Phil Buell, president and chief executive officer of Superior Federal Credit Union, has been elected chair of the Board of Directors of the Port Authority of Allen County.  His election took place July 23 at the organizational meeting for the newly reconstituted Board of the Port Authority.

Herbert A. Schumm, vice president of medical affairs at St. Rita’s Medical Center, was elected vice chair, and Barry Hardy, of Hardy Financial Group, was elected secretary and fiscal officer.

“The Board represents a cross section of interests in Allen County, and we expect to play an active role in helping the Port Authority retain and create jobs,” Buell said.

The Port Authority can own, lease, and finance land, building and equipment for credit-worthy companies, non-profits and other governmental units.  While maritime commerce was the initial purpose for port authorities, the state law governing port authorities has been broadened significantly to include transportation, economic development, housing, recreation, education, governmental operations, culture or research.

“The Allen Economic Development Group is the lead economic development agency for the County,” Buell said.  “The Port Authority will serve as another tool for specific projects where the Port Authority can add value.”

In addition to electing officers, the Board adopted By-Laws, a 2013 operating budget, and several policy statements designed to provide direction to Jerry Arkebauer, executive director of the Port Authority, in dealing with prospects.

The Port Authority of Allen County was formed in 1982 by the County Commissioners. 
“Although we have had a Port Authority for more than 30 years, the Board believes Arkebauer can help us use the agency in many more ways than we have in the past.  He has the experience to help us.  We expect him to work closely with Jeff Sprague, president of AEDG,” Buell said.

Arkebauer has been called the “father of port authority financing” for his work during 20 years at the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. He also serves as executive director of the Regional Port Authority of Northwest Ohio serving Defiance, Henry, Fulton and Paulding Counties; and administrative consultant of the Blanchard Valley Port Authority in Hancock County.  He also is secretary of the Ohio Council of Port Authorities which represents the more than 50 port authorities in the state.

Other members of the Board appointed last week by the Commissioners are Marcelyn Boone, site director of INEOS; Donald Klausing, managing director of Kettle Creations – BEF Foods; Scott Koenig, president, KeyBridge Medical Revenue Management; and Maria Sanko, owner/realtor at Real Living/CCR Realtors.