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Hardin business alliance names new CEO [The Lima News, Ohio :: ](Lima News (OH) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) June 12--KENTON -- The Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance has named a new president/CEO and business development director. Hardin County native Jon Cross will begin the new position Oct. 1, the alliance's board announced Wednesday. Cross will focus his efforts toward economic and business development, advancing Hardin County's market awareness on a regional, national and global scale. He will work with local, state and national business, educational and agricultural leaders, government officials and economic development associations, as well as site selectors, real estate professionals and industry experts to help generate new growth, jobs and investment opportunities to advance Hardin County's economy, alliance board Chairman Tim Street said. "We are very excited to welcome aboard a Hardin County native who has the combination of local knowledge, diverse leadership experience, national business and political relationships, as well as a deep regard for his community," Street said. "Jon's broad experience in strategic planning, marketing, public relations, advocacy, fundraising and business and community development will be very beneficial to strengthen our organization." Cross will serve on the alliance board to help develop and execute both the short-term and long-term goals and strategic priorities of the organization. "I look forward to returning home to help my community grow and prosper," Cross said. "Hardin County has been, and will always be a great place to live, work and prosper. I look forward spreading that message near and far, as we strive to make Hardin County a model community in Northwest Ohio." The announcement comes with some reorganization of staff, board member Chip Root said. Jacqualine Fitzgerald had been serving as director of the alliance; she will move to director of the Downtown Development Division. Economic Development Director John Hohn will work together with Cross during a planned transition phase over the next 15 months, starting in October. Cross has nearly two decades of political, government and business experience. He recently served as the executive director of the New Majority, a large and influential Republican political action committees in California. In addition to his political work, Cross served as the director of corporate marketing for The Allen Group, a privately held real estate development company. Cross graduated from Kenton High School and The Ohio State University. ___ (c)2014 The Lima News (Lima, Ohio) Visit The Lima News (Lima, Ohio) at www.limaohio.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |