Over four weeks, we will be featuring the finalists for the 2022 Greater Ohio Sustainable Development Awards, which will be announced at the 2022 Greater Ohio Summit. Each week will feature a brief summary of each award and the finalists for the awards, including why they have been nominated for this distinction.

For the finalists for the Public Sector Leader Award, see last week’s blog.

This week, we present the finalists for the Private Sector Leader Award. This Award recognizes an entity or individual operating in the private sector who has demonstrated a commitment to and excellence in investing in existing communities and strengthening local economies in Ohio. Their contributions foster a holistic approach to sustainable development, leading to environmental, social, and economic prosperity.

Finalist Number 1: Adelphi. Adelphi is a black-owned bank, also known as a minority depository institution, that will open in 2022 in a historic black neighborhood in Columbus. Under the leadership of Jordan Miller, who is one of the founders, Adelphi will provide much needed banking services and access to consumer credit for all Franklin County residents.

Finalist Number 2: Foran Group Development Foran Group Development is the lead developer of The Pivot Center for Art, Dance and Expression. The Pivot Center is located in the Cleveland neighborhood of Clark-Fulton, which has one of the greatest densities of Latino residents in the state. Rick Foran, president of the Foran Group Development, has been committed from day-one to making The Pivot Center a major community center and cultural hub for the neighborhood.

Finalist Number 3: Van Wert Forward. Van Wert Forward, a for-profit subsidiary of the Van Wert Foundation, has purchased 52 buildings in downtown Van Wert and is systematically renovating them for the community’s prosperity. This nomination recognizes the incredible vision, scope, innovative business plan and investment that Van Wert Forward is bringing to downtown Van Wert and the region.

The winner of the Private Sector leader award, along with the winners in the three other categories, will be announced at the Keynote Luncheon during the 2022 Greater Ohio Summit. There is still time to register. Visit the summit page here on our website to learn more and to register to attend.