News Release 
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, November 30, 2010 |
Media Contact: Arlyne Alston Email: aalston@ohiohome.org Phone: 614.387.2863 |
2010 OHIO HOUSING CONFERENCE "MAPPING THE FUTURE" EXPLORES SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN OHIO
12th Annual Ohio Housing Conference: Nov. 30 through Dec. 2
COLUMBUS – Over 1,400 housing professionals from across Ohio and the nation will gather at one of the largest statewide annual housing conferences in the country beginning today. The 12th annual Ohio Housing Conference, appropriately themed "Mapping the Future," will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center through December 2. The event hosted by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) and the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH) is one of the largest and most informative housing conferences in the United States.
"This conference provides a platform for national and state leaders of the affordable housing community to network with colleagues and discuss the impact of recent elections and the economy on the affordable housing industry," said Doug Garver, Executive Director of OHFA. "Coming together for this three-day event gives members of the affordable housing industry the opportunity to develop strategies that move housing forward."
Each morning kicks off with a panel session where leading experts share their thoughts, ideas and solutions for the state's housing crisis as well as their predictions for the future of the affordable housing industry. Tuesday's State Housing Plenary panelists include: William Faith, Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, William Hershey, Columbus Reporter for the Dayton Daily News, Hal Keller, President of OCCH, Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development and Representative Peter Stautberg, Ohio House of Representatives. Speakers for Wednesday's Federal Policy Plenary include: Sheila Crowley, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Doug Garver, Executive Director of OHFA, Judith Kennedy, President and CEO of the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders, Claudia Mields Kedda, Director of Multifamily Finance at The National Association of Home Builders and Carol Galante, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing Program, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Thursday's Economic Forecast panellists are Rob Vogt, Vogt Santer Insights, Daniel Hogan, Director of Research at the RED CAPITAL GROUP, Beth Siville, Senior Vice President, George K. Baum & Company, and Patricia Cash, Senior Vice President, PNC. Steve Rizzo, bestselling author of The Writers Digest Award winning book, "Becoming a Humor Being" and former headline stand up comedian, will deliver a keynote address on Wednesday afternoon.
"We are pleased to have the support of industry leaders who have several years of experience and a commitment to affordable housing at this conference," said Hal Keller, President of OCCH. "Amid national and local budget cuts, changing economies and the ongoing foreclosure crisis, this conference will address how key partners remain committed to providing quality, affordable housing."
In recognition of their service to the affordable housing community, Robert Burns, Director of Field Operations at NeighborWorks® America, will be presented with this year's "Governor's Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing." The award is given annually to an individual or organization whose continued dedication increases the quality and availability of affordable housing opportunities for Ohio families. NeighborWorks® America will be recognized for their work to leverage community revitalization efforts, homeownership education, training for housing counselors and foreclosure prevention.
Conference attendees are able to participate in over 45 industry training sessions on topics related to multifamily housing, single-family housing, development, property management and emerging issues. More than 70 exhibitors representing associations, investment companies, lending institutions, developers and building supply companies will be featured at the conference. These exhibit booths give conference attendees the opportunity to see the latest products, services and opportunities available in the affordable housing industry.
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About the Ohio Housing Finance Agency
OHFA is a self-supporting quasi-public agency governed by an eleven-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 an active partner in the interagency team which coordinates the Save the Dream Ohio initiative designed to stop preventable foreclosures.
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 more than $1.8 billion in private capital for investment in more than 450 projects with over 24,000 units of affordable housing.
