The 2022 Wayne Economic Forum a resource for local businesses
On Thursday, November 3, the ninth annual Wayne Economic Forum was held at Greystone Event Center, with 300 guests in attendance.
The Wayne Economic Forum was founded in January 2013 by The Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership and vision of then Board Chair, Dee Vaidya. On the heels of Wayne County being recognized for seven consecutive years as a top micropolitan area in the nation for new business growth and investment, Chamber leadership committed to supporting such success by establishing an annual forum that brings leaders and top executives together for sharing of business ideas, philosophies and leadership experiences. This year, the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, with help from Dee Vaidya, CEO of RDM Equipment Company and founder of the Forum, was excited to welcome five speakers to the event.
Marcie Merriman, Managing Director, EY Cultural Insights and Consumer Strategy Leader
J.P. Nauseef, President & CEO, JobsOhio
Tom Hassfurther, Executive VP , Packaging Corp. of America
An engaging slate of speakers
Marcie Merriman is the Managing Director for Cultural Insights and Consumer Strategy Leader at EY. She was the first presenter and her topic covered Reworking Work Through the Lens of Gen Z. She shared valuable insights on how to engage the newest generation of workers from the ages of 15 - 25. Our second speaker, J.P. Nauseef is the President & CEO of JobsOhio and he presented on the Generational Opportunity for Ohio. He shared encouraging notes about how Intel was brought into the state and Ohio’s economic future.
Tom Hassfurther, Executive VP of Packaging Corporation of America, shared his knowledge on High Growth in Sustainable Packaging. He not only shared about PCA, but also about the value of customers to any organization. Pat Finley is the Founder and Chairman of Vitalia Active Living, The V Living Experience, and Omni Smart Living, all senior age-targeted active living communities. He shared his personal experiences and taught attendees techniques on how they should respond in crisis. Carey Jaros, the President & CEO of GOJO Industries rounded out the day and shared about How GOJO Lives its Purpose. She spoke on the importance of their mission during the pandemic and beyond.
Pat Finley, Founder and Chairman, Vitalia
Carey Jaros, President & CEO, GOJO Industries
Insights and takeaways
All five speakers left attendees with techniques and knowledge that can benefit their leadership and organizations. The goal of the Wayne Economic Forum is to begin conversations that help local leaders and businesses to connect, grow, and thrive. Attendees had the opportunity to network in between presentations and also received lunch with their registration. The event is held each fall and is open to the public. It is an encouragement to the Wooster area’s business community and a continued opportunity for business growth and development. To learn more and see past speakers, please visit https://www.woosterchamber.com/wayne-economic-forum.
Samira Zimmerly (left), president, Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, and Dee Vaidya (right), Forum Founder, pictured with three of the speakers - Marcie Merriman, Pat Finley and J. P. Nauseef
