Economic development is often referred to as a race with no finish line. Cities and states toil to grow their economies, generate opportunities for their citizens and build capacity for the future.
It is certainly analogous to a marathon, but sometimes you have to sprint. Sometimes you have to act with a sense of urgency. There is ongoing debate about whether the U.S. economy is poised for growth or beginning a slow-down. Perhaps we shouldn’t wait for the outcome as if it’s some sort of phenomenon, but instead take action for growth today.
What is the top economic development priority of your community? What one thing would generate opportunity for your company? What partnership are you waiting to develop at your academic institution? What three steps would you have to take in order to leap forward toward your goal?
Economic development will remain a marathon, but each of us can make a difference now instead of waiting for others to diagnose our future.
–Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
- Last week, our team celebrated the expansions of two companies in the Columbus Region. Automotive supplier Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems broke ground to consolidate and expand in Marysville, while cookie-maker Cheryl’s broke ground on an expansion to nearly double production in Westerville. Great news for two great companies!
- Registration is open for the March 6 Ohio Food Industry Expo. Food manufacturers and auxiliary service providers will convene to discover new techniques, learn of industry trends, and identify valuable resources that will strengthen the already sizable industry of food processors in Ohio.
- Kudos to EWI on their $70 million federal contract to help research and develop innovations in lightweight metals. EWI will team up with The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan on the project, which could help retain manufacturing jobs and create up to 10,000 jobs in the Midwest.
- Congratulations to The Ohio State University on receiving its largest-ever up-front payment to license technology for healthcare data analytics software.
- Two of our region’s entrepreneur resources also have reason to celebrate. TechColumbus announced its $7 million Catalyst Fund that will invest in technologies coming from The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The Dublin Entrepreneurial Center, currently housing more than 100 startups, marked five years of connecting businesses with services, space and more.