Membership Luncheon - December 2026

Data centers are reshaping the economic and physical landscape of Central Ohio. But what does their rapid growth mean for businesses, communities, and consumers here in Westerville?

Join us for an in-depth discussion exploring one of the region's most significant and complex development trends. As demand for data storage, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure continues to accelerate, communities across Central Ohio are navigating important questions about energy consumption, infrastructure capacity, economic development, workforce opportunities, and long-term sustainability.

This program will examine the opportunities and challenges associated with data center growth through a Westerville lens. Topics may include the impact of increased energy demand on utility costs and infrastructure, the role of economic development incentives and tax policy, workforce and job creation considerations, quality-of-life concerns, and strategies businesses can implement to better understand and manage their own energy usage.

Featuring perspectives from industry, economic development, utility, and community leaders, this timely conversation will provide attendees with valuable insight into a rapidly evolving sector that is poised to influence the future of Central Ohio - and the business climate of Westerville - for years to come.
 

Meet the Panel!
 

DAN RAPP, Senior Director Responsible Business & Environmental Affairs
Vertiv

BIO COMING SOON!













 

BOB SCHABER, Data Center Manager
WeConnect, City of Westerville

Bob Schaber is the Data Center Manager for the City of Westerville's WeConnect Data Center, overseeing facility operations, strategic staffing, and business development. Backed by 35+ years in enterprise IT - including 15 years in strategic leadership - Bob specializes in public-private partnerships and resilient municipal infrastructure.

Prior to his current role, he led enterprise infrastructure in manufacturing and directed the City of Dublin's landmark migration to colocation data centers in 2009. Having witnessed decades of technological evolution firsthand, Bob brings deep insight into the shifting demands placed on modern data centers and how critical infrastructure directly intersects with the changing IT landscape.