“Turn your fear into faith.”
-Ray Kroc
On behalf of our entire team at One Columbus, I would like to express sincere gratitude to all of our investors, allies, volunteers, and local, state and national partners. You’ve attended meetings on short notice, debated the future during retreats, helped host clients and delegations from all over the world, given your good name to fund our activities, and helped solve problems and create opportunities across the Columbus Region.
We also wish to thank the private sector organizations that have expressed their love of and commitment to the Columbus Region by declaring themselves One of US. Over 80 companies have expressed what it means to them to call the Columbus Region home. The effort has grown to be far more than just a campaign or slogan; it’s a chorus of Columbus Region pride making a big impact on our efforts to market Central Ohio around the world.
While so many of you do these things each and every year, your support has been more important than ever the past 12 months. Technology and global economic issues have upended nearly every industry. This past year has seen great highs mixed with confusion and disappointment in the world of business and in our communities. We’ve probably all stopped at least once this year and asked ourselves, “WHAT IS GOING ON?”
Thank you for standing with us. The support and encouragement are irreplaceable. Let’s build upon it in 2018!
In that light, I’m more excited than ever to welcome over 500 guests to our annual half-day forum, Economic Development 411. Along with our partners at the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange (MODE), we look forward to hosting you on December 1 at the Ohio Union. Join us as we gather to reflect back a bit, but mostly look forward to the future. Mark Kvamme of Drive Capital and John Ellis, author of the Zero Dollar Car, are just two of many great speakers and attendees.
-Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
Alibaba, one of the world’s largest and most valuable retailers, will be visiting the Columbus Region on December 14 to help U.S. companies access consumer-to-consumer, consumer-to-business and business-to-business e-commerce sales to China. Register here.
In Memoriam
We are deeply saddened by the loss of David Meeks, who served as economic development director for the City of Hilliard for 14 years. He was a long-time economic development professional who had a great impact on Hilliard’s development. He was honored with the naming of a road in his honor, a testament to his stewardship there. He was a partner to the One Columbus team and many others throughout the Columbus Region and the State of Ohio. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends throughout our communities.