ABOUT THE OHIO COMMODORES

 

History:

 

 

Founded by Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes in 1966 during a ceremony at the Perry Monument at Put-In Bay, the Association of Ohio Commodores has been in existence for over 38 years. Named for the hero of the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, Governor Rhodes established the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodores (which encompasses membership in the Association) to honor 60 Ohio businessmen who accompanied him on Ohio’s first international trade mission. Since then, over 300 men and women have been appointed to the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodore as recognition of their contributions to economic development in their communities, and to the State of Ohio.

 

Membership:

Membership in the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodores is only possible through appointment by Ohio’s Governor in recognition for outstanding contributions to the economic development of the State of Ohio. It is considered Ohio’s “most distinguished honor.”

The Association currently boasts a diverse and dedicated membership of over 200 men and women. 18 charter members of the original Commodores still belong to the Association, and many Ohio families have seen multiple generations achieve membership.

Members include government officials such as members of the Governor’s Cabinet; distinguished university professors and administrators; leaders of trade associations and economic development organizations; and senior executives of large, medium and small manufacturers from across Ohio in a wide variety of industries.

 

Activities:

Since the inception of the Association, the Ohio Commodores have served as international trade mission participants, received international delegations to the State of Ohio, and acted as the Governor’s honor guard at key official events. Since 1984, the Commodores have held a yearly fundraiser, and in recent years have been a primary sponsor of the Governor’s Excellence in Exporting Awards. These awards honor Ohio companies or institutions that have created jobs and improved their local economies through international trade.

In recent years, the Ohio Commodores have sponsored international business and government delegations, including a visit to Ohio by the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, a governmental delegation from Lithuania, and a business dinner for the Governor of Kyongsangbuk-do, Ohio’s sister province in Korea. The Association regularly hosts official dignitaries, such as the Consul Generals of Mexico, Canada, Brazil and Argentina on behalf of the Governor and the State of Ohio.