Stephanie Hockenberry is reimagining what it means to stay in the Ohio Valley.
In December of 2023, Hockenberry was hired as the Growth and Retention Manager under the Ohio County Development Authority. Her task was unique: focus specifically on population and small business. Hockenberry holds her MBA and has been involved in a variety of businesses and leadership roles in the Ohio Valley throughout her career, but this new position has allowed her to take an active role in the growth and development of the City of Wheeling and Ohio County.
Hockenberry is a huge proponent of professional development and recently applied to speak at LG NOVA INNOFEST.
“LG NOVO INNOFEST 2024 is an event that brings together founders, business leaders, business owners, corporate executives, venture capitalists, investors, and innovators from healthcare, energy, consumer, sciences & technology markets,” Hockenberry said. “Their mission is to change the way innovation happens through collaboration that will positively impact people and the planet.”
So, when offered the opportunity to speak on a panel at the international conference, scheduled to take place in San Francisco, she couldn’t turn down the opportunity. The idea behind the conference is to make national connections with potential investors and startups.
“My role at INNOFEST is a mentoring role for their Startup Launchpad. I will be working with startups and entrepreneurs to work through barriers and create conversations to drive connections,” she explained. “As the Growth & Retention Manager, it is my goal to facilitate opportunities for companies and investors to open or invest in developing or growing their business within Ohio County.
“We have sustainability here: the history, momentum, workforce, community, and quality of life compliment the affordability of housing and opportunity for development,” she detailed/. “I am grateful to have the chance to share that with innovators and investors.”
Hockenberry thrives on connections and maintains the core belief that connections will lead to growth and opportunity. “Learning and understanding from the innovative leaders that understand the importance of partnerships for economic development and the risks necessary to move projects and companies forward in order toward success is a priority.”
Hockenberry is scheduled to bring Wheeling to the international stage later this week.
“Strategically, my goal is to come together to elevate the economic development opportunities that contribute to the success and future of Ohio County.”
