GALION—The Galion Port Authority has hired Economic Development Opportunity Advisors, LLC of Rocky River, Ohio to serve as the Port Authority’s Executive Director effective immediately.

Port Authorities are authorized by the Ohio Revised Code to enhance, foster, aid, provide or promote transportation, economic development, education, housing, recreation, governmental operations, culture or research projects. Ports have the ability to construct facilities, make loans, buy and sell real estate and personal property and offer economic development financing products in which governmental organizations cannot.

The Galion Port Authority was created by the City of Galion in May of 2019. The Port and its volunteer Board members have operated without an Executive Director.  Board President, Eric Kent in announcing the hiring of Economic Development Opportunity Advisors, LLC pointed to the Founder and Chief Advisor, Mark Rantala as the reason the Port engaged EDOA.  “Mark brings to the Port a wealth of economic development and real estate experience.  Most recently Mark served as Executive Director of the Lake County Ohio Port and Economic Development Authority in Painesville for 7 years.  He also served as Executive Director of the Nederland Texas EDC (Economic Development Corporation).  Prior to entering the economic development field, Mark spent 23 years as a Commercial Real Estate salesman and broker in northeast Ohio specializing in land development, retail tenant representation and shopping center leasing.”

Galion Mayor Tom O’Leary also commented on the move, “It is encouraging that the Port Board has selected an administrator since its formation in May of 2019. The Port has functioned without an executive. Mark’s addition will allow Port initiatives to be worked on a more consistent basis.”

Mark Rantala in commenting on the position had this to say, “I look forward to working with the board.  Galion is fortunate to have both a health care and industrial base. This diverse base is something we can build upon.  The proximity to Route 30 offers the potential for additional development serving the logistics industry.  Workforce development is critical to the community and its businesses and new housing is important to future growth.”