Join us for an exclusive luncheon exploring the future of Ohio’s economy through the lens of innovation, resilience, and opportunity. Hear from a dynamic lineup of Ohio leaders as they share insights on industry trends, AI integration, workforce needs, entrepreneurship, and re-inventing success in today’s evolving landscape.
Speaker Line-Up
• Matt Dolan – CEO, Ohio’s Team NEO & CLE Guardians ownership family
• Ryan Augsburger – CEO, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association
• Matt Mars – Co-Owner, Chez François in Vermillion, OH
• Dan Fox – Kohberger, Kravis, and Roberts
Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: The Blueberry Patch & 1285 Winery, Lexington, OH
Admission: $28 (includes lunch)
Event Schedule
• 12:00 PM – Registration
• 12:30 PM – Lunch
• 1:00 PM – Program Begins
• 3:00 PM – Happy Hour (Cash Bar)
Registration Info:
Reserve your spot today at
https://portal.richlandareachamber.com/events/details/2025-regional-economic-forum-the-future-is-now-6197
This is an exclusive event sponsored by The Eichinger-Brafford-McClead Group at Merrill Lynch Bank of America.
With support from: KKR, Crawford Partnership, Morrow County Chamber of Commerce, Regional Manufacturing Coalition, and the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development.
Learn more about the speakers:
Ryan Augsburger is president of The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). In this role, he is responsible for leading Ohio’s largest community of manufacturing enterprises. Since 1910, the association has served as the voice of Ohio’s largest economic sector, advocating to protect and grow Ohio manufacturing.
Ryan also leads the OMA Energy Group, a subsidiary organization formed to advocate on energy matters at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and in other legal venues.
Prior to being named president of the organization, Ryan led the OMA’s lobbying efforts at the Statehouse for more than 15 years while also spearheading the association’s member involvement in public affairs activities.
Before joining the OMA in 2004, Ryan served in the administration of Governor Bob Taft as deputy director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. Prior to that role, he was a personal aide to Mr. Taft.
He is a graduate of The Ohio State University. He and his family reside in Upper Arlington.
Matt Dolan
As Chief Executive Officer of Team NEO, Matt Dolan is dedicated to driving economic growth and prosperity across Northeast Ohio. With a career spanning law, business, and government, Matt has a deep understanding of the region’s opportunities and challenges. His leadership is focused on strengthening Northeast Ohio’s economic competitiveness by advancing business attraction and retention strategies, strengthening the supply chain, fostering innovation, enhancing site preparedness, and promoting the region as a premier destination for investment.
Before joining Team NEO, Matt served in both the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio State Senate, chairing the Finance Committee in both chambers. In these roles, he oversaw billions of dollars in budget decisions and spearheaded initiatives to strengthen Ohio’s economy. He was instrumental in shaping the economic development tools used by JobsOhio and Team NEO to attract new businesses, support the expansion of existing companies, and drive job creation across the region. His leadership in the General Assembly was marked by key efforts in tax reform and infrastructure investment, laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth.
Beyond public service, Matt has been a leader in the private sector as a partner at Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan, LPA, where he provided strategic legal counsel to businesses and municipalities on land use, economic development, and regulatory matters. His business acumen extends to real estate and family enterprise leadership, having overseen investment and development initiatives at 7th Avenue Properties and 422 Company. Inc.
Matt’s leadership has earned him widespread recognition, including numerous legislative and business advocacy awards. He is a recipient of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Champion of Business Award and has been recognized for his contributions to sectors ranging from healthcare to energy policy.
A Northeast Ohio native, Matt holds a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Boston College.
Dan Fox (Houston) joined KKR in 2021 and is a Director in Global Client Solutions. Mr. Fox is a relationship manager covering financial advisors at wirehouses, RIAs, and independent wealth firms in the Ohio River Valley territory. Prior to joining KKR, Mr. Fox was a senior director at Janus Henderson, regional consultant at Goldman Sachs, and also played football for the New York Giants. Mr. Fox holds a B.S. from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business.
Matt Mars, Co-Owner of Chez Francois. "Haute Cuisine" on the River in Vermillion, Ohio.
A Wine Spectator "Best Award of Excellence" winner and Open Table's "Top 100 Romantic
Restaurants in America" recipient. Chez Francois is in its 38th year and one of the Best Restaurants in the Midwest. Matt grew up in the Hospitality business in Lakewood, Graduated from Michigan State and studied French Cuisine in Switzerland. He and Co-Owner, Chef John D'Amico, have mastered fine food and service with quality ingredients, branding, innovation and anticipatory service.
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