The I-70/75 Development Association will gather for its annual meeting Thursday, marking the organization’s 25th year.

The association unites city managers and development directors, entrepreneurs, site selectors, real estate brokers, bankers and anyone interested in the growth of the Miami Valley, members say. Often, these are the same professionals working for the best interest of their own communities, which can lead to clashes.

“By nature, it is competitive,” said Thomas Belanich, association president and managing director of Blue Diamond Realty in Lebanon.

But when association members meet, their goal is to consider what’s good for the entire area.

“To put it simply, it is the region growing as a whole that is going to benefit everybody individually,” said Mike Davis, former association president and current Moraine development director,

The 125-member organization expects to draw about 200 people for its summit. Belanich calls it a good opportunity to connect with key players and sell one’s community.

More professionals in marketing and advertising have joined over time, Davis said. “It’s really become the renowned educational opportunity for a lot of local folks for a very reasonable price,” he said.

The keynote speaker this year will be Dave Kolzow, president of Franklin, Tenn.-based Team Kolzow, a development consulting firm.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or tgnau@DaytonDailyNews.com.