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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Region earned a top-10 Metro Area ranking and Ohio ranked No. 2 overall in Site Selection magazine’s annual list of top regions and states for corporate facility location, announced today. The Columbus Region, with 81 new and expanded facilities in 2012, ranked 10th on the magazine’s list of top Metro Areas for Tier One New and Expanded Facilities.
“This is a powerful reminder that we have a diverse, competitive economy and a host of innovative companies within the Columbus Region,” said Kenny McDonald, chief economic officer, Columbus 2020. “It also is a testament to the public-private partnership we’ve built that is allowing us to surface opportunities and connect our businesses with state and local resources. The hundreds of private sector companies that have invested in the Columbus 2020 strategy, and the entire 11-county region, should be proud of what is being achieved through this collaboration.”
The Columbus Region was recognized alongside peer metropolitan areas with populations greater than 1 million—including cities such as Houston, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta, which occupied the top four spots in the top 10. According to Site Selection’s criteria, new facilities and expansions included in the analyses must meet at least one of three criteria: involve a capital investment of at least $1 million; create at least 50 new jobs; or add at least 20,000 sq. ft. (1,858 sq. m.) of new floor area. The Columbus Region’s 81 new and expanded facilities added in 2012 were instrumental in the creation of 16,200 net new jobs in the Region last year. The Columbus Region has added 42,500 net new jobs since the creation of Columbus 2020 in 2010.
Ohio’s 498 new projects in 2012 placed it second in Site Selection’s state rankings. Texas was the only state with more projects last year, winning the magazine’s Governor’s Cup.
For more information about Site Selection magazine’s other annual awards, and to see a full list of the honorees, visit SiteSelection.com.
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About Columbus 2020
Columbus 2020 is a bold public-private partnership that leverages the strengths of the Columbus Region’s talented workforce, small and large businesses, research and academic institutions, and international connections to ignite economic growth and build a healthier, more sustainable future for Central Ohio. The initiative grows our economy by ensuring that our existing companies are growing and thriving, that the world’s leading companies are attracted to the 11-county region, that innovations are cultivated and commercialized, and that our civic infrastructure is continually improving to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world economy. For more information, visit ColumbusRegion.com.
Contact:
Kenny McDonald
614-225-6063