FAQ’s

Each county in the OMEGA Region is eligible for representation. Appointments are made by each Board of County Commissioners with a minimum of three (3) representatives or one (1) representative for each ten thousand (10,000) persons, or major portion thereof, whichever is the greater number. Population counts are based on the latest decennial census as published by U.S. Census Bureau. Each municipality (city) is also eligible for membership with a minimum of one (1) representative for each ten thousand (10,000) persons or major portion thereof, whichever is the greater number based on the latest decennial census. Appointments are made by each member city’s governing body and are included in the representation of the entire county. Any member government with the minimum number of member representatives may have one (1) alternate member who may vote at membership meetings only when the appointed member representative of such member government is absent. It shall be the responsibility of the Board of County Commissioners in each county to assure that at least two-thirds (2/3) of the total number of persons appointed to serve on the membership of OMEGA are qualified by the State of Ohio as elected officials. Any person appointed to serve as a locally elected official, who for any reason no longer holds such an office, shall no longer be eligible to serve as a representative on the OMEGA membership rolls. Other eligible local governments may also participate in the OMEGA organization upon completion of an agreement between the local government and the Board of County Commissioners. Said agreement shall include the number of representatives allocated by the Board of County Commissioners from their total membership, the financial terms of membership and any other terms agreed upon between the two governments. Any such appointment representing membership or together local governments shall be made by that local government or a consolidation of such governments. For more details on OMEGA Membership view our Bylaws

Membership meetings are held in March and September. The March meeting is utilized as the Annual Meeting for the purpose of designating Executive Board Members and electing officers. Typically, Executive Board meetings are held in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Meetings are held in various locations throughout the OMEGA Region. For specific upcoming meeting times and locations, click here. Special meetings may be called by the President. For more details see our OMEGA Bylaws

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. Established by an act of Congress in 1965, ARC is composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the president. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. ARC funds projects that address the four goals identified in the Commission’s strategic plan:
– Increase job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia to reach parity with the nation.
– Strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy.
– Develop and improve Appalachia’s infrastructure to make the Region economically competitive.
– Build the Appalachian Development Highway System to reduce Appalachia’s isolation.
Each year ARC provides funding for several hundred projects in the Appalachian Region, in areas such as business development, education and job training, telecommunications, infrastructure, community development, housing, and transportation. These projects create thousands of new jobs; improve local water and sewer systems; increase school readiness; expand access to health care; assist local communities with strategic planning; and provide technical and managerial assistance to emerging businesses.

The U.S. Department of Commerce promotes job creation, economic growth, sustainable development and improved standards of living for all Americans by working in partnership with businesses, universities, communities and our nation’s workers. The department touches the daily lives of the American people in many ways, with a wide range of responsibilities in the areas of trade, economic development, technology, entrepreneurship and business development, environmental stewardship, and statistical research and analysis. To drive U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace, the Commerce Department works to strengthen the international economic position of the United States and facilitates global trade by opening up new markets for U.S. goods and services. Here at home, the Commerce Department promotes progressive business policies that help America’s businesses and entrepreneurs and their communities grow and succeed. Cutting-edge science and technology at the department fosters innovation, and a focus on research and development that moves quickly from the lab to the marketplace generates progress and new 21st century opportunities. No matter where businesses are in their life cycle, whether just getting off the ground or looking to expand into overseas markets, the Commerce Department is singularly focused on making U.S. companies more innovative at home and more competitive abroad, so they can create jobs. The Commerce Department also provides effective management and monitoring of our nation’s resources and assets to support both environmental and economic health. Through critical weather monitoring, weather forecasts and resource preservation, the department protects not only public safety and security but also our oceans, coasts and marine life while assisting their economic development. Other essential operations conducted by the Commerce Department include the constitutionally mandated decennial census, which serves as the basis of America’s representative democracy, as well as the system by which businesses and innovators secure intellectual property rights. The Secretary of Commerce leads the department’s efforts, overseeing a $7.5 billion budget and nearly 47,000 employees worldwide.

A Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is a pool of money awarded to an eligible grantee (OMEGA) for the purpose of making loans to create and/or save jobs. As loans are repaid by the borrowers, the money is returned to the RLF to make new loans. In that manner, the RLF becomes an ongoing or “revolving” loan fund. RLFs have emerged as one of the best economic development tools available to assist private-for-profit businesses and entrepreneurs.

A financial award often given by the federal, state or local government to an eligible grantee. Government grants are not expected to be repaid by the recipient. There is typically an application process to qualify and be approved for a government grant. Most recipients are required to provide periodic reports on their grant project’s progress.