The field of economic development is broad and interesting, and there are a number of aspects to write about each week. As we begin the second half of 2013, it is worth revisiting the fundamentals of our plan in the Columbus Region and the focus of our efforts.
The One Columbus regional growth plan is built upon four interdependent activities. First, taking care of the existing economic base by working to retain and expand companies and their opportunities. Second, attracting growing companies to the Columbus Region from all over the world by leveraging our talent base and access to market. Third, nurturing high-growth companies and emerging industries. Finally, constantly improving the business climate and strengthening the civic infrastructure in order to compete with the world.
Our leadership does not view one activity as more important than the other; equal consideration is given to all areas. Each area of the plan involves key players and each has its advocates for where to invest time and resources.
This week will be a typical one for our team. It will involve hosting a location consultant who has not visited the Region in some time, helping to celebrate the grand opening of the Niagara Bottling facility in Gahanna, and assembling local leaders from across the 11-county Columbus Region to discuss progress year-to-date and the next six months of work.
This week we will also assemble a dedicated group of individuals and organizations that are focused on high-growth companies, technology commercialization and emerging industries. Officials from the Technology Commercialization Office at The Ohio State University, TechColumbus, Battelle, Draper Triangle Ventures, Drive Capital, Ohio TechAngels, the Columbus office of the Ohio Small Business Development Centers, and a host of entrepreneurs from companies such as Minimally Invasive Devices will join us for a conversation on the status of our region’s growth in this area of the economy, and to discuss challenges and opportunities. These are important and exciting meetings for our team because they represent the area where truly new job growth occurs in our economy.
I hope that everyone had a safe and fun holiday celebrating our country’s freedoms and opportunities. Let’s have a great week promoting job growth and economic development in our communities.
–Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
- Check out this story that recently that aired on 10TV about high growth companies thriving in the Columbus Region. It features local startup successes like Manta, e-Cycle, Acceptd and InfoMotion.
- This week, our team will be hosting consultants in the Region. We’ll also travel to Washington, D.C. to learn about federal trade programs that can be utilized at the local level.