At the Impact Ohio 2019 Toledo Regional Conference, attendees will hear from three panels of experts on issues important to the Toledo area.
The first policy session of the day, Improving Childhood Experiences to Improve Communities, will begin at 9:15 AM. A panel of experts will discuss the importance of children’s health, education, and early experiences at home and school. Panelists will focus on how early childhood experiences, including education and learning opportunities, build a strong foundation for Ohio’s children for life-long success laying the foundation for prosperity in our communities.
The second panel of the day, The Road Ahead: Solving Ohio’s Transportation and Infrastructure Issues, will focus on plans to combat Ohio’s failing transportation infrastructure and begins at 11:00 AM. This policy topic has made headlines recently as Ohio faces it’s first gas tax increase in 14 years. Our panel of experts will discuss the potential impact of this policy change, as well as alternative means of investing in Ohio’s failing roads and infrastructure.
Finally, at 12:30 PM, we will hear from environmental policy professionals during The Future of Lake Erie and The Quality of Our Water panel. Lake Erie water quality is a policy priority under the DeWine administration. Our panelists will discuss pathways towards cleaner water to ensure the health and wellness of communities dependent on Lake Erie’s water supply. In addition, panelists will discuss environmental policies aimed at protecting local ecosystems.
More information on who will be speaking in each of these panels is listed below.
Improving Childhood Experiences to Improve Communities
Moderator: Lauren Lindstrom, Staff Writer, Toledo Blade
Gretchen DeBacker, Legislative Director, City of Toledo
Shannon Jones, Executive Director of Groundwork Ohio and Warren County Commissioner
Robin Reese, Director, Lucas County Children Services
The Road Ahead: Solving Ohio’s Transportation and Infrastructure Issues
Moderator: Brian Dicken, Vice President, Advocacy and Public Policy, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
Nicole Busey, Member of Governor’s Advisory Committee on Transportation Infrastructure and Tax Director Indirect Tax Compliance & Planning, Marathon Petroleum Company LP
Greg Lawson, Research Fellow, Buckeye Institute
Senator Rob McColley, Chair, Transportation, Commerce & Workforce Committee
Chris Runyan, Coalition Member, Fix Our Roads Ohio
The Future of Lake Erie and the Quality of Our Water
Moderator: Tom Henry, Staff Writer, Toledo Blade
Crystal Davis, Policy Director, Alliance for the Great Lakes
Jordan Hoewischer, Director of Water Quality and Research, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
Dr. Gary Pierzynski, Associate Dean, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University
Frank Szollosi, Great Lakes Climate Policy Director & Regional Field Director at National Wildlife Federation