The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.
-Winston Churchill
This week we welcome the first annual TrustBelt Conference to the Columbus Region, where the new Midwest begins. Just five years ago it may have seemed audacious to hold a conference celebrating the economic success of the Midwest and Ohio, but now it is entirely appropriate. The Midwest’s success has taken leadership from state and local elected leaders, large and small business leadership, and a lot of hard work by all. This map of unemployment rates shows just how well we’re doing:
While the work is not complete and unemployment rates are not the ultimate indicator of success, there is much to celebrate. Last week, right here in the Columbus Region, Amazon announced projects in three different Central Ohio communities and committed to additional investment that will help them serve their customers. They will join thousands of businesses who are betting on our region and the Midwest.
More technology companies and manufacturers, more entrepreneurs, more artists and machinists, and more students are on their way here, and we welcome them all. They will find vibrant cities, great neighborhoods, world-class healthcare and creative enclaves. They won’t find economic bubbles, hyper-inflated housing prices or egos, or a lagging economy.
As we’ve said before, we have more opportunities than limitations. Let’s keep it up, and stay hungry and humble.
–Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
- This week, the 40th Memorial Tournament kicks off at Muirfield Village in Dublin. You can follow the tournament online with #theMemorial.
- Next week, the One Columbus team will travel to Madison for IEDC’s 2015 Economic Future Forum. We’ll also be in Toronto for the Intelligent Community Forum Summit.
- The Columbus Youth Employment Challenge has launched to identify more employment opportunities to help young adults find seasonal, full-time or part-time employment. To join the challenge, add a youth employment position(s) in your organization and use social media to spread the word.