13th Annual Ohio Housing Conference to Explore the Collaborative Impact of Affordable Housing in the State
COLUMBUS, OH – November 3, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — More than 1,400 affordable housing professionals across Ohio and the nation are expected to gather at the Greater Columbus Convention Center November 29-December 1 for the 2011 Ohio Housing Conference, one of the largest statewide housing conferences in the country. The 13th annual conference will once again be hosted by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) and the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH).
This year’s conference, “Strength in Numbers – More Jobs, More Growth, More Community Impact,” will provide attendees with an opportunity to network with industry peers as well as expand their knowledge of affordable housing in a variety of workshops and sessions.
“This year’s conference will focus on the combined effort of all affordable housing professionals and their effort to provide decent affordable housing to families with low- to moderate-incomes,” said OHFA Executive Director Doug Garver. “Attendees will take away new and innovative ideas and strategies to empower them to continue making a difference in their communities, in the lives of residents and the state’s economy.”
In addition, attendees will gain insight on current state, federal and economic policies affecting the housing industry during morning plenary sessions held each day. The Tuesday State Housing Plenary will feature: Ohio State Senator Tim Schaffer, Leah Pappas Porner, Partner at Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP, William Faith, Executive Director for the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, William Hershey, Columbus Reporter for the Dayton Daily News, and Hal Keller, President of OCCH. Gordon Gee, President of The Ohio State University, will provide welcoming remarks before the State Housing Plenary.
The Wednesday Federal Policy Plenary will feature: Judith Kennedy, President and CEO of the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders, Eileen Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer of NeighborWorks America, William Gilmartin, Senior Policy Advisor for the National Association of Realtors, David Hehman, President and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati and Doug Garver, Executive Director of OHFA.
The Thursday Ohio Economic Forecast will feature: Beth Siville, Senior Vice President of George K. Baum & Company, Daniel Hogan, Director of Research for Red Capital Group, and Edward W. Hill, Dean and Professor of Economic Development at Cleveland State University.
OSU’s football legend, Archie Griffin will serve as the keynote speaker on Wednesday, November 30 from 12:30-1:45 PM.
“This conference provides attendees with an excellent opportunity to expand their knowledge about the affordable housing industry, as well as explore ideas and strategies to improve the affordable housing climate and economy,” said Hal Keller, President of OCCH. “I can’t think of a better way for both new and seasoned housing professionals to gain insight into their industry.”
In recognition of their service to the affordable housing community, Sally Luken, Director of the Ohio Program for the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), will be presented with this year’s “Governor’s Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing.” The award is given annually to an individual or organization whose continued dedication increases the quality and availability of affordable housing opportunities for Ohio families. CSH will be recognized for their work to help communities create permanent housing with supportive services to prevent and end homelessness.
The conference features nearly 50 workshops and sessions taught by leading housing professionals on a variety of housing topics. Attendees can gain continuing education credits through a number of credentialing bodies including: Legal (CLE), Accounting (CPA), Real Estate (RE), Social Work (SW), Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), and Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM).
Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit with 85 sponsors and exhibitors from around the state of Ohio to learn about the latest products, services and opportunities available in the affordable housing industry.
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About the Ohio Housing Finance Agency
OHFA is a self-supporting quasi-public agency governed by an eleven-member board. The Agency uses federal and state resources to provide housing opportunities for families and individuals through programs designed to develop, preserve and sustain affordable housing throughout the State of Ohio. OHFA is also the administrator of the state’s foreclosure prevention program, Restoring Stability: A Save the Dream Ohio Initiative.
About the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing
OCCH is an independent, mission-driven nonprofit corporation that works with private and public developers to create affordable housing opportunities. OCCH’s mission is to cause the construction, rehabilitation and preservation of affordable housing throughout all of Ohio. Since its inception, OCCH has raised more than $2 billion in private capital for investment in more than 450 projects with over 25,000 units of affordable housing.
Media Contact:
Arlyne Alston
Email: aalston (at) ohiohome (dot) org
Phone: 614.387.2863
