Federal Qualified Opportunity Zones Webinar
Wednesday, February 6th – 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
As part of 2017 federal tax reform, Congress created new tax benefits for certain investments in low-income communities designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones. During 2018 Ohio designated 320 Opportunity Zones, the maximum allowed.
This webinar will provide an overview of the technical aspects of the program. Suggested strategies will be offered for using the QOZ program in mid-western cities and how you can combine QOZ investments with other economic incentives.
Speakers:
Kelly Bissinger
Kelly is a partner in the Vorys Washington, D.C. office and a member of the finance, energy and real estate group. Her practice is focused on real estate and tax matters. Kelly represents clients from all perspectives of the acquisition, financing, ownership, development and sale of office buildings, apartment projects, mixed-use and other commercial properties. In particular, she has experience representing both institutional and developer clients in connection with structuring and negotiating real estate joint ventures with an emphasis on the tax planning aspects of such transactions.
In addition, Kelly has extensive experience advising developers, syndicators and investors on low-income housing, historic, new market and energy tax credits matters, including legislative and regulatory developments, originations, secondary market acquisitions and dispositions, end of compliance period planning and workouts.In 2013, Kelly was named one of Real Estate Bisnow’s (D.C.) 35 Under 35: Rising Stars in Commercial Real Estate. Kelly received her LL.M. with distinction in taxation and her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. She received her B.A. cum laude from Tulane University. Prior to joining Vorys, Kelly was an attorney with Goulston & Storrs P.C. and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP.
Avram Fecher
Before co-founding EquityPlus, Mr. Fechter worked for the District Government underwriting and closing over $400 million in LIHTC and NMTC financed projects while deploying $3 million of 9% LIHTC Allocation and $80 million of District Government loans. Mr. Fechter has closed over $800 million in NMTC/HTC/LIHTC financing and has served as an NMTC Allocation Application reader for the CDFI Fund. Mr. Fechter has a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Rutgers University. He lives in Aldie, Virginia with his wife, Linnea, and two children, Alana and Evan.
Joseph Mann
Joseph is a partner in the Vorys Columbus office, a member of the tax group and the head of the federal tax subgroup. He practices generally in the area of federal taxation, including public and private mergers, tax-free and taxable acquisitions and divestitures, partnerships, limited liability companies, S corporations, joint ventures, venture capital, real estate, restructurings, financing and equity transactions. Joseph advises in transactions involving federal New Markets Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits. Joseph’s federal practice also includes tax aspects of the oil and gas industry, including divestitures and joint ventures relating to interests in the Utica Shale formation in eastern Ohio.
This webinar is a benefit of Heritage Ohio membership, to become a member click HERE
Heritage Ohio Members, register for the webinar click HERE
Using Utility Project Funding to Improve More Than the Just the Pipes Webinar
Wednesday, January 9th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
How the City of Newark leveraged a sewer separation project to revitalize their downtown. Faced with US EPA mandates to separate its combined sewer system and wanting to improve the look and feel of the historic Downtown square, the City of Newark was able to put together financing to not only improve failing infrastructure but revitalize the square as well.
Speaker: Roger Loomis
Water Administrator City of Newark, Division of Water and Wastewater
Total of 41 years of experience at various water and wastewater facilities working in all facets of the water and wastewater utility business. B.S. Business Administration, Human Resources from The Ohio State University, A.A.S. Turfgrass Management from Agricultural Technical Institute of Wooster, Class III Water Supply Certification, and Class IV Wastewater Treatment Certification.
This webinar is a benefit of Heritage Ohio membership, to become a member click HERE
Heritage Ohio Members, register for the webinar click HERE
Funding Opportunities With The Finance Fund
Wednesday, March 7th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Anne Geggie will share some of the funding programs available from the Finance Fund, a statewide CDFI.
Her presentation will feature their pre-development grants which can fund up to $30,000 and their economic development grants which can fund up to $100,000!
Additionally the Finance Fund has a pool of funds for Small Business Loans, Healthy Food for Ohio, Community Facilities and Affordable Housing. Funding opportunities to help meet the needs for your downtown revitalization.
Speaker: Anne Geggie is the Vice President of Lending at Finance Fund, a statewide nonprofit community development entity that moves public and private capital into low-income communities to improve the quality of life for people. With more than 14 years of progressive experience in community development, Anne has familiarity with all facets of the lending process for specialized loan programs, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors, as well as other community facilities in low-income communities.
This webinar is a benefit of Heritage Ohio membership, to become a member click HERE
To register for the webinar click HERE
Community Development Funding Opportunities through the USDA Webinar
This webinar has been rescheduled for March 16th as we experienced technical difficulties.
Small towns and rural areas often are underserved when it comes to accessing capital. Infrastructure, access to affordable housing, finding resources for community projects, and job creation are challenges many communities experience.
USDA Rural Development is the federal agency tasked with assisting rural America. In fiscal year 2015 alone, we provided more than $780 million in loans and grants to rural communities in Ohio. Our programs help businesses, communities, non-profits and individuals build capacity, create wealth and reduce poverty.
USDA Rural Development specialists have vast experience identifying partners and then working together toward the betterment of Ohio’s rural communities. We look forward to discussing how our programs may be able to help your community.
Heritage Ohio Members Register Here
Not a Member? Join Heritage Ohio now to get access.
Presenter Bios
Community Development Specialist Vince Paumier
Vince began his career with USDA Ohio Rural Development in 1983 and has held numerous positions within the organization. In 2015, Vince was appointed as the Ohio Community Development Specialist. He dovetails with the Rural Development Management Team to leverage statewide internal and external resources to enhance Community Development. His primary goals are to improve capacity with partners, build wealth in rural areas, and reduce poverty in areas of scarcity. Vince ensures Rural Development funding is responsibly allocated by working closely with elected officials, non-profit organizations, community foundations, private sector lenders, for-profit businesses and other community development advocates.
Prior to his current position, Vince worked in the Guaranteed Rural Housing program as a Senior Housing Specialist. His major responsibilities included program marketing, lender training, underwriting and compliance reviews. Vince was part of the Ohio team that consistently ranks in the top ten nationally in both loan production and portfolio performance.
Vince is a graduate of The Ohio State University and is an avid fan of their sports teams. In addition, Vince is active in several local community organizations, including the Granville Township zoning board, Kiwanis, Granville Community Foundation and open space committee. In his spare time, Vince enjoys staying active by biking, running and swimming.
Rural Housing Program Director Gerald Arnott
Gerald Arnott began his career with USDA in 1983 and has served as the Ohio Rural Development Housing Program Director since 1995. On average, Ohio Rural Development provides more than $600 million in housing loans, grants, and loan guarantees each year. Ohio’s housing portfolio exceeds 40,000 units of housing and has an outstanding loan commitment of more than $2.7 billion.
Mr. Arnott also currently serves on the advisory committee for the Council of Rural Housing and Development of Ohio, as well as the Ohio Housing Finance Agency Annual Plan Advisory Board. He was raised on a farm in Highland County and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University, where he graduated in 1982, majoring in Agricultural Economics.
Business Programs Specialist Cindy Musshel
Cindy Musshel began her at USDA Ohio Rural Development in 2008 as a student trainee in the Guaranteed Rural Housing program. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2009 with a degree in Agricultural Business and Applied Economics, minoring in Consumer Affairs. After graduation, Cindy joined the Ohio Rural Development team full-time as a Guaranteed Housing Technician. She moved to Business and Cooperative Programs in 2010. In 2014, Cindy was promoted to Business and Cooperative Programs Specialist and last year became the program lead for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG). RBDG is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues. When she’s not working, Cindy enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Program Funding Workshop – Cambridge
Revitalization Series Autumn Workshop
Funding Downtown Programs
Cambridge, Ohio
11/18/2105
Join us in Cambridge, Ohio on November 18th as Main Street directors and board members from around the state share their best funding strategies. Attendees will hear about major fundraising events, sustainable membership campaigns, annual benefits, merchandise sales, government contributions and various other strategies to build a local budget.
Workshop Location
Francis Family Restaurant
1038 Wheeling Avenue
Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Agenda
9:30 – Registration
10 – Training Commences
12 – Lunch
5 – Training Concludes
REGISTER HERE
Lodging Options
Quality Inn Cambridge, 1945 Southgate Pkwy, Cambridge, OH 43725 740-439-3581 I am willing to offer a special rate for your event of $79 plus tax. This will include a hot breakfast in the morning and also will include any early/Late check out fees. They may call the hotel directly to receive the discounted rate @ 740-439-3581.
Hampton Inn, 8775 Georgetown Rd, Cambridge, (740) 439-0600 $89.00 for double queens at the Hampton (regularly 130.00)
Microtel, 8779 Georgetown Rd, Cambridge, Phone:(740) 435-8080 single queen rooms and double queens for $49.00 (regularly 79.00-89.00) All of our rooms at both properties have a fridge, microwave, wired and wireless free internet throughout the hotel, flat screen HD televisions.
Comfort Inn, 2327 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, Phone (740) 435-3200 The rates will be $89.99 + tax for the Main Street Training. We offer a hot breakfast, free wireless internet, fitness center, indoor pool.
Our Town grant announcement
The National Endowment for the Arts has announced its latest round of funding for its Our Town initiative. Eligible activities include Arts Engagement, Cultural Planning, or Design. Prior grant recipients in Ohio have included: Westcott House Foundation in Springfield (2014), Pomerene Center for the Arts in Coshocton (2013), Detroit Shoreway in Cleveland (2012), Art Opportunities in Cincinnati (2012), and Artspace in Hamilton (2011), so the NEA is familiar with Our Town projects in Ohio.
An initial online application submitted through Grants.gov is due by December 15, 2014. For more information, click here to access the Our Town Grant information page.
Grant Opportunity
The Laura Jane Musser Fund
The Laura Jane Musser Fund was set up to continue Laura Jane Musser’s great work in personal philanthropy. The fund is divided into four categories: Arts Programs, Environmental, Intercultural Harmony, and Rural Initiative. The Rural Initiative program appears to be the most applicable to Main Street programs, focusing on encouraging participation and collaboration among citizens in rural communities. The fund focuses on projects related to education, arts and humanities, business preservation, economic developments, and public space improvements.
What You Need to Know
Since the Rural Initiative Program focuses on rural communities, the applicant community must have a population of 10,000 or less and “be able to demonstrate characteristics of a rural community. Projects must be able to demonstrate plans to complete the project within 18 months, support from a variety of community members and institutions, significant volunteer participation, and matching financial support from the community. Communities in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Wyoming, Hawaii, and Ohio may apply.
What Projects Can Be Funded?
Funds are available for either planning of or implementation of programs, but not both. Up to $5,000 would be awarded to planning projects which could include hiring a consultant or staff, mailings, local travel, refreshments, and meeting costs. Up to $25,000 are available for implementation of projects which “originate in, have been planned by, and involve diverse people of the community.” The program will also cover new projects or programs within their first three years.
How Do I Apply?
Local units of Government, 501(c)(3) organizations, and organizations forming under the support of a 501(c)(3) are able to apply. Proposals will be accepted online through November 6, 2013, with announcements made February 2014.
You will need to include the following:
1. Short Overview
2. Proposal Narrative
3. Budgets
4. Letters of Support/Fiscal Sponsor
5. IRS Status or Local Unit of Government
For a detailed description of each section, please click here:
To apply click here
*Priority will be given to projects that: actively include community members throughout the process, have measurable short term outcomes within the first 12-18 months, collaborate with a wide variety of community members and institutions, and work towards a positive outcome in the community.
The Big Give is back!
The Columbus Foundation’s Big Give is back!
Starting at 11 a.m. EST on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 through Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. EST, all donations to Heritage Ohio, and 600 nonprofits, will receive a pro rata portion of a $1 million dollar bonus pool.
Make a donation* of $20 or more to support Heritage Ohio through the Big Give between 11am on Tuesday September 17 to 11am Wednesday September 18 3013 and you’ll be entered into a drawing for some fabulous Heritage Ohio prizes! Stay tuned for more information. Donations through The Big Give are not applicable to membership dues or event fees, but are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The Big Give is a 24-hour online giving event to celebrate The Spirit of Columbus.™ The Columbus Foundation, its family of donors, and community partners have provided a $1 million bonus pool for The Big Give, encouraging the community to support the nonprofits they care about in central Ohio. By working together, our community can show its spirit and increase the impact of its giving!
Join us in Troy for: Incorporating the Arts in Urban Revitalization!
Join us in downtown Troy for Incorporating the Arts in Urban Revitalization
We have a terrific training coming up in Troy later this month (register here) on the arts as a driver of community economic development. Arts professionals from across the state will share their insights on building arts programs from scratch, pairing arts programs with comprehensive revitalization strategies, securing program funding, and creating arts programs in small towns.
Kathy Cain of the Ohio Arts Council will share information about funding opportunities for local arts initiatives and arts programs. Robb Hankins will share his experiences with starting a local arts program, and funding the program on a shoestring budget. Linda Parsons will guide attendees through the process of creating a local arts program in a small town.
If your community could benefit from injecting life into your existing arts program, or starting a new arts program from scratch, then plan on joining us in Troy on June 26th.
Training information
Incorporating the Arts in Urban Revitalization
June 26, 10AM-5PM
The Market Square Community Room
405 SW Public Square, Third Floor
Free to Main Street programs and Downtown Affiliates as a benefit of membership
$75 for Heritage Ohio Members
$125 for non-Members
Join Heritage Ohio today to start receiving member benefits!
Added bonus! While you’re here for the training, check out Troy Main Street’s special event, Sculptures on the Square. The sixth installment of this popular event features sculptor Seward Johnson’s bronze statues. Sculptures on the Square brings art into the public realm, encouraging people to come downtown and experience everything downtown Troy has to offer.
About our speakers
Kathy Cain
Program Coordinator, Ohio Arts Council
Kathy Cain joined the OAC in September 1984. During her tenure at the OAC, Ms. Cain has worked in several program areas. Currently, she is a program coordinator for organizations in the eastern and central sections of the state, including Ohio’s entire Appalachian region, Columbus and central Ohio. Ms. Cain also coordinates the Ohio Artist on Tour program and the International Music and Performing Arts in Communities Tour. The Ohio Artist on Tour program enables Ohio’s arts organizations to tap into the creative potential of Ohio artists to enrich their programming and the vitality of their communities. The International Music and Performing Arts in Communities Tour program provides the opportunity for organizations to bring international performing arts to their communities. Ms. Cain is a past recipient of the Ohio Arts Presenter Network’s Award of Merit for service to the performing arts. Ms. Cain lives in Lancaster with her husband, Gary, and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
Robb Hankins
President & CEO, ArtsinStark
Robb Hankins has spent the last 30 years directing city, county and state arts agencies in eight different states. He has managed annual arts campaigns, arts festivals, public art projects, arts education programs, and downtown arts districts.
Robb arrived in October 2005 to become the President & CEO of ArtsinStark, the County Arts Council. The organization called ArtsinStark today was founded in 1968 to build the Cultural Center for the Arts. ArtsinStark’s mission is “to use the arts to create smarter kids, new jobs, and healthier communities.” ArtsinStark gives out grants, manages the Cultural Center, and runs the Annual Arts Campaign. For the last 7 years ArtsinStark’s Annual Arts Campaign has made its fundraising goal every year, and has increased giving to the arts by nearly 75%. In May 2013 it raised $1.7 million, the highest amount in its 40 year history. ArtsinStark is the winner of the 2012 Governor’s Award for the Arts.
Tamara Harkavy
CEO and Artistic Director, ArtWorks
Tamara Harkavy is the founding director of ArtWorks. Since its launch in 1996 as a job-training and employment program for talented teens, ArtWorks has become a leader in employing artists of all ages, creating public art and initiating innovative arts programming for the city of Cincinnati. Under her leadership, ArtWorks has employed more than 2,500 youth and over 500 professional artists to work on countless arts projects. Many of these works of art remain in public and private venues, as testaments to the artistic talents of the participants. Tamara and her team were also the creative force behind the Big Pig Gig in 2000 and again in 2012. ArtWorks is now hard at work on its many initiatives, including its community mural program, its entrepreneurial training program, SpringBoard, and its ArtRX offerings, in which they create art for and with hospital patients and their families.
ArtWorks was the winner of the 2010 City Livability Award, by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, for its mural program. Tamara was invited by U.S. Representative Steve Driehaus to be the Key-note speaker to address the winners of the 2010 Congressional Art Competition. ArtWorks has also been awarded three prestigious Post-Corbett Awards, the Ambassador Award from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, a Community Impact Award from the American Marketing Association, and recognition from Hillary Rodham Clinton for ArtWorks’ leadership and vision.
Tamara, a 2007 Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year, serves on the board of Tender Mercies and was a founding member of the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund. She has co-chaired two major events celebrating Israel’s 50th and 65th birthdays for Cincinnati’s Jewish Federation and acts in an advisory capacity for many smaller arts organizations. She has recently joined the group CEOs for Cities. She holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State. She is the mother of jazz drummer Ben Sloan, and is married to artist and real estate guy, Matthew Kotlarczyk.
Linda Parsons
Trustee, Yellow Springs Art Council
Appraiser & Art Dealer, Linda L Parsons Art Sales
Linda owns and manages an art appraisal service near Yellow Springs. She began appraising and dealing art in Denver, Colorado, with offices at the historic Zang Mansion. She later opened a business in Santa Fe, New Mexico and was a silent partner in the now defunct “Denver Rio Grande” gallery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her current business maintains connections in Denver, Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. Linda has served as board member and president of the “American Art Society” in Cincinnati, whose mission involves research and preservation of American painters and sculptors. She brings arts gallery management and business skills to YSAC.
Ohio History Fund
Everyone involved in Ohio history activities, from archivists, to collections, to building preservation is excited to finally have the Ohio History Fund, created by the donations of Ohioan’s at tax time. We each now have the opportunity to contribute various amount when we file our Ohio Tax Returns. Thousands of dollars will be available through this grant program. If you are interested in applying, link here to read more about the fund, and then submit a letter of intent to apply to get the process started.