David Zak is vice-president of the Springfield Improvement Corporation, which is part of the chamber of commerce. His colleague at the chamber, John Detrick, says Zak has been vital in the city's economic growth spurt. He points to a gift company Zak helped lure to Springfield as an example of how he can relate well to the business community.
“He did this with thirty one gifts a company that is going to be growing to a thousand jobs. We are fortunate to be able to attract them to Springfield,” says Detrick.
Zak will head the Ohio Department of Development's business division, and focus on putting together incentive packages to help businesses grow in Ohio.
“An opportunity came my way to try to take some of the excitement and momentum here in Springfield and take it to the state level and work as part of the state economic development system,” says Zak.
Zak will start his new job in late October. Detrick with the chamber of commerce says a search is underway to replace Zak and the new hire is expected to start some time next month.