“Average leaders have quotes. Good leaders have a plan. Exceptional leaders have a system.”
-Urban Meyer
At Economic Development 411 each year, the Columbus Region comes together to dialogue about economic development fundamentals and issues of the day. As we approach the event this year, the state of the Columbus Region and One Columbus Regional Growth Strategy is strong thanks to a lot of hard work, collaboration and good fortune.
While we have work to do to close gaps in our strategy and to provide opportunities for the entire region, our metrics are strong. 130,000 net new jobs have been created in the 11-county region since January 2010. Over a million Central Ohioans are working, and we have a higher than average labor participation rate at 68 percent.
Over $7.5 billion dollars have been invested by key private sector employers, and billions more have been added by the growing healthcare and education sectors. Per capita income is growing and is also up over 17 percent since 2010. Our population is growing faster than ever before and Central Ohio is home to more than 2.1 million people, creating momentum for our housing industry and providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs to start small businesses.
Technology commercialization, venture- and angel-backed startups, and our entrepreneurial support networks are thriving. And, there is great energy to advance transportation through Smart Columbus and Smart Corridor efforts.
We are positioned for success and we have the tools to continue to compete for opportunities well into the future. If we continue to work at closing the gaps and if we are as resilient as our beloved Buckeyes, we will do just fine!
We look forward to seeing many of you at ED411 on Friday and we welcome the input and support of everyone reading.
-Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
- Today is the last chance to register for Economic Development 411. Join elected and appointed officials, civic leaders and business leaders on December 2 for a day of insightful sessions and dialogue. Cindi Marsiglio, vice president of US manufacturing at Walmart, and Alec Ross, New York Times bestselling author and one of America’s leading experts on innovation, will deliver keynote addresses. Register here.
- This week, the One Columbus team will host companies considering the Columbus Region for expansion.