With the support of Governor Mike Dewine, members of the Ohio General Assembly provide $25 M for the reinstituting of Ohio’s Rural Industrial Park Loan Program.  Local economic development and real estate leaders for years have been calling for the development of additional sites in rural communities.  Ohio’s rural communities have been facing substantial economic […]

Lt. Governor Jon Husted recently announced the formal launching of TechCred, a program that connects businesses with the talent they need and gives employees the ability to earn industry-recognized, technology-focused credentials, better preparing them for a job in today’s advanced, technology-infused economy.  Through TechCred, businesses can identify the specific qualifications they need and employees they

Like a train whistle in the distance, the state of Ohio Capital Budget is traveling toward the Ohio Statehouse.  Public comments from the Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Larry Householder and Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof indicate they are making plans for the Ohio General Assembly to accept applications for regional projects interested in gaining

Ohio’s largest city has a new leader for its Development Department.  Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced Chief Innovation Officer Michael Stevens will serve as Interim Director of the Columbus Department of Development pending the departure of current Director Steve Schoeny. Schoeny was named City Manager for the City of Upper Arlington. Michael Stevens, Chief

It is a well-known fact backed up by industry data that 80% of all new jobs come from existing companies.  In 2017 JobsOhio, the private sector economic development organization in Ohio reported that 83% of its jobs came from companies already in the state.  In economic development we spend much of our time trying to

Opportunity Zones jumped into the world of economic development with much fanfare last year seen as the key to addressing substantial income inequality in both urban and rural communities.  There can be no doubt that many Opportunity Zone Funds have been formed but many more communities, developers and companies are still seeking investment. Hundreds if

Reviewing demographic and workforce data is an important economic measure for a corporate site location analysis.  Regions with an increasing population base and a group of younger workers illustrate growing communities.  Homeownership rates and home value illustrate stability in a community but also whether it is affordable.  The percentage of citizens over 25 with a

Toronto, Canada is a modern mega-city on the economic rise that not only operates at the economic epicenter of Canada but as a major advanced services economic base.  While trade battles tend to dominate the headlines, Canada itself remains the largest trading partner with the United States and has a major economic footprint for a