Choosing Team NEO  

Part of the Kasich administration’s privatization effort is JobsOhio, a non-profit that among other things is charged with selecting contractors to replace state personnel in economic development. Team NEO is one of the picks.  It will assume responsibility in Ohio’s 18 northeastern counties for the Department of Development--whose regional offices are being eliminated state-wide.  

A natural fit

Tom Waltermire is CEO of Team NEO.  HE says the organization's experience was a major factor in JobOhio's decision. “Because of our regional activity base, and our connections we were the only ones in northeast Ohio invited to submit a proposal. So, they selected who they wanted to work with. We will now represent and help all of northeast Ohio. In the past there were state employees that did this--and those are gone."

Expanding JobsOhio

Administration supporters in the General Assembly want to give JobsOhio control over business loans, infrastructure grants and most other incentives for attracting or keeping businesses. To fund the effort, the state is leasing billions of dollars in liquor sales profits to the private umbrella agency.