The Community's Conversation

The Ohio State University is top tier in both men’s and women’s athletics competition across many sports.  College sports are a $13 billion dollar industry with Ohio State 2018 sports revenue bringing in more than $205 million with $110 million in revenue from football alone. Should athletes be paid? There are myriad reasons against paying athletes, not the least of which are the elimination of amateur status and the prioritization of athletics over academics. On the other hand, you have thousands of young people who sacrifice their time and bodies for what is essentially entertainment. While there is a lot of revenue in college sports, most programs aren’t profitable, begging the question of where salary money would come from and how would it be equitably paid between schools and players.  Would only the biggest stars get paid? Coming off a banner year for the football team, we welcome Gene Smith, Athletic Director, The Ohio State University. Maria Durant, Reporter, WSYX ABC 6, will interview.

On Aug. 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting American women the right to vote. As our nation celebrates 100 years of women’s suffrage, we look back at the push for women – including minority segments of African American and Native American women – to not only have their voices heard and counted among the public, but also among our country’s leadership. While 50.8 percent of the U.S. population is female, only 23.2 percent of the House of Representatives and 26 percent of the Senate is female. At the state level in Ohio, only 28.9 percent of legislators and 29.3 percent of elected officials are female. And to this day, our country has yet to elect a woman to the Oval Office. It was once said by Madeleine Albright that women in power “can be counted on to raise issues that others overlook, to support ideas that others oppose, and to seek an end to abuses that others accept.” In this forum, our panelists will look at the women’s suffrage movement in the context of the political landscape we see today and explore why women do not have more of a presence in today’s politics. Featuring Megan Wood, Director, Cultural Resources Division, Ohio History Connection, Jen Miller, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Ohio, and Treva Lindsey, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University. Hosted by Ann Fisher, host of All Sides with Ann Fisher at WOSU Public Media.

With more than 8,000 nonprofit organizations employing more than 75,000 people in Franklin County alone, board governance is a critical element of our community’s health. Nonprofit organizations are woven throughout the fabric of our society from hospitals, universities, and museums to food pantries, youth sports leagues, and civic associations. With nonprofits’ vast appeal, nearly all aspects of American life are impacted by board governance. The panel will discuss what’s working and what’s not in terms of board roles and responsibilities; board composition including diversity, equity, and inclusion practices; board engagement; and the partnership between board and staff. Best practices at the national and local levels will be discussed so that guests learn new ideas and insights. Featuring Andy Davis, Senior Director, Education and Outreach, BoardSource, Kerri Mollard, Founder and CEO, Mollard Consulting, Deborah Aubert Thomas, President & CEO, Philanthropy Ohio, and host Michael Bongiorno, AIA, Managing Principal & Design Director, Columbus Regional Office, AECOM.

Going by data alone, the US economy is thriving. The national GDP is growing at 2% and Ohio’s is growing at 1.3%. Job growth and employment numbers are strong but wage growth is slim to none. The effects of punitive tariffs and trade disputes are creating uncertainties in manufacturing and agriculture but the new USMCA appears to be well received. Ask the average American and their personal story may paint a different picture. Join CMC for our annual first forum of the New Year featuring Bill LaFayette, Ph.D., Founder, Regionomics, as he releases his 2020 Columbus Economic Forecast. LaFayette will be joined by George Mokrzan, Ph.D., Director of Economics, Huntington National Bank, and host Mark Williams, reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. Recorded on 01/08/2020 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

From doorbells to refrigerators and pet food dispensers it seems like technology is everywhere!  And, when it comes to gifts, the tech gadgets and toys category provides an endless array of choices.  From gaming to VR we’ve invited some of our favorite techie experts to choose and review their favorites in a lighthearted discussion on what they think are the coolest, techiest and most practical gifts and gadgets for the holidays.  Plus, come a little early (11 a.m.) to try out virtual reality demos and other fun items on display. Featuring Kristy Campbell, COO, Rev1 Ventures, Will Burrus, Chief Technology Officer, Lower.com, Justin Kogge, Owner, Game Arena, and host Alex Bandar, Founder & Chief Mischief Maker, Idea Foundry. This is the entire event description verbatim from the website. Paste the following paragraph at the end: Recorded on December 4, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

It’s no secret that Columbus City Schools have struggled for many years.  The attendance scrubbing scandal of several years ago, continued poor grades on the statewide evaluations, the threat of a state takeover and an awkward 14-month long process to find a new superintendent after Dan Good’s retirement have left voters, parents, the business community wondering what can be done. March 2019, enter new Superintendent Talisa Dixon.  In the few short months since, what is her evaluation of the city’s schools?  What initiatives has she put in place and what are her plans to improve performance and community support?  What is her vision for the future of our schools? Featuring Talisa Dixon, Ed.D., Columbus City Schools Superintendent, interviewed by Alan Miller, Editor of The Columbus Dispatch Recorded on November 6, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

There's no question that the rise of the internet, and eventually e-readers and smartphones, had an immense impact on the very purpose of brick and mortar libraries. Doomsayers predicted the end of print media in general and books and specific, and that, coupled with the Great Recession, saw staff layoffs and big changes in how libraries were used by the public. If large spaces in libraries weren't needed anymore, how could they better use that space to serve their communities? If easy access to books wasn't what people needed as much anymore, what did they need to get ahead? Libraries started collaborating more with schools to help students achieve better kindergarten readiness, stronger reading skills, and better grades through tutoring, help centers, and in-home guidance. Adult populations were suddenly going to libraries for support with finding jobs, starting businesses, and literacy training to help the 14% of the US population who still can't read. And of course, the physical spaces needed to adapt and change to meet these new needs. Ohio is extremely fortunate to have strong, innovative libraries. To discuss how libraries have changed and continue to adapt, we welcome Patrick Losinski (CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library), Tim Kambitsch (Executive Director of the Dayton Metro Library), Jonathan Moody (President and Architectural Designer at Moody Nolan), and host Michelle Francis (Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council). Recorded on October 9, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

Dayton has had a challenging year. In May, it was a controversial KKK rally in that garnered national coverage for its drama as much as the community's anti-hate response. Just a few days later, it was the tornadoes the wreaked havoc in area, causing widespread destruction, injuries, and even deaths. And then came August 4th. Nine lives ended, a community in shock, and suddenly Dayton, in tandem with El Paso, was being discussed the world over. Was it finally the tipping point for gun violence in America? In the two months since the shootings, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley has been thrust into the forefront as not only an advocate for massive changes to gun laws, but a model of leadership and the kind of old school, community-focused mayor that seems fairly absent in modern times. She's been profiled in the Washington Post, interviewed by countless news outlets, and now CMC is pleased to welcome Mayor Whaley to our stage to discuss her reflections on the past year, what change she hopes to see as a result, and what the future holds for Dayton. Jerry Revish (Co-Anchor at WBNS 10TV) will host. Recorded on October 2, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

Many children in Franklin County are born into complex circumstances and work hard to navigate life absent of consistent and thoughtful guidance from a community of caring and engaged adults. The result is "Opportunity Youth", 18-24-year-olds who are unstably housed, not on track to graduate high school or further educational programs, and not earning a sustainable wage. Building on previous research from two previous reports, the Children's Defense Fund has provided a fresh look at Franklin County Opportunity Youth. To reinforce the findings of this report, a diverse cross-section of community partners have come together to ensure that all youth enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well. To discuss Opportunity Youth and what's being done to support them, we welcome Tracy Nájera, Ph.D. (Executive Director of Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio), Ann Bischoff (CEO of Star House), and host Tonisha Johnson (Reporter at Spectrum News 1). Recorded on September 18, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

Discussions and arguments on gun policy have become a part of every day political discourse. Unfortunately, so have mass shootings. A hot-button topic for many of Ohio's elected officials, the recent mass murder in Dayton has propelled it to the forefront. On August 6, Governor Mike DeWine released his 17-point gun policy that includes items such as expanded background checks and red flag laws. After the initial fanfare faded, many concerned citizens are left wondering if the State Legislature is going to act, as they have been reluctant to do up to this point. Enter the Ohio Mayor's Alliance (OMA), a bi-partisan group of mayors from 20 of Ohio's largest cities. The group was formed to use their collective voices of Ohio's urban and rural populations to inform and influence the state's sometimes slow-moving legislature. OMA had already scheduled a visit to the Statehouse on September 18 to discuss the red-flag laws before the Dayton shootings took place. Now, their passion for change is even greater. On September 11, we welcome Christina Muryn (Mayor of Findlay), David Scheffler (Mayor of Lancaster), and Ben Kessler (Mayor of Bexley) as they join host Andy Chow (Journalist at Ohio Statehouse News Bureau) to discuss their ideas on gun policy. Recorded on September 11, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

A lot has changed since Honda's early days in Ohio when they were producing motorcycles with just 64 workers. As trends and technologies have advanced, so have the models being produced at their Marysville plant and the types of workers producing them. With the rise of artificial intelligence, how have skills and jobs changed? How are they attracting and keeping qualified talent? And, of course, how are the automobiles themselves changing? To discuss Honda's 40 years in Ohio and the economic and technological impact they've had, we welcome Tom Shoupe (Executive Vice President of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.), Scot McLemore (Manager of Talent Acquisition and Deployment at Honda North America, Inc.), Lewis Gleason (Equipment Service Technician at Honda North America), and host Dan Eaton (Business Reporter at Columbus Business First). Recorded on September 4, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

A lot has happened in the years since Bob Taft (1999-2007) and Ted Strickland (2007-2011) left the office of Governor of the State of Ohio. Join Governors Taft and Strickland as they recount their years in office and reflect on current affairs with Colleen Marshall (Co-Anchor at WCMH NBC4) at our CMC Annual Meeting and Summer Celebration. Recorded on August 28, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

These days, it seems like there is an Amazon Prime box on every other doorstep, and even brick and mortar stores are pushing their online platforms because of greater selection and quick delivery. But is e-commerce really dominating the industry like we believe? So what's the reality? More physical retail stores are opening than closing. Brands that are adapting and evolving are leading the pack, whereas some big box stores (like Sears and JCPenney) or big square footage flagship stores (like Barney's and Saks Fifth Avenue) are filing bankruptcy. Featuring Roger Blackwell, Ph.D. (Retired Marketing Professor), Lee Peterson (Executive Vice President of Thought Leadership & Marketing at WD Partners), Jeni Britton Bauer (Founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams), and Mark Williams (Reporter at The Columbus Dispatch). Recorded on August 21, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio native John Dean became a household name in the 1970s as the White House Counsel who participated in the infamous Watergate scandal that rocked the United States. Dean served as a witness for the prosecutors of the break-in and cover-up and ultimately testified before the Senate Watergate Committee, after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice charges. In his post-White House career, Dean became an investment banker and author, writing eleven books about Watergate and Republican politics including Worse than Watergate and Conservatives without Conscience. Dean’s name has been in the news a great deal in 2019, culminating in June with his appearance before the House Judiciary Committee where he testified about the implications of the Mueller Report. John Dean, along with collaborator James Robenalt (Partner at Thompson Hine LLP and author of January 1973: Watergate, Roe V. Wade, Vietnam, and the Month That Changed America Forever), will talk about the legacy of Watergate and share his perspective on current events.

In September 2017, it was announced that the Pittsburgh-Columbus-Chicago route was named one of the 10 finalists in the Hyperloop One Global Challenge. Since then, MORPC has partnered with Virgin Hyperloop One to create the Rapid Speed Transportation Initiative. A lot of developments have occurred since we held a forum on Hyperloop One last summer, so we’re excited to welcome Virgin Hyperloop One CEO Jay Walder and host Frederic Bertley, Ph.D. (CEO of COSI) to hear more! Recorded on August 7, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

When we think of human trafficking we often imagine migrants crammed in ships or trucks struggling to gain entry into a different country. But the reality of trafficking is much different. Ohio has the fourth-worst record for human trafficking in the country. A study released by the University of Cincinnati in March of this year identified 1,032 trafficking victims between 2014 and 2016. An additional 4,209 people were at risk of being trafficked. But sadly, those numbers are believed to be much higher. Only a small percentage of victims are properly identified by law enforcement and social service agencies. What’s more shocking is that 86% of these were minors, largely female. Domestic abuse, homelessness, truancy, and drug uses are some of the more common gateways to the world of trafficking which can include sex work and manual labor. To discuss this troublesome topic, we welcome Esther Flores (CEO of 1DivineLine2Health), Melissa Rienhard (Commercial Services Director at CleanTurn), and host JoAnne Viviano (Health and Medicine Reporter at The Columbus Dispatch). Recorded on July 31, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

You may have heard one (or hundreds) of StoryCorps' iconic episodes on NPR at some point in the last 16 years. The 3-4 minute, deeply personal, first-person stories tell the tales of America. And now, they're coming to Columbus. StoryCorps is partnering with WOSU to record and share the stories of Columbus throughout the month of July as a part of their Mobile Tour. StoryCorps is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and share humanity's stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world. They partner with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and National Public Radio to ensure these stores are shared with the nation. Our panel will feature Ava Ahmadbeigi (Site Manager of StoryCorps Mobile Tour), Ruth Milligan (Founder and Managing Director of Articulation), Tom Rieland (General Manager of WOSU Public Media), and host Ann Fisher (Host of All Sides with Ann Fisher on WOSU). Recorded on July 24, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio’s Sherrod Brown has served in several key positions at both the state and federal level, starting his political career in 1974. Now a U.S. Senator, Brown shares the political spotlight with his daughter, Elizabeth, who launched her political service as a Columbus  City Councilmember in 2015 and serves as its President Pro Tempore. Scott Light (Anchor at WBNS 10TV) will discuss with the Browns what it’s like to be a multi-generational political family and why they believe public service is so important to every American. Recorded on July 19, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

E. Gordon Gee, Ph.D., has one of the most storied careers in academic leadership, having held more university presidencies than any other American. Most notably, he served as the president of The Ohio State University from 1990 to 1998 and 2007 to 2013, and currently, he serves as the President of West Virginia University. We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Gee for what will no doubt be a colorful conversation with host and biographer Herb Asher, Ph.D., (Professor Emeritus of Political Science at The Ohio State University). Recorded on July 17, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.

Rickenbacker is home to a cargo-only airport, a rail inter-modal yard, and over 75 million square feet of industrial and distribution space that employs over 24,000 people. It’s also host to Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, which is home to the Air Force 121st Air Refueling Wing and an Ohio Army National Guard support facility, as well as Navy and Marine Corps Reserve units. MORPC and its partners recently released the Rickenbacker Area Study, a community-driven study that provides recommendations to position the area as a complete community, as well as a successful international logistics hub. The study considers economic development factors, workforce mobility, housing affordability, and energy requirements. Thea Walsh (Transportation and Infrastructure Director at MORPC) will present the findings of the study and will lead the panel discussion featuring Jeff Green (Assistant Administrator at the City of Groveport), James Schimmer (Director of Economic Development and Planning at Franklin County), and Shannetta Griffin (Chief Commercial Officer at the Columbus Regional Airport Authority). Recorded on July 10, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.