Leadership Ohio visits Marysville, Union County to Study AI & Restoring Citizenship

COLUMBUS, Ohio - April 26, 2019 - PRLog -- This weekend Leadership Ohio, one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the nation, is visiting Marysville, Union County and its local leaders and partners to explore the County's journey in innovation.

Leadership Ohio, which is comprised of a new class of twenty-three scholars, activists, innovators and influencers, (https://www.leadershipohio.org/blog/2019/4/17/leadership-ohio-announces-class-of-2019) will examine artificial intelligence through the lens of smart mobility and economics, and the role of innovation and the arts in restoring citizenship. The City of Marysville, Union County Community Improvement Corporation, Union County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, DriveOhio, Honda of America Mfg., Inc., the Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW) and more will support leaders' examination of these issues as they begin a year-long leadership inquiry comprised of many subjects, individuals and organizations. In past cohorts, Leaders have gone on to assume elected office, launch new initiatives and organizations, champion vital issues and serve on key boards and commissions.

Across two days on site in Marysville, Leadership Ohio Leaders will participate in an AI/Smart Mobility demonstration, dialogue with Drive Ohio, connect with Honda of America, and experience a private tour of the ORW and Q & A with the Warden and current inmates.

More than ever, Ohio's capacity for reinvention must be driven by talent from every corner of the state. Leadership Ohio serves to fuel leaders' inspiration and opportunities to connect with their unique abilities and with each other to address our greatest challenges-- and build new opportunities in their wake.

"The City of Marysville and Union County are honored to host Leadership Ohio for its inaugural 2019 class. We look forward to being part of developing these leaders of Ohio," said Eric Phillips, Executive Director, Union County/Marysville Economic Development.

"Hosting Leadership Ohio is an honor and an opportunity to collaborate with community leaders, showcase restorative efforts and how "hope" impacts our culture," notes Teri Baldauf, Warden of the Ohio Reformatory for Women.

"What's happening here on both fronts—AI and restoring citizenship—is incredible," said Dr. Lisa Duty, Executive Director of Leadership Ohio. "Marysville is a living laboratory translating public and private research and collaboration into exciting new technologies and addressing critical issues such as restored citizenship—each of which has profound consequences for Ohio's future."

Over the past several years, the Marysville and Union County community and the Ohio Reformatory for Women with support from the state has worked with local leaders, universities, nonprofits, the business community and the social sector to design innovative partnerships that harness the power of science and technology and a belief in human ingenuity to build a stronger, more resilient Ohio.

"The City of Marysville and Union County work closely together to improve numerous services to our citizens. In 2016, the City and County partnered with the City of Dublin, Ohio Department of Transportation, DriveOhio, Honda and the Transportation Research Center to begin the development of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor.  We will continue to leverage our partnerships to grow our business sector and to improve our quality of life," said Terry Emery, Marysville City Manager.

Marysville highlights in innovation:

●     The City of Marysville and Union County are working to develop the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor.  The goal is to create the "ultimate playground" for automotive manufacturers and research and development companies to test autonomous and connected vehicles in closed and open real-world proving environments.

●      The Connected Marysville project will realize the installation of communication devices at all of the City's 27 traffic signals making it the first fully signal connected city in the world.

●      Approximately 62 communication devices will be installed along US 33 between the Transportation Research Center and I-270 near Dublin creating a 35 mile stretch of continuous communication coverage.

●     The City of Marysville is developing the 33 Innovation Park which will include over 200 acres for the expansion of mobility, research and development, and advanced manufacturing companies.  The park will also include the Automotive and Mobility Innovation Center which will become a mobility focused incubator with The Ohio State University.

●     ORW established in 2001, funded by a federal grant, the A.B.C.S. (Achieving Baby Care Success) Nursery program. Upon approval the mothers and children receive internal and external support programming such as Union County Health Department, local pediatrician's office, LEADS Early Head Start.

●     ORW Tapestry Program, established in 1991, is a Therapeutic Community (TC). The mission is to assist alcohol and drug dependent women with their recovery, and to reinforce positive behavioral and social change. Through a partnership with the Harmony Project of Columbus the ladies have performed in the community with the Harmony Project Choir at the Columbus Zoo, Nationwide Arena, Ohio Theater, and Ohio Wesleyan University.

●     The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has established a partnership with the Ohio Reformatory for Women entitled "2^nd Chance Program." The ODOT employment interview consists of a face-to-face interview within ORW.  Prior to release, ODOT staff personally deliver an intent to hire letter to the selected women. This program is an example of state agencies sharing the same goal of preparing and supporting restored citizens.


Meet the Leaders: https://www.leadershipohio.org/blog/2019/4/17/leadership-...

Learn more about Leadership Ohio, how to apply for the Class of 2020, or discuss opportunities to help advance the LO Mission: https://www.leadershipohio.org