15th Annual Ohio Housing Conference Explores Housing Strategies in a Challenging Economic Climate
Conference Kicks Off Nov. 5 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center
COLUMBUS – October 31, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The economic crisis of recent years has left many struggling to maintain safe and affordable housing. Subsequently, housing industry professionals across the country continue to struggle with providing effective and economical programing for the number of individuals burdened with housing costs. The challenges faced amid continued economic distress and market instability will serve as the cornerstone during the 2013 Ohio Housing Conference held Nov. 5-7 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
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“The Ohio Housing Conference, themed Rising Towards Tomorrow, provides industry leaders with an opportunity to join together for open dialogue, and strategize solutions to strengthen the industry amidst economic challenges,” said Doug Garver, Executive Director of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA).
One of the largest statewide housing conferences in the country, the Ohio Housing Conference hosted by OHFA and the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH) offers attendees more than 40 industry-related sessions along with daily plenary sessions focused on current state, federal and economic policies affecting the affordable housing industry.
“This year’s conference will encourage innovative strategies and ideas from our local, state, and national panelists as affordable housing professionals seek ways to continue to improve the industry,” said Hal Keller, President of OCCH. “We look forward to an engaging and inspiring conference and are pleased to continue to work with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency in this endeavor.”
The Tuesday State Plenary will feature Joe Hallet, Senior Editor of the Columbus Dispatch; Bill Faith, Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio; Andre Porter, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce; Leah Pappas Porner, Chair of the Government Relations and Legislation Group of Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP; and Jim Rokakis, Director of Thriving Communities Institute.
The Federal Plenary held Wednesday will feature national housing experts Kris Cook, Executive Director of the National Affordable Housing Management Association; Charles Wehrwein, Chief Operating Officer for NeighborWorks America; Michael Novogradac, Manager Partner of Novogradac and Company, LLP; and Barry Zigas, Director of Housing for Consumer Federation of America.
Lastly, the Thursday morning Ohio Economic Plenary will feature Kristi Tanner, Managing Director for Advanced Manufacturing for JobsOhio; Beth Riley, Senior Vice President of George K. Baum & Company; Edward H. Hill, Dean and Professor of Economic Development at the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs; and Daniel Hogan, Director of Research at Red Capital Group.
Warrick Dunn, former NFL player and founder of Warrick Dunn Charities, will serve as the keynote speaker during the Tuesday luncheon while Sandra Pianalto, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, will serve as the keynote during the Wednesday luncheon.
Visit http://ohiohome.org/ohc13/home.aspx to learn more about the conference.
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About the Ohio Housing Finance Agency
OHFA is a self-supporting quasi-public agency governed by an 11 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, Save the Dream Ohio.
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 and invested more than $2.75 billion in private capital in 625 projects with over 32,000 units of affordable housing.
Media Contact: Arlyne Alston
Email: aalston (at) ohiohome (dot) org
Phone: 614.387.2863
