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Vincent chosen OCEDA's first director [Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky. :: ]
[July 23, 2014]

Vincent chosen OCEDA's first director [Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky. :: ]


(Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, KY) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) July 23--The five-month search for the Ohio County Economic Development Alliance's first executive director ended Tuesday night with the hiring of Hartford native Chase Vincent.



The Ohio County Fiscal Court unanimously approved OCEDA's recommendation of Vincent for $50,000 per year to lead the organization and its 11-member board of directors.

"It took longer to hire someone than I expected," said Judge-Executive David Johnston. "...But I couldn't be more pleased. ...I think we were lucky to find a person with the salary we were able to pay, who had the qualifications, the education and the experience. The fact that he's from our county is just one more good thing about it." Vincent, 27, is a 2005 Ohio County High School graduate. He went on to Centre College where he earned a degree in economics and environmental studies in 2009.


By accepting the OCEDA's executive director position, Vincent will now be leaving his job with GRADD as a community and economic planner.

Vincent said he had been following the county's efforts to establish an economic authority and became interested only after OCEDA began its second attempt to hire someone for the job.

"I felt a sense of duty and just felt compelled to apply," Vincent said.

As far as what Vincent intends to focus on when he takes over, he said he wants to "polish our marketing efforts" by consolidating the multiple websites that are promoting Ohio County's business and industry viability.

"The (Ohio County) Chamber of Commerce has its own website, the county has its website and the Industrial Foundation has its own website," he said. "...I think it would save our individual organizations a lot of money because Web hosting is not cheap." Another emphasis for Vincent will be helping small, local businesses gain an online presence.

"The Internet has made the world a very small place, and you can export whatever you're selling to a worldwide market," Vincent said. "A lot of businesses in rural areas don't have that expertise or don't know how to tap into that market." OCEDA was established in February through an ordinance by the Ohio County Fiscal Court. It has a $150,000 annual budget that is being funded through the county's occupational taxes.

OCEDA's board of directors are volunteer, representing various government agencies, community organizations and businesses.

Burl Morris, an OCEDA board member who represents small business, commended his fellow board members for not giving up during the lengthy hiring process.

"I've served on committees and boards throughout my adult life, and I have not served on a board that has been less political, as dedicated as this board in trying to select someone who can lead Ohio County into the future," Morris said. "...Give this thing some time, give it a chance, and I'm optimistic that all Ohio Countians will benefit from it." Vincent will take over the executive director position in 30 days, and his office will be located inside the Ohio County Community Center.

Don Wilkins, [email protected], 691-7296, Twitter: @DonWilkinsMI ___ (c)2014 the Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Ky.) Visit the Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Ky.) at www.messenger-inquirer.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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