve on committees and plan events are available and welcomed.

Annual Meeting	Plans and implements the Annual Meeting, including securing sponsorships.
Communications	Works to enhance to image of MODE to public entities, the business community, and site selectors; communicates organizational and member events and activities to the membership; oversees any print materials for the organization; and serves as a resource for all other committees to promote activities and events.
Education/Development	Provides members several opportunities throughout the year to increase professional development and awareness, focusing on issues appealing to the interests of members.
Finance/Administration/ Legislative	Wears several hats for the organization. It monitors and report on legislative issues pertinent to economic development; maintains a balanced budget and controls accounting; and oversees the administration of contracts and the board.
Membership	Coordinates member recruitment and retention efforts. This committee also is a resource for those needing assistance through the membership application process.

Membership Dues Structure

MODE projects and programs have been funded through a budget solely from membership dues and sponsorships. MODE depends on dues and donations to continue its activities.

For full benefits public sector membership dues are based on each community's pro rata share of commercial land represented by the total membership.

Counties and cities with populations greater than 75,000 pay $10,000 annually. Counties with populations less than 75,000 pay $7,500 annually.

For all other communities, these rates apply:

0% to 4% total commercial land:	$2,500
5% to 9% total commercial land:	$5,000
10% to 14% total commercial land:	$7,500
15%+ total commercial land:	$10,000

Public sector organizations that cannot commit to these dues but still wish to participate at some level, as well as any private sector organization, may join as affiliate members at a rate of $500 annually, which entitles the entity to attend and participate in MODE meetings.