Economic Development Matters

October 1, 2012

This week the Columbus Region is a laboratory for a host of thinkers and innovators in the fields of design and creativity.  Thoughtfully wrapped together to help celebrate the power of innovation and design, IdUS is a weeklong effort to highlight the power of thinking different and challenging the status quo.  This includes no less than a dozen great events, including the 4th Annual International EcoSummit, an event involving sustainability experts from around the world.  One Columbus had sponsored Thursday’s Innovate Columbus event featuring Richard Florida, Sir Ken Robinson, and Jeff Dyer, all internationally renowned for their work in the field of creativity, and its role in driving economic activity.

We’re excited to welcome our guests, but also ready to highlight the creative experts from the Columbus Region at events like TEDxYouth@Columbus.  Finally, and very importantly, the Columbus Region celebrates Manufacturing Day on October 5th.  This national event helps to recognize the thousands of jobs and great social and economic impact of manufacturing within each of the communities throughout the region.

My request of you this week is to attend at least one event and/or let the world know of the great impact that our engineers, designers, architects, thinkers, tinkerers and entrepreneurs are having in your community.

One Columbus
Our team will be in Houston and Atlanta for the International Air Cargo Association/Council of Supply Chain Management Professional Annual Conference and to call on several site selection consultants this week. The team continues to prepare for a very productive trip to Japan in a few short weeks.  Congratulations to Ascena and Menlo Logistics, who both expanded in Licking County last week and will be adding investment and jobs within the Columbus Region.

-Kenny McDonald