Our Mission & Staff
Your business is appreciated here.
We’re here to help.
Who We Are
The Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation, formerly the “Columbus Economic Development Board” (EDB), is a 501(c)(6) member-supported, non-profit organization originally founded in 1976 as one of the first local economic development organizations in the state.
Our mission is to build a world-class community by enhancing the quality of life, economic opportunity and personal well-being of our residents.
Our strategic goal is to grow & attract well-paying, high value-added, community-minded base/primary businesses by influencing and leveraging the area’s distinct capabilities in advanced manufacturing, Science Technology Engineering & Math (STEM) education resources, and design.
What We Do
The Greater Columbus EDC approach is three-fold:
How We're Funded
More than 70% of our support comes from local businesses who see the value of supporting the attraction and expansion of businesses in our community. The balance of funding comes from local units of government who benefit from increased tax revenue, job creation, and private investments.
The Results
Since the EDC’s founding in 1976, recruited companies today employ more than 7,500 persons. More than 400 local expansions have also been recorded, and combined, new projects and expansion have called for over $3.6 billion in initial investments.
These companies contribute to the local tax base (helping to keep everyone’s taxes lower), and suppliers, service providers, & retail businesses benefit from increased spending.
Our staff
Phil Wagner
President
Email: phil@columbusin.org
Cell: +1-785-423-5842
Phil joined the Greater Columbus EDC as President in January 2026. Over his 17-year career in community and economic development, Phil has worked for three communities – Dubuque, Iowa; Sugar Land, Texas; and Rockwall, Texas.
At his last job, as President of the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation, Phil led efforts to recruit or expand a total of 15 companies, resulting in the commitment and/or generation of $650M in new taxable activity along with the creation of 1,400 jobs. His time in Sugar Land was defined by public-private partnerships – including work to acquire and transform a 259-acre former prison to a business park, and the development of a minor league baseball stadium that is now the AAA affiliate for the Houston Astros. In Dubuque, he assisted with efforts to revitalize historic buildings along the Mississippi River.
Phil is a native Midwesterner that spent his early childhood years in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and graduated from high school in Baldwin City, Kansas. He received a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Political Science from Central Michigan University and a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Kansas.
Phil and his wife Allison are parents to two young girls and are excited to grow roots in Columbus and Bartholomew County. When not involved in kids’ activities, Phil enjoys golfing, watching professional and college sports (particularly the Royals, Chiefs, and Michigan State Spartans!), and traveling.
Beth Bailey
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Email: beth@columbusin.org
Beth Bailey joined Greater Columbus EDC in 2013 as the Executive Assistant and Office Manager. In her role, she provides support to EDC President Phil Wagner and manages the EDC operations and accounts. She oversees the daily administrative operations and is the first point of contact for guests and phone inquiries. Beth enthusiastically interacts with EDC Board members and community partners while helping to promote Columbus as a great place to work and live.
Prior to Beth’s role at the EDC, she served for seven years as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Credit Officer at First Financial Bank located in Columbus, IN. In that role, she regularly prepared reports for the Board of Directors, securely processed confidential information, and kept an organized work environment for the CCO. Prior to First Financial, Beth served as the Administrative Assistant for First Christian Church in Columbus.
Beth has called Columbus home for over 30 years. She holds an associate degree in business administration and has over 20 years of experience as an executive assistant.
Maclyn Benedict
Project Coordinator
Email: maclyn@columbusin.org
Maclyn joined the Columbus EDC in March 2024 as Project Coordinator where she plays a key role in supporting business development initiatives and coordinating strategic projects. She works closely with local partners, businesses, and community stakeholders to foster economic growth within the Columbus region.
Maclyn is responsible for project submissions and tracking, coordinating site visits, planning and conducting quarterly EDC Roundtable events and leading the quarterly Sites & Buildings Committee meetings.
Maclyn is a graduate of Purdue University, where she earned a degree in Biology. Her background brings a unique perspective to her role, combining analytical thinking with a passion for community impact.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
Greater Columbus EDC is committed to Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) efforts, and it is important to us that our site be accessible to everyone. We are committed to making our website content accessible and user friendly to everyone, including individuals with visual impairments that use screen readers to view the website. We have taken steps to enhance the accessibility of our site, and we have more to do. If you have difficulty accessing features or functions on this website, please email us at info@columbusin.org and we will work with you to provide the information you seek. You may also call our office at 812.378.7300.
