News & Media

Summer Wedding Space in Violet Township, Ohio

Monday, March 22, 2021

Looking for the perfect summer wedding space in Violet Township or near Columbus, Ohio? Visit the Wigwam Center. This stunning property has acres of park space with native plants, vibrant trees, bushes and flowers. As a backdrop, this is nature at its finest. Plus, there are water features and a gazebo that make for the ideal wedding picture location. Summer Wedding Space Near Columbus, Ohio This is one of the most beautiful outdoor wedding spaces in the Columbus area and ideal for any bride or groom looking for a summer wedding location that is truly jaw dropping. As an added benefit th...

Recruiting and Retaining Today’s Manufacturing Workforce

Thursday, March 11, 2021

AD: How has COVID-19 changed the employee experience in manufacturing, and what facets of this should organizations retain going forward? Zenk: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees have been experiencing a drastically different work environment. Thousands of manufacturers across the U.S. and around the world were deemed essential during the pandemic, and their production lines haven’t stopped. They’ve continued to produce essential goods that the global community relies on — from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and cleaning supplies we use in our homes. As some manufacturers increased output and others reconfigured operations to satisfy urgent demands...

Cathedrals of Talent

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Does tech investment follow tech talent or the other way around? It’s actually some of both. The question going forward, says Colin Yasukochi, executive director of the Tech Insights Center at CBRE, is the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic could upset longstanding equations and trends as 2021 unfolds into the post-COVID era. “The pandemic,” says Yasukochi, “could slow the growth of tech talent in some of the major markets if remote work takes hold, if people really do leave town and hiring starts to take place outside of those markets. It’s going to be very, very interesting.” CBRE’s 2020 Scoring Tech Talen...

Front Line: Job Creation Through Reshoring

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Back in the 1980s, the term “offshoring” became a business buzzword as more and more U.S. companies moved manufacturing to foreign countries, typically to save on labor costs. In recent years, “reshoring” has been added to the lexicon as companies decide to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., for various reasons. In 2020, reshoring created more U.S. jobs than foreign direct investment (FDI) for the first time in seven years, according to data collected by the Reshoring Initiative. In 2020, U.S. companies reshored nearly 69,000 manufacturing positions, while greenfield investment in the same industries created fewer than 42,000 jobs, according to the Initiative...

Why Ohio Could Be the No. 1 Destination for Veteran Jobs and Businesses

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Move over, Texas: Ohio is coming in hot. The state is looking to attract the next generation of military families, entrepreneurs and veterans ready to join the civilian workforce. In a series of moves that decentralize economic aid and community support, JobsOhio wants veterans to come back to the heart of it all. In 2011, Ohio privatized its economic development department into a nonprofit corporation: JobsOhio. Using the power of capitalism, it has since spurred job creation and business development in nine sectors. The organization is now ready to begin attracting employers and talent in a 10th sector: military installations and the federal government. Unlik...

Pandemic Fuels Data Center Growth

Tuesday, March 09, 2021

In a year full of turmoil and strife caused by an unexpected pandemic, data centers were quickly recognized for their crucial presence in all lives, for maintaining communication and knowledge during a period of sudden change for humanity. Data center operators and major services held fast throughout the troubled, early days as they were identified as truly mission critical. Companies large and small rapidly scaled up workloads with cloud service providers so employees could access their normal applications; schools and universities moved online as students attended classes remotely; and all people looked to the Internet for entertainment as they stayed hom...

The Future of the Workforce Is a “Better Normal”

Monday, March 08, 2021

The world as we all knew it changed earlier this year with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seemingly overnight, everything that we used to think was normal had changed, and things that once were deemed impossible for the workplace became the “new normal.” Now, seven months later, most of us have gotten used to this “new normal” — embracing the work-from-home lifestyle, using new technology, wearing masks, social distancing, and connecting virtually. But what comes next? Eventually this pandemic will end, a vaccine will be readily available, and we will attempt to return back to our “normal” lives. Bu...

Trends in Office and Industrial Parks

Monday, March 08, 2021

Of course, the big factor impacting office and industrial parks going into 2021 is COVID-19. The pandemic has reduced business production and workforce (through illness, social distancing, and remote working), disrupted the supply chain and cash flow, and brought about significant investments in technology. Across the nation, the demand for suburban office parks is rising as more skilled workers move back to suburbs, due to concerns about housing costs and quality of education — they also feel safer from COVID-19 and the civil unrest that is happening in some larger cities. “The most notable shift is toward lower-intensity spaces, where getting int...

Best Event Space in Violet Township, Ohio

Monday, March 01, 2021

The best event space in VIolet Township, Ohio is the Wigwam Event Center. The Wigwam is host to weddings, business meetings, and can be used as a testing and training site. The Wigwam has a theater as well where children have performed, local school groups have hosted events and non-profits have gathered for meetings and fundraisers. The banquet hall at the Wigwam is one of the biggest in the region and can host up to 500 guests. This has made it ideal for all types of events and conferences. Plus, we have a team on hand to help customize the even...

On the Rebound

Friday, February 26, 2021

If renewal is a hallmark of economic recovery, then the Midwest is a walking, talking, hard-working advertisement for a U.S. comeback. Here’s a brief tour of redevelopment projects across a region defined by resilience and reinvention. Michigan Two years after Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford announced plans to restore Detroit’s train station, abandoned since 1988, as the center of an innovation hub, the company in November unveiled the site plan for Michigan Central, a 30-acre mobility innovation district centered around the iconic Michigan Central Station and adjacent Book Depository, located at the nexus of four Detroit neighborhoods. The plan envisions ...

Salt cave, geocaching, Storybook Trails among central Ohio spring-break staycation getaways

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Central Ohio residents will not need to travel far or spend a lot of money for a rejuvenating spring break that could be experienced safely during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. A few options for an Ohio staycation include the serenity of a manmade salt cave, park trails that provide natural narration for storybooks, butterflies flying freely in a water garden and even a treasure hunt through geocaching. Out of this world Katie Smith of Lewis Center said she felt as though she was in a different world when she was inside the Tranquility Salt Cave, 30 Dillmont Drive in north Columbus. “I thought it was the perfect wa...

Reynoldsburg City Council OKs annexation for East Main-Summit development

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Reynoldsburg City Council on Feb. 22 unanimously approved the annexation of 137 acres on East Main Street and Summit Road from Etna Township in Licking County for the Eastwood housing and retail development. Central Ohio builder Joe Ciminello has proposed a mix of more than 700 homes and apartments with 11.5 acres of commercial property fronting East Main Street, across from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Council also established three zoning districts for the project: Main Street District, Residential Medium (RM) and Suburban Residential (SR). Initial plans are expected to be presented to the city’s planning commission this spring. Read full article.

Foundation in Focus: Lecture series gave students 'valuable experience' with Axelrod, Christie

Monday, February 22, 2021

The New Albany Community Foundation is holding its eighth season of the New Albany Lecture Series – an array of programs featuring prominent leaders in such fields as politics, global affairs and education. On Jan. 27, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and political adviser and CNN correspondent David Axelrod engaged in a presentation for the New Albany Center for Civil Discourse and Debate, a subset of the lecture series. I had the privilege of introducing both guests, and being directly involved emphasized for me the importance of these programs. The leaders shared stories from their political experiences, as well as their takes on what the...

Last Minute Wedding Spot Near Columbus, Ohio

Monday, February 22, 2021

Did your wedding space cancel? Did you decide to get married in a short timeframe? If so, the Wigwam Event Center is the perfect last minute wedding spot near Columbus, Ohio. The Wigwam is large enough to have multiple places for the ceremony or a reception, so even if one is booked, there is likely to be another available. For example, the Wigwam has a banquet hall, a theater and outdoor patio spaces that can host last minute weddings. For a last minute wedding spot near Columbus, Ohio, visit the Wigwam Event Center for a tour and to book your specia...

10 Biggest Challenges Small Business Owners Face Right Now

Saturday, February 20, 2021

There is not a day that goes by where we don’t talk about the COVID pandemic. It is on the news, in our social feeds and it has infiltrated both our personal and professional worlds. Many businesses have shifted employees to a work-from-home routine; changing everything about how the business day works. We’ve moved from in-person to video. We’ve adapted to multiple family members attempting to be productive, in the same space, at the same time and we’ve shifted from brick-and-mortar to a heavier online presence. In the midst of it all, there have been many success stories. Yet, the challenges are ever apparent...

Check out these powerful economic development videos

Friday, February 19, 2021

If you missed these webinars, you can still check out all the great content we covered in these two fantastic sessions. Enjoy practical solutions and words of wisdom and experience from your colleagues in the industry. Digital Strategies to Support Your Area Businesses Your location's businesses of all sizes need as much support as they can get to survive the pandemic. This is particularly true of small and medium-sized businesses, who generally cannot afford to hire pricey outside consultants. These businesses represent the lifeblood of most regional economies, generating the vast majority of jobs. There are a number of ways economic developmen...

OhioHealth announces plans to expand Pickerington Medical Campus

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Local officials hailed OhioHealth's announced plans to expand its Pickerington Medical Campus as an impending boost to local health-care options and economic development. OhioHealth announced Feb. 12 expansion plans for its Pickerington Medical Campus at 1010 Refugee Road later this year. According to OhioHealth, the expansion will be built on more than 30 acres at its OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus, which opened in June 2015. Pickerington Mayor Lee Gray said the news is great for residents, who will have increased local access to health-care services and hospital beds. Additionally, he said, the project itself will yield significant economic development to the city and is expected to jum...

President Johnson delivers first State of the University address

Thursday, February 18, 2021

In her first State of the University address as the 16th president of The Ohio State University, Kristina M. Johnson today announced a commitment to hire hundreds of new faculty members and invest more than $750 million in new cutting-edge research, and promised a debt-free undergraduate education in a decade. Johnson started her tenure during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, following a summer of protests against racial injustice and through a contentious political campaign season. While highlighting the challenging times, she also pointed toward a more optimistic future. “The Ohio State University was created to spread opportunity more widely,” she said. “And if eve...

Servicing the Wind

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Solar and wind farms impress with the stupendous scale of their towers, blades and panels, stretching all the way to the horizon to capture every last drop of sun and breeze. Much of the economic opportunity related to them, however, takes place on smaller scale, in the form of services rendered to those massive displays of power from clusters of manufacturing, maintenance and services firms. It can take the form of individual companies such as Cross Country Infrastructure Services, an Aurora, Colorado–based equipment and construction contractor supplier that announced in November it’s moving into growing wind and solar markets by increasin...

Avid Hotel in Hilliard expected to open in March after nearly one-year delay

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

The opening of an Avid Hotel at the northeast corner of Cemetery Road and Lyman Drive in Hilliard is expected in March after it was delayed almost a year by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. “We are trying to get the open in the next 30 days. Hopefully, there are no more setbacks,” Sujay Mehta of the Hilliard Hotel Group, the Avid's developer, said Feb. 11. InterContinental Hotels Group operates the Holiday Inn Express brand and franchises Avid Hotels, including the $9.5 million, 84-room, 4-story Avid at 4079 Lyman Drive. The new Avid Hotel is on the site of a demolished McDonald’s that was moved across Lyman Driv...

Small Business Strikes Back: The Numbers Behind The Next 1000

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

In 2020, American venture capitalists invested an unprecedented $156 billion dollars into 12,254 startups, setting records in biotech, pharma and fintech. There were a record 454 initial offerings in the U.S. markets, generating over $167 billion. But pull out a map, and you’ll see a country full of small-scale entrepreneurs who don’t have access to venture funding or Silicon Valley’s unicorn factory. According to the Kauffman Foundation, 89% of U.S. small businesses are either sole proprietorships or have less than 20 full-time employees. The majority (83%) are funded from savings, credit cards, and loans from family or friends, with approximately $80,000 in startu...

Corporate Event and Meeting Space in Columbus, Ohio

Monday, February 15, 2021

If you need a corporate event and meeting space in Columbus, Ohio, book the Wigwam Event Center. The theater space is gorgeous, can seat 300 and is the perfect place for executives to make presentations to the entire company or for hosting an onstage panel or discussion group. We also have smaller meeting spaces and a banquet hall that can host large groups for lunch, dinner or a party. During the day this same space can be used to set up booths or arrange for smaller meetings and presentations. Perhaps one of the best reasons to have a corporate event a...

Ohio Can Lead America’s Heartland as More Companies Look to Reshore

Monday, February 15, 2021

For years, companies have been looking for ways to reduce production costs. Building production facilities overseas was commonly perceived as one way to save. However, companies are now seeking to move their facilities back to America and with the effects of COVID-19, reshoring has never been more important. Companies—both domestic and foreign— are investing in America for production and manufacturing. Ohio and the rest of America’s Heartland —the region between the Rockies and Appalachia — is proving to be a prime location for these facilities. Keeping operations in the U.S. provides companies benefits such as protecting intellectual property, shortening supply chains...

Ohio State offers Apple app development and coding certificate courses to the public

Monday, February 15, 2021

Key Economic Insights Global: Global consumers are ready to unleash trillions of dollars in excess savings. U.S.: Economists on average expected gross domestic product to expand nearly 4.9% this year. Hiring in the U.S. technology sector continued on its upward trajectory in January. Ohio: Ohio landed four hospitals in the top 50 on Healthgrade’s 2021 America’s Best Hospitals list. Ohio State offers Apple app development and coding certificate courses to the public. Global Insights A new report shows global consumers are ready to unleash trillions of dollars in excess savings once the pandemic ends which will help boost developed countries’ GDP. The European Commission forecast that the Eurozone economic output would return to it...

How To Prepare A Business Plan That Is Useful In Practice

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Have you ever seen one of those 50-page business plans that go into detail about every conceivable aspect of a still purely theoretical business? You probably have, since those business plans have been the industry standard for decades. Yet, in a world where words like lean and agile are becoming the new norm for startups, 50-page business plans look a bit out of place, and with a good reason. It’s a fact that creating a plan is very helpful for a new business. A study of more than 10 thousand businesses shows that ventures grow 30% faster on average if they create business plans. Read full article.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Outlines $1 B Program to Combat COVID Economy

Friday, February 12, 2021

Governor Mike DeWine, as part of his state operating budget kickoff, announced a broad and impressive $1 B Investing in Ohio program designed to impact the economic downturn created by the COVID 19 virus. Ohio like many other states around the country have experienced reduced revenues, and economic activity due to the pandemic and the governor is focused on provided resources and support to help spur economic activity while supporting small businesses in the state. The proposed $1 billion program would provide $460 million to support businesses to help cover costs to keep their doors open, including businesses in the entertainment...

The Business Case and Economic Impact of Inclusion

Friday, February 12, 2021

The mission of economic developers is to grow jobs and capital investment in our communities. While the distribution of employment and investment in communities around the country has long been a concern of Economic Development Organizations (EDO), the question about “WHO” in the community benefits from any increase in jobs and investment is attracting widespread attention. Economic research shows that since the year 2000, minority groups such as Hispanics and African Americans, have been affected by declining of household incomes, growing inequality in income distribution, higher levels of unemployment, concentrated poverty, and low rates of mobility among classes (IEDC, 2016). Unfortunately...

New Ohio ad campaign aimed at attracting businesses touts state’s low taxes, sparks online debate

Thursday, February 11, 2021

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- What’s the first thing you think of when you think of Ohio? Is it low corporate taxes? Maybe not, but that’s part of what JobsOhio wants business owners in Boston, New York City, Seattle and other higher-cost, major U.S. cities to ponder as they consider whether to move elsewhere. The “Ohio is for Leaders” campaign launched as a pilot program in September, with a full rollout in January. It involves digital ads and social media, but a major component is billboards, with different messaging tailored toward the markets they’re in. For example, for Times Square in New York City...

Why Amazon's Building Binge Has Just Begun

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

The most enduring sounds of the past holiday season may have been those of a van squeaking to a stop at the mailbox, followed by the thud of a box being delivered at the porch. It was an Amazon Christmas. Amazon, which began 2020 as a mere juggernaut, enters 2021 a monolith. Consider the fact that during a year of severe job cuts throughout most of the economy, Amazon hired on average of 1,400 people a day from January to October. The company’s unrivaled pace of hiring doubled during the second half of the year as the full onset of th...

#1 Wedding Spot in Violet Township, Ohio

Monday, February 08, 2021

The #1 wedding spot in Violet Township, Ohio has to be the Wigwam Event Center. The love affair with the Wigwam goes back decades to when it was a retreat for some of Columbus’ most wealthy and famous residents and guests. It is incredibly private and peering down the long secluded driveway gives off a sense of being transported somewhere magical. This level of privacy and security is also ideal for weddings, especially for those hosted outdoors. The Wigwam itself is known for its architecture which resembles a lodge full of fine art and intricate carvings. As a backdrop, the buildin...

10 Reasons Why Your Economic Development Website Isn't Attracting Remote Workers

Monday, February 08, 2021

These 10 reasons why your economic development website isn't attracting remote workers may be why you're experiencing a lack of success. NEARLY 62% of employees already work remotely at least part of the time, and that number continues to grow as social distancing and COVID safety protocol remain intact. It's of prime concern that economic developers target this audience, and knowing what your audience is looking for is key to developing the best possible website. 10 REASONS WHY YOUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE ISN'T ATTRACTING REMOTE WORKERS 1. REMOTE WORKERS AREN'T A TARGET AUDIENCE ON THE WEBPAGE This is the most obvious issue. The economic syste...

DeWine Releases “Investing in Ohio” Budget; More Funding for Broadband, Infrastructure/Site Readiness, Workforce Development & Small Biz Grants

Friday, February 05, 2021

On Monday, February 1, Governor Mike DeWine announced his administration’s executive budget proposal for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Joined by Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted and Office of Budget and Management Director Kimberly Murnieks, Governor DeWine walked through the highlights of the two year spending plan. Altogether, the budget proposes spending $85.76 billion in FY22 and $85.81 billion in FY23 in federal and state funding. The actual legislative language is not available yet, so while the Governor’s spending plans and priorities and his announced policy initiatives are known, there are still more details and proposals to come. Read full article.

Why Ohio Could Be the No. 1 Destination for Veteran Jobs and Businesses

Thursday, February 04, 2021

Move over, Texas: Ohio is coming in hot. The state is looking to attract the next generation of military families, entrepreneurs and veterans ready to join the civilian workforce. In a series of moves that decentralize economic aid and community support, JobsOhio wants veterans to come back to the heart of it all. In 2011, Ohio privatized its economic development department into a nonprofit corporation: JobsOhio. Using the power of capitalism, it has since spurred job creation and business development in nine sectors. The organization is now ready to begin attracting employers and talent in a 10th sector: military installations and the federal government. Unlik...

Strategies for Accelerating Project Execution

Wednesday, February 03, 2021

More than 75 percent of the companies responding to a recent survey from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) expect the COVID-19 pandemic will have a financial impact on their business, with more than 50 percent anticipating changes to their operations. Prior to the pandemic many manufacturing companies had design and construction projects, either in progress or in the pipeline, with aggressive schedules. To slow the spread of the disease, many manufacturing operations and construction sites were shut down while new safety precautions were developed and implemented. Furthermore, uncertainty in the market caused many companies to delay committing large capital investments int...

Theater Space for Children’s Groups in Columbus, Ohio

Monday, February 01, 2021

Are you a school, dance group or theater troop looking for theater space for a children’s group in Columbus to perform? The Wigwam Event Center in Violet Township has a beautiful theater space that can seat up to 300. The stage and lighting are professional quality and the seats are arranged to give everyone the best view. Children love performing here and several local groups already have. Parents and guests will also enjoy the show and the acoustics. Click here to view pictures of our theater space and for more information. Call or email to book the Wigwam’s theater space fo...

New artificial turf, track approved for Hilliard Bradley High School sports complex

Thursday, January 28, 2021

The artificial turf on the athletics field at the Hilliard Bradley High School sports complex will start being replaced at the conclusion of the lacrosse season this spring, according to Hilliard City Schools officials. In addition to the turf replacement, a new track will be constructed at the sports complex adjacent to the high school, 2800 Walker Road. Hilliard school board members unanimously approved the nearly $1.3 million project Jan. 25. The original artificial turf has been in place since Bradley opened in 2009, Deputy Superintendent Mike McDonough said. Read full article.

Black-owned brewery: Gahanna's Crafted Culture blends craft beer, 'soul food'

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

When Anthony “Sizzle” Perry Jr. opens Crafted Culture Brewing Co. at 505 Morrison Road in Gahanna on Feb. 27, he will mix two of his passions. “We call it Crafted Culture because we’re blending two portions of my childhood into this one space,” he said. “You have the traditional family cookout I grew up in, with big Sunday dinners and the sense of community around food. “And the craft-beer world,” he said. He said those are two different places, and he found himself stuck in the middle. “I wanted to build a place for both,” Perry said. “We’re curating a melting pot for people t...

Delaware County's Tri-Township Fire Station: Planned move due to Point widening project

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

The Tri-Township Fire Station, which has sat at 495 Sunbury Road since 1957, is going to move. It won't travel far, though. The Delaware County commissioners on Dec. 21 approved a quitclaim deed transfer of 2.2 acres to the Tri-Township Board of Fire District Trustees. The Brown Township site will be the county's Byxbe Campus, at the former Delaware Area Career Center at 1610 state Route 521. The new station's site is just off Bowtown Road, less than a mile to the east of the current station. Tri-Township Fire Station Chief Troy Morris said the move is motivated largely by the city of Delaware'...

Outdoor Party Space Near Columbus, Ohio

Monday, January 25, 2021

The Wigwam Event Center has the best outdoor party space near Columbus, Ohio. The grounds are stunning and comprised of acres of trees. A lovely pond can be set up with outdoor seating around it, tents can be set up to cover outdoor seating, the pagoda makes for additional gathering space and the building’s covered deck provides even more room to gather and play. The Wigwam is incredibly versatile because the Wigwam’s grounds are so unique. They are so large that there is no cap on how many guests you can have outdoors. The count can grow quite high inside a...

The 2021 Regional Workforce Development Rankings

Monday, January 25, 2021

Joensuu, a city of 76,000 in Eastern Finland, is home to the European Forest Institute, appropriately enough. It’s also the home base of Valamis, a leading IT company specializing in the digitalization of learning. That may not be a new discipline, but it will take on greater urgency as remote learning becomes the norm. The company has 10 offices worldwide. In September 2020, Valamis published results from its second annual global report, The State of Learning and Development in the Workplace. More than 3,000 people were surveyed in more than 20 industries from entry-level to C-Suite executives in organizations fro...

The states Americans headed to the most in 2020, according to U-Haul

Monday, January 25, 2021

Work from home orders and job losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic prompted many Americans to pack up and head to other states in 2020. The ones who rented one-way U-Hauls went to states like Tennessee, Texas, Florida and Ohio, according to a new report by the company. U-Haul’s annual migration trends report calculates how many one-way U-Haul vehicles enter a state versus how many leave it each calendar year. For the 2020 report, the data were complied from more than 2 million one-way U-Haul rental customer transactions. In 2020, Tennessee claimed the top spot for the most one-way U-Haul arrivals versus departures for the first tim...

Why Would My Community Want To Attract A Remote Workforce

Monday, January 25, 2021

Why would my community want to attract a REMOTE WORKFORCE? -- To grow your economy, of course! The coronavirus pandemic has affected U.S. workplaces in many ways, including transitioning many employees to remote work. As some businesses begin to welcome employees back to the office, many remote workers, about two-thirds to be exact, are opting to continue working remotely, according to a GALLUP POLL. Attracting remote workers should now be a priority for all economic developers. WHY WOULD MY COMMUNITY WANT TO ATTRACT A REMOTE WORKFORCE? Remote workers can bring many benefits to the communities they choose to live in. Just like any othe...

Why Would My Community Want To Attract A Remote Workforce

Monday, January 25, 2021

Why would my community want to attract a REMOTE WORKFORCE? -- To grow your economy, of course! The coronavirus pandemic has affected U.S. workplaces in many ways, including transitioning many employees to remote work. As some businesses begin to welcome employees back to the office, many remote workers, about two-thirds to be exact, are opting to continue working remotely, according to a GALLUP POLL. Attracting remote workers should now be a priority for all economic developers. WHY WOULD MY COMMUNITY WANT TO ATTRACT A REMOTE WORKFORCE? Remote workers can bring many benefits to the communities they choose to live in. Just like any othe...

A Time to Look Forward

Friday, January 22, 2021

Years ago in this column, I reminded readers that January is named after the Roman god Janus — the one looking backward and forward at the same time. The cover on this January issue seems the perfect illustration of that notion. We were determined to not focus again on the coronavirus and pandemic after some 2020 covers that did just that. But how do we — and you — move into a new year without that context? The way we work, the way our organizations function and the way our industries are coping and transforming have all changed. Zoom meetings fro...

Forbes 30 Under 30: Olentangy Liberty grad Trent Hedge finds entrepreneurial niche with Atmos

Friday, January 22, 2021

When he was 12 years old, Trent Hedge decided to take the experience of helping maintain the property at his father’s office and turn it into a landscaping business. Although it might not have caught the attention of Forbes magazine, it did lay a foundation of entrepreneurship that would, late last year, land Hedge on the Forbes 30 Under 30. Atmos, an online homebuilding platform founded by Hedge and three other 20-somethings and for which Hedge serves as head of operations, earned the Forbes recognition, but the venture is the latest project that reflects an attitude that was fostered while Hedge wa...

Sheetz’ first central Ohio store to open April 6 in Delaware

Friday, January 22, 2021

Central Ohio’s first Sheetz restaurant and convenience store is expected to open April 6 in Delaware, according to a Jan. 14 news release from the company. The store, at 710 Sunbury Road, will be the first of 14 set to open through 2025, the news release said. But make that 15. Another store is planned for Sawmill Parkway at Seldom Seen Road in Liberty Township, Sheetz PR manager Nick Ruffner told ThisWeek on Jan. 22. No timeline is estimated on that store yet, however, as Sheetz had been waiting for Liberty Township's approval, which it received Jan. 20. Each store is expected to employ 30...

“How to Support Local Business in Winter, NOW!”

Friday, January 22, 2021

In the midst of the pandemic, Main Streets and commercial centers around the world are working to rapidly reinvent themselves in an attempt to extend a lifeline to their struggling small businesses. Open streets, “streateries,” shared streets, expanded sidewalks, new bike lanes and more are popping up from city to town in an effort to save the lifeblood of their local economies and the heart and soul of their communities. It’s time to get creative, if we want to bring customers back to our small business community and provide a safe social space for ourselves and our neighbors.* This can look lik...

OhioX starting discussions about the future of healthcare as vaccine roll out hits Ohio

Thursday, January 21, 2021

CLEVELAND — The coronavirus has been part of nearly every part of our lives for the last 10 months, changing how we think about health, healthcare, and medicine. As the COVID vaccine becomes available to Ohioans 80 years or older, OhioX is starting its “Future of Tour” with healthcare. The larger series focuses on “the future of industries and sectors across Ohio,” according to the organization’s website. “We’ll talk with leading technologists and innovators to see how they’re building Ohio’s future.” At a bus stop in Lakewood, Patricia Holden is skeptical about interacting with the healthcare industry right now. Read full article.

Where Talent Is Migrating To — and From

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

For the last five years, Emsi has been tracking how communities are faring in their efforts to attract and develop talent. Our Talent Attraction Index equally weighs six metrics: migration, growth of jobs and skilled workers, regional competitiveness, job openings, and education attainment to rank each county and create our Talent Attraction Scorecard. Data for this year’s Scorecard captures where communities stood just before the pandemic hit. Perhaps one of the most notable results is that talent attraction is mirroring broader migration trends. Chiefly, talent is being drawn out of major metros to midsize markets. Counties between 250,000 and 1million i...

Ohio General Assembly Creates Transforming Mixed Use Development Tool

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

There is a new economic development tool coming to Ohio. Senate Bill 39, which the Montrose Group has previously highlighted is on its way to Governor DeWine for his signature to officially become law. As we have previously discussed Senate Bill 39 creates a new tax credit in Ohio, to be used in the development of a Transformation Mixed Use Development (TMUD). The bill allows for a nonrefundable credit of 10% of the development costs or 10% of an insurance companies capital contribution and permits unclaimed credit amounts to be carried forward for up-to five years. A nonrefundable tax credit...

Patrons will see renovated interior when New Albany library reopens

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

The New Albany branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is getting a makeover. The $1.9 million renovation, which started Jan. 18, will include ceilings, lighting, flooring, windows, HVAC and furniture, as well as a new customer-service desk, a larger teen area and a larger Homework Help Center. The renovation is expected to finished in March. “On behalf of our staff, we are so excited about this reinvestment in our community,” branch manager Benjamin Reid said. “These upgrades to our branch will ensure that we can continue to meet the changing needs of New Albany customers of all ages.” Read full article.

The Best Non-profit Event Space in Columbus, Ohio

Monday, January 18, 2021

Are you looking for an event space for your non-profit in Columbus, Ohio? Look a little further to Violet Township where you will find the Wigwam Event Center. The theater space is perfect for hosting events, making presentations and for live performances. This stunning theater has been remodeled to look like a high-end performing arts center. The stage and lighting are top-notch and guests will feel welcomed by the warm environment. The building itself is beautiful and there is abundant parking. Click here to book the Wigwam Event Center for your non-profit’s event.

5 Ways COVID-19 Changed Site Selection

Friday, January 15, 2021

COVID-19 didn’t just upset the established model of corporate site selection in 2020; the global pandemic obliterated it. Site Selection Magazine’s annual survey of site selection consultants, conducted in late November, revealed five ways in which the global outbreak of coronavirus significantly altered how companies choose their business facility locations: Instead of people chasing jobs, jobs are now chasing people. Remember the good old days when everyone checked into the central office each workday and reported for duty? Yeah, neither do we. When the pandemic hit America in early March, worksites around the country began shutting down and the shift to remote wor...

JobsOhio leader: State positioned to emerge from pandemic stronger than before

Friday, January 15, 2021

The leader of Ohio's private economic development group says the state has a "generational opportunity" to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever. And the Dayton region will play a big role in making this opportunity come to fruition. J.P. Nauseef, president and CEO of JobsOhio, provided the keynote address at the Dayton Business Journal's 2021 Economic Forum. During his presentation, Nauseef noted the "interesting, exciting and transformative year" that was 2020, and said this year is "shaping up to be equally transformative." Despite the pandemic, JobsOhio took in $1.4 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2020. Aided by this funding an...

Not Waiting For the World to Change

Friday, January 15, 2021

Sprung from the lush forests of Oregon just 15 years ago, a different breed of outsourcer has found small town America to be a vital talent resource. FCR (derived from First Call Response) got its start in the legacy timber town of Roseburg, a community of 21,000 that today is home to two FCR call centers and what the company calls its “Base Camp,” just 90 minutes from the Umpqua National Forest, Crater Lake, the Oregon Coast and the city of Eugene, where FCR operates another center. It’s hard to keep up with the flurry of company site openings in 202...

How to Protect Your Small Business Against Fraud

Thursday, January 14, 2021

As a small business owner, you have many responsibilities to uphold to keep your company running efficiently. One of them is ensuring you have sufficient security measures in place to protect organizational and employee data from fraudulent scams. Unfortunately, online scams are becoming increasingly pervasive: as of 2018, 82% of businesses reported experiencing a form of fraud. While these findings indicated that large enterprises were at a particularly high risk, small businesses were not exempt from these attacks, which is why it’s more important than ever to protect your small business against fraud. Here are three steps you can follow to boost your security and keep scammers a...

5 Reasons Why Good Leaders Must Be Great Followers

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

“He who cannot be a good follower, cannot be a good leader.” Aristotle's old adage has never seemed more prescient. Consider the current Covid crisis: It has taken a pandemic to prove that distant, aloof and larger-than-life leaders are no longer effective. Now more than ever it has become advisable for the modern manager to empathize with, and lend an ear to, those he manages. A study conducted by Kim Peters & S. Alexander Haslam on these two identities has proven that individuals who appear to be ideal followers are often a more popular choice for any leadership position among their peers. Here are 5 reasons why an individual’s personality as a player helps them to be a proficien...

Entrepreneurs, Here's Why 2021 Is The Right Time To Start Your New Business

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

The year 2020 came with its own share of problems. If there is one thing to learn from living through pandemics and lockdowns, it’s that a lot can change in a year. Many entrepreneurs started last January with high hopes and expectations for their businesses. However, many of those expectations went downhill as the year progressed. As with human nature, life moves on no matter what, so even though we were stuck at home for most of 2020, many businesses found ways to stay afloat. As we move forward in this new year, entrepreneurs are looking to strategize and many ar...

Site Selectors Make Five Predictions for 2021

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Renewed site selection activity, cautious optimism on foreign direct investment (FDI), continued skilled labor shortages and a shakeup of the global supply chain are among key findings of a 2021 outlook survey on corporate location trends. The findings were released today by the Site Selectors Guild, the only association of the world’s foremost professional site selection consultants. Conducted the week of December 7, 2020, the online survey of Guild members aimed to shed light on shifts and challenges in corporate location strategy moving into 2021. The COVID-19 impact survey of Guild members is the third of its kind, following surveys i...

Certainty and Predictability Are the Winning States’ Hallmarks

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

State business climates are exceedingly competitive in 2020, if Site Selection’s latest Business Climate Ranking is any indication. For the first time ever, two states claim the top spot — Georgia, which now has an eight-year run in first place, and North Carolina, which missed tying Georgia last year by just two points. What’s more, there are two additional sets of tied states in the Top 10, Texas and South Carolina in fourth place and Alabama and Arizona in seventh. Half the ranking is based on a survey of corporate executives and site selectors (asked to identify the states they believ...

E-Commerce Growth Surge Sparks a Logistics Free-For-All

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

E-commerce has exploded in recent years, but as COVID-19 emerged the sector has seen unprecedented growth. While many industries battled disruptions, e-commerce provides opportunity. E-commerce and logistics companies are accelerating planned innovation and restructuring initiatives to stay ahead of the curve — if that’s even possible — spurring the implementation of three to five years of advancements in a span of just five months to keep up. It’s akin to upgrading the jet while traveling at Mach speed. This significant growth in online sales shows no signs of slowing, with Deloitte forecasting e-commerce sales to increase by 25–35 percent year-over-year during this upcomin...

First Person: Understanding and Investing in Current and Future Talent

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

People analytics is described as the method of analytics which can support leaders as they make decisions about their employees and workforce. This method applies statistics, technology, and expertise to large sets of HR data, which should result in better business and management decisions by an organization. Another way of looking at this is how to get the best return on investment from their people — in an analytical, data-driven way. Click here to read full article.

Five Essential Elements Of A Marketing Plan For A Small Business

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

If you are planning to open your own small business, the first step is to develop a business plan. The next step is to develop a marketing plan, as all business plans should be paired with a strategy for marketing your products or services. Marketing strategies vary in format, but they all have the common goal of attracting and building relationships with customers. The style is up to you, but it should include the following elements. 1. Marketing Goals and Objectives You will need to develop realistic and measurable marketing goals that cover a full calendar year and are aligned with you...

JumpStart’s Entrepreneur Roadmap Shows Startups a Path to Success

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

When you’re an entrepreneur, very few questions have obvious answers. What should be your next step? Who should you ask for advice? Is this a good business decision? When making these choices, a founder will encounter a wide range of advice, so how can they be expected to choose the right path? For the startup experts at JumpStart, the answer is the new Entrepreneur Roadmap, a playbook to help Ohio’s tech entrepreneurs launch and grow their startups. The program is easy to enter, with a quick online form being the simple start to the process. Click here to read full article.

Recruiting and Retaining Today’s Manufacturing Workforce

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

AD: How has COVID-19 changed the employee experience in manufacturing, and what facets of this should organizations retain going forward? Zenk: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees have been experiencing a drastically different work environment. Thousands of manufacturers across the U.S. and around the world were deemed essential during the pandemic, and their production lines haven’t stopped. They’ve continued to produce essential goods that the global community relies on — from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and cleaning supplies we use in our homes. As some manufacturers increased output and others reconfigured operations to satisfy urgent demands...

Supply Chain Execs Respond as Pandemic Creates E-Commerce Surge

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed our lives, and each one of us likely has a personal story to tell that underscores that fact. But there are also stories to be told of sweeping changes that virtually all of us have felt. One of those is the altered state of the global supply chain. The supply chain is, after all, an element of daily life that has an impact, either directly or indirectly, on just about everyone on the planet. The pandemic put a spotlight on the critical nature of this industry. Truck drivers and warehouse employees became everyday heroes o...

Sustaining Industrial Labor Needs During and After the Pandemic

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to accelerate consumer and workplace trends that were, in many cases, already under way pre-pandemic, challenges and opportunities in finding, training, and retaining an efficient industrial workforce remain constants for distributors and manufacturers. Effective site selection decisions hinge on a complex cost/quality balance of labor, logistics, and location. It is critical that occupiers remain vigilant in fostering a workplace and workforce that delivers on performance objectives while meeting current and future pandemic-driven challenges. With labor costs making up as much as 70 percent of warehouse operating expenses, the focus on workforce potential in existing an...

Talent Accelerator Program is a Welcome Mat for Foreign Investors

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

In February 2020, Navien, Inc., a leader in condensing technology for water heaters and boilers, announced it would invest $77.5 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing and assembly operation in the former Lumber Liquidators facility in James City County, which will create 180 new jobs. The company is tripling the footprint of the existing building, bringing it to nearly 900,000 sq. ft. Virginia successfully competed with Illinois, Maryland, and Pennsylvania for the project. Navien, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Seoul-based KD Navien, is one of the fastest growing companies in the home comfort sector in North America. Why Virginia? “The clos...

The Future of Coworking: How the Pandemic Brought Non-Traditional Offices to the Forefront

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Before 2020, the concept of working from somewhere other than an office was largely seen as either a luxury or a niche product. Coworking spaces were full of independent contractors or creatives with no real office to visit. But after six months of a pandemic, attitudes toward these spaces are changing as the world revisits its ideas of productivity, office space and community. At Akron’s Bounce Hub, coworking space is a relatively recent addition to their offerings. The spaces, however, have become an important refuge for those who need a break from their couch, dining room table or cramped home office. Clic...

The Future of the Workforce Is a “Better Normal”

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

The world as we all knew it changed earlier this year with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seemingly overnight, everything that we used to think was normal had changed, and things that once were deemed impossible for the workplace became the “new normal.” Now, seven months later, most of us have gotten used to this “new normal” — embracing the work-from-home lifestyle, using new technology, wearing masks, social distancing, and connecting virtually. But what comes next? Eventually this pandemic will end, a vaccine will be readily available, and we will attempt to return back to our “normal” lives. But wha...

The Home Office Vs. the home office

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

In Washington, like everywhere else, a major reevaluation of workspace and quality of life is unfolding. Imagine building an expansive new corporate campus, then deciding since the onset of COVID-19 to sell it and disperse HQ functions. That’s what REI is doing with its newly completed campus in Bellevue, Washington. The company is instead following a distributed work model for its HQ functions. Click here to read full article.

Trends in Office and Industrial Parks

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Of course, the big factor impacting office and industrial parks going into 2021 is COVID-19. The pandemic has reduced business production and workforce (through illness, social distancing, and remote working), disrupted the supply chain and cash flow, and brought about significant investments in technology. Across the nation, the demand for suburban office parks is rising as more skilled workers move back to suburbs, due to concerns about housing costs and quality of education — they also feel safer from COVID-19 and the civil unrest that is happening in some larger cities. Click here to read full article.

Where Aerospace Manufacturers Are Gravitating in 2020

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

PwC’s Aerospace & Defense practice has issued the seventh edition of its Aerospace Manufacturing Attractiveness Rankings. It does so at “a precarious moment in the industry’s history,” according to the report’s introduction. “By April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had plunged commercial aviation into crisis mode, with global revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) nosediving by 94% compared to the same month a year earlier. International flights ground to a near-complete halt. By June, RPKs were down 87% against the year-ago period. Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts that 2019 levels will not be restored until 2024.” Click here to read ful...

Intimate Wedding Venue Near Columbus, Ohio

Monday, January 11, 2021

An intimate wedding venue offering privacy can easily be found in Violet Township, near Columbus, Ohio. The Wigwam is surrounded by trees in a parklike setting, has a pond and water features and a variety of intimate spaces ideal for wedding ceremonies. The Wigwam’s grounds are massive and parklike. That alone, makes the wedding space more intimate because it is incredibly private. In fact, some brides may prefer to get married outside in the pergola or on the patio near the water. At the Wigwam there are multiple places to get married, including a theater space and banquet hall, but the...

4 Ways Your Company Can Have Great Success In 2021

Sunday, January 10, 2021

2020 was a tough year for businesses of all sorts. Covid-19 decimated labor markets, stressed supply lines and, in some unlucky sectors, ground production to a halt. 2021 is a chance to forget last year’s trials and to start fresh. Chances must be capitalized on to create change. You need to put your nose to the grindstone, both personally and as a business leader, if you want to make it a red-letter year. If 2021 is going to be your company’s year, you have to make it so. Here’s how to do it: 1. Tailor Your Expressions of Appreciation This past year has been jus...

Ohio’s Leadership in Manufacturing “Critical Goods” Continues

Saturday, January 09, 2021

This report is a summary of third-party economic research and perspectives to foster communication with business and economic development stakeholders during the COVID-19 crisis. Key Takeaways Global: The World Bank expects global economy to grow 4% in 2021 after contracting 4.3% in 2020. U.S.: Job losses in 2020 were worst since 1939 – as the economy shed a net 9.4M jobs. Ohio: The state’s critical goods leadership continues with an announcement by Heartland Health to more ergonomic mask design using only U.S. suppliers. Read full article.

Ohio’s Tax Policy Promotes a Positive Business Climate

Thursday, January 07, 2021

When it comes to national rankings and studies of the best states for business, Ohio continues to accumulate accolades. In fact, Ohio ranked No. 10 in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business in 2019, Chief Executive Magazine ranked Ohio No. 9 in its 2020 Best & Worst States For Business, Area Development ranked Ohio No. 9 in its Top States for Doing Business 2020, and Site Selection Magazine rated Ohio No. 3 in their overall Top State Business Climate Ranking for 2020. Despite the positive findings of many other publications and organizations, the Tax Foundation State Business Tax Climate ranking has once again placed Ohio towar...

How To Include Remote Workers In Your Workforce Attraction Strategy

Wednesday, January 06, 2021

As we enter a new year, you may be wondering HOW TO INCLUDE REMOTE WORKERS IN YOUR WORKFORCE ATTRACTION STRATEGY. Government regulations and efforts to slow the pandemic have forced workplaces to embrace remote work options. 88% OF BUSINESSES all over the world authorized their employees to work from home due to COVID-19. It is vital to focus on effectively targeting remote workers but how does this translate to benefitting the local economy? WHY IT'S WORTH IT TO ATTRACT REMOTE WORKERS IT GROWS AND DIVERSIFIES THE LOCAL ECONOMY More people working from home equals more money spent locally. More money remains in the community, and the community prospers. In additio...

2020 Migration Trends: U-Haul Ranks 50 States by Migration Growth

Monday, January 04, 2021

If you're of the opinion Tennessee is a fun place to visit and would be a beautiful spot to live, take a number and get in line. U-Haul® customers are well ahead of you. The Volunteer State posted the largest net gain of U-Haul® trucks crossing its borders in 2020, making it the No. 1 U-Haul growth state for the first time. Growth states are calculated by the net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks entering a state versus leaving that state in a calendar year. Migration trends data is compiled from more than 2 million one-way U-Haul truck customer transactions that occur annually. Tennessee's influx o...

Affordable Wedding Hall Near Columbus, Ohio

Monday, January 04, 2021

An affordable wedding hall near Columbus, Ohio doesn’t have to look like an elementary school cafeteria! To the contrary, it can be stunningly gorgeous, full of historic charm and a former entertaining spot for presidents and hollywood celebrities. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. You can have everything you want for the perfect wedding at the Wigwam Event Center in Violet Township. Violet Township purchased the Wigwam Event Center and has remodeled the facility to ensure that it is both beautiful and functional. Still, since the city owns it, they rent it at rates that are affordable to th...

Ohio Rises to Meet a Changing, Challenging Talent Landscape

Monday, January 04, 2021

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment rates skyrocketed and companies were forced to shift how their employees worked almost overnight. Even before the crisis, businesses were already facing disruptions at the hands of technology and changes in business culture. In 2017, the McKinsey Global Institute estimated that as many as 375 million workers—or 14% of the global workforce—would have to switch occupations or acquire new skills by 2030 due to industry shifts. Executives continue to recognize the rising need to evolve their workforce, either presently or in the future, yet the path from challenge to solution is not clear. Public and privat...

Entrepreneur-led ‘digital ecosystem’ envisions model to support Dayton businesses

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Last year, a group of entrepreneurs banded together to identify solutions for a complex problem: underrepresentation. More than 99% of Ohio companies, about 950,000 of them, are small businesses. Together, they account for nearly half of the state’s workforce and create tens of thousands of new jobs each year — but the economic development groups that support them capture only a fraction of the playing field. Click here to read full article.

2020 By the Numbers: Quantifying Ohio Startup Impact

Monday, December 28, 2020

As 2020 comes to a close and COVID-19 vaccines begin distribution across the country, it’s a good opportunity to take stock of the amazing accomplishments that came from this year, even amid a pandemic. For months, Ohio companies have been showing us that they’re much more than just business ventures. They’re built to help us learn, allow us to connect, keep us safe and even let us get away for a bit. Click here to read full article.

Best Outdoor Wedding Venue Near Columbus, Ohio

Monday, December 28, 2020

A gorgeous pond, parklike setting, and picture-worth locations are what you will find at the best outdoor wedding venue near Columbus, Ohio - the Wigwam Event Center. Outdoor weddings need a beautiful backdrop that is more detailed than a large open space. You get that at the Wigwam. The facility is surrounded by acres of trees in a parklike setting that offers a stunning backdrop and many picture perfect areas, including water features and fountains. There is a patio space where tents can be set up, an outdoor dance floor created and tables and chairs put out for an outdoo...

Sunny days ahead for Ohio solar farm developers; nearly 2 dozen projects in the works

Monday, December 28, 2020

Blocked from developing more wind power in Ohio, renewable energy companies have set their sights on the sun. Nearly two dozen solar farms are in some form of development across the state, according to the Ohio Power Siting Board, the state agency that approves construction of new sources of electricity. Add it all up, and it amounts to about 4,000 megawatts of power — the equivalent of two or three traditional power plants and about a seventh of Ohio's current total electricity production. Right now, solar power contributes just about 0.5% of Ohio's output. Click here to read full article.

Inclusion Grant Assists Golden Protective Services’ Expansion

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Golden Protective Services (GPS) plans to purchase and renovate an industrial building in Southeast Ohio to service the company’s growing business on the east coast of the USA. The building is larger than the space the company has been operating from for the past nine years. GPS will also add new machinery and equipment at the facility. Click here to read full article.

Large Wedding Venue in Columbus, Ohio

Monday, December 21, 2020

Are you looking for a large wedding venue in Columbus, Ohio that is also glamorous? The Wigwam Event Center in Violet Township is perfect for big weddings. There is a large banquet hall that can seat hundreds (up to 500), along with a theater space that can seat 300 people watching the wedding party get married on stage. When it comes to large weddings, most venues have limited offerings. Being able to choose between the banquet hall, theater space, outdoor grounds - or a combination of them, makes the Wigwam unique in the Columbus area. Brides looking for a large weddin...

Learn the HR Skills You Need When Your Business Grows

Saturday, December 19, 2020

As an entrepreneur, you likely have a growth mindset. You didn't expect to be a one-person operation forever did you? But when you're ready to start growing your business, you're suddenly presented with a whole new slew of challenges. In The HR and Administrative Career Training Bundle, you'll learn how to tackle each one of them capably. This five-course bundle is designed to help you on the next logical step of your small business's journey. You'll learn what it takes to build an awesome team and how to motivate them to do their best work. Click here to read full article.

BEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEBSITES FOR 2021

Friday, December 18, 2020

A common question that our team is asked is "Can you give examples of the best economic development websites for 2021?" Each year, backed by research, conferences, and the latest trends, the Golden Shovel Agency team puts together a list of what we consider to be the best economic development websites. This is a difficult task, as there are so many organizations that deserve to be on this list, but we try to keep it to 10 for you. Click here to read full article.

Cold Storage Is Hotter Than Ever

Friday, December 18, 2020

Our attitudes about food and beverage influence the brands we purchase, how we socialize, where we shop — and sometimes even where we live. Our expectations are high when it comes to product mix and availability. When our wants and needs are not met quickly, as was the case at the start of the pandemic, we are highly dissatisfied. While food transport has been occurring for centuries, modes of delivery, advances in food safety, and time-sensitive supply chains have evolved to meet the changing desires of consumers across increasingly broad geographies. Often, new trends become ingrained habits that can alter consume...

How the Video Game Industry Drives DC Location Decisions

Friday, December 18, 2020

It’s natural to expect more data center capacity is needed to handle the boom in e-commerce, streamed programming and virtual meetings since the pandemic arrived. But there’s another subset of screen-based transactions that requires that expansion too. Statista reports there are an estimated 2.7 billion video gamers around the world in 2020. The largest proportion of these gamers, some 55% or 1.5 billion players, live in the Asia Pacific Region. North America, with 8%, claims just over 200 million gamers. Total prize money in 2018 for e-sports was $1.5 billion, with the 2018 League of Legends World Championship Finals reaching 99....

Opportunity for All?

Friday, December 18, 2020

They’re cities of dreams. They’re the nation’s glamor capitals. But they’re attracting the lion’s share of Opportunity Zone funds meant to spark the economies of neighborhoods struck more by poverty than by fame. Analysis published in September 2020 by tax break experts Novogradac found that investment in more than 800 Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) tracked by the organization exceeded $12 billion, though the total amount in all QOFs was “undoubtedly more.” The White House Council of Economic Advisers put the total around $75 billion. But where are those funds targeted for action? “QOFs can focus on a national, regional, state or cit...

Starlink service by SpaceX supporting BroadbandOhio and JobsOhio in pilot providing high speed internet access

Friday, December 18, 2020

This report is a summary of third-party economic research and perspectives to foster communication with business and economic development stakeholders during the COVID-19 crisis. Key Takeaways Global: Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now passed 75M globally and the number of confirmed deaths globally stands at over 1.65M. U.S.: The Federal Reserve raised its 2021 economic outlook slightly, sees 4.2% growth next year. Ohio: Ohio’s unemployment rate was 5.7% in November 2020, down from a revised 6.1% in October. Click here to read full article.

How to Navigate the Reshoring of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Thursday, December 17, 2020

In recent years, geopolitical and economic trends have been encouraging pharmaceutical drug manufacturers to shift their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) sourcing and physical manufacturing plants onto domestic soil or near-shore locations. This has been a gradually turning tide that accelerated this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in its wake, a presidential Executive Order requiring all essential medicines to be manufactured within the United States. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet disclosed the list of essential medications, it has become apparent that having a strategy for the reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing is crucial. There ar...

In Focus: The Evolving Role of Outdoor Spaces

Thursday, December 17, 2020

This year has been hallmarked by re-evaluation. On all levels, people have taken a second look at their habits, spaces, and lifestyles and have had to adjust greatly to meet the new needs of today. With safety as a priority, people entered their homes in March, and most have not returned to a “normal” lifestyle. On a macro-level, spaces must be reimagined in order for people to return safely and once again participate in day-to-day activities without fear of getting sick or infecting others. One solution is moving traditionally indoor spaces outdoors. The office is a great example of how outdoo...

Combating Loneliness & Building Resilience For Tomorrow's Workplace

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

In this era of social distancing, safer-at-home orders and telecommuting, the American workforce is more dependent on technology for connection and has less separation between work and home than ever. Add to that the emotional turmoil resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, an uncertain economic climate and increased recognition of systemic racial injustice, and the state of mental health in America needs attention. Click here to read full article.

E-Commerce Growth Surge Sparks a Logistics Free-For-All

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

E-commerce has exploded in recent years, but as COVID-19 emerged the sector has seen unprecedented growth. While many industries battled disruptions, e-commerce provides opportunity. E-commerce and logistics companies are accelerating planned innovation and restructuring initiatives to stay ahead of the curve — if that’s even possible — spurring the implementation of three to five years of advancements in a span of just five months to keep up. It’s akin to upgrading the jet while traveling at Mach speed. This significant growth in online sales shows no signs of slowing, with Deloitte forecasting e-commerce sales to increase by 25–35 percent year-over-year during this upcomin...

Front Line: Vocational Training Alliances in Tough Times

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

As if manufacturers are not challenged enough by COVID-19, many face shortages of appropriately skilled workers to keep their tech-savvy factories competitive. A 2018 report by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Instituteestimated the manufacturing industry would have as many as 2.4 million jobs to fill by 2028. Last year, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) reported in 3rd Quarter 2019 that the top concern among manufacturers was the inability to attract and retain a quality workforce. Stephen Gold, president/CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI), recently wrote in IndustryWeek that the skills gap today isn’t so much about a lack of STE...

4 KEY COMPONENTS TO CREATING A SOPHISTICATED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKETING STRATEGY

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

The strategy of simply creating a website and hoping new businesses will look at your community isn’t going to work by itself. You need a marketing plan to work along with it. A workforce attraction and business growth strategy need to target specific industry sectors. A solid strategy will have four key components: workforce attraction strategy, narrative placemaking and successful story creation, aggressive social media campaign, and a robust analytical approach to measuring the marketing effectiveness. Click here to read full article.

Attaining a Big-Picture Perspective With a Facility Master Plan

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Leading a successful site and facility master plan challenges even the most seasoned leaders. After all, how often have you undertaken a master-planning process, only to be disappointed in the outcome, or worse yet, end up with a building that doesn’t align with your business goals? Based on over 30 years of working with manufacturing organizations, we have identified several master-planning process “must haves” that are vital to achieving successful, actionable and, most importantly, implementable site and facility master plans. With construction cost trending upward at a rate of 3 to 5 percent annually — and an industry focused on continuou...

Recruiting and Retaining Today’s Manufacturing Workforce

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

AD: How has COVID-19 changed the employee experience in manufacturing, and what facets of this should organizations retain going forward? Zenk: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees have been experiencing a drastically different work environment. Thousands of manufacturers across the U.S. and around the world were deemed essential during the pandemic, and their production lines haven’t stopped. They’ve continued to produce essential goods that the global community relies on — from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and cleaning supplies we use in our homes. As some manufacturers increased output and others reconfigured operations to satisfy urgent demands...

5 Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Brand Strength and Equity

Monday, December 14, 2020

It’s not enough to have a competitive advantage in the Covid-19 era. Marketing must adapt to the new normal, and crafting a strong and authentic brand helps with this process. Brand-building is a long-term initiative that demands patience and persistence, but its benefits are worth the effort. The perks of brand-building are present in both internal and consumer-facing aspects of your business. Click here to read full article.

Best Wedding Spot in Columbus, Ohio

Monday, December 14, 2020

The Wigwam Event Center is the best wedding spot in Columbus, Ohio, and while we are outside of the city in Violet Township, the short drive is well worth it. This stunning venue is beloved by brides because the grounds are gorgeous and parklike with beautiful water features that make for the best picture spots. From the moment you enter the private drive leading to the Wigwam, you can tell the place is special. It transports you to another time - perfect for celebrating the start of the rest of your life. Part of the Wigwam’s charm comes from the fac...

Movers & Shakers: Will Zell on Columbus entrepreneurship, his ever-evolving career path and his new venture capital firm

Friday, December 11, 2020

Will Zell has been a part of the central Ohio entrepreneurial scene for the better part of a decade, founding multiple startups in diverse fields and racking up the stories along the way. The Nikola Labs founder and president has also added a new project to his plate, the formation of his new venture capital firm, Zell Capital. We caught up with the Columbus enthusiast and serial entrepreneur to talk about his new venture, running for city council as a high schooler and turning Columbus into the next Silicon Valley. For those who aren’t familiar, what is Nikola Labs? Nikola Labs i...

Five Predictions For The Manufacturing Industry In 2021

Monday, December 07, 2020

There's no shortage of articles that will opine about how tumultuous 2020 was for the economy, jobs, and industry as the world grappled with the impact of COVID-19 on business and daily life. However, there's reason to be optimistic, especially in manufacturing. Despite 60% of manufacturers feeling the impact of COVID on operations, a recent survey of senior leaders of manufacturing and distribution companies noted significant or modest growth in company revenue during the pandemic. Demand for products is surging, requiring new and innovative production methods, and many manufacturers have stepped up to the plate. As we close out the year, we'll better understand jus...

Public-private coalition offers affordable internet, computers to central Ohio students

Sunday, December 06, 2020

A coalition of public and private partners has come together to provide – for a nominal fee – computers and internet access to students who otherwise might not be able to complete remote-learning assignments. When the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic led to a state order shutting down school buildings in March, officials at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio realized some students in the region were at risk of falling behind because of a lack of home access to the internet or computers. The issue remained for the current school year, with most districts using remote- or hybrid-learnin...

SEO FOR THE SAVVY ECONOMIC DEVELOPER

Tuesday, December 01, 2020

Authors don’t write books for librarians, they write books for readers. So why are economic developers creating websites just for search engines? The sole focus on search engine rankings has moved economic development website marketing away from the true intended purpose - connecting communities to business owners and expanding economic growth opportunities. Click here to read full article.

Web cameras in Dublin high school classrooms will connect in-person and remote students

Friday, November 27, 2020

Starting in January with the next Dublin City Schools semester, in-person and remote-learning high school students might be able to connect in real time through a virtual-learning initiative. Lindie Schweitzer, K-12 coordinator of educational technology for the district, said high school classrooms would be equipped with web cameras to enable students learning online at home to interact with the students in the same class at school. A conference microphone would enable conversation between the groups, she said. Teachers in the district's three high schools – Coffman, Jerome and Scioto – have been receiving the equipment, said Deputy Superintendent Tracy Deagle. “Once all the equipment is distributed, every high school classroom wil...

Zoning-code change would add more potential sites for data centers

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

After approving a real-estate deal in early November that is expected to result in the construction of another data-center complex for Amazon Web Services, Hilliard officials want to add pathways for more data centers in the city. Hilliard City Council on Nov. 23 heard the first reading of an ordinance that would amend the zoning code to allow data centers as a permitted use in M-1 restricted-industrial and M-2 general-industrial zoning districts. The ordinance is scheduled for a second and final reading at the Dec. 14 council meeting. Currently, data centers are permitted in B-3 and B-4 zoning districts, which are spread out over commercial areas in th...

Central Ohio Christmas tree farms expecting high demand

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

For central Ohioans concerned about – and weary of – the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the Christmas season promises a welcome respite. Yet, with indoor gatherings strongly discouraged by medical experts and Gov. Mike DeWine, and live performances of such holiday staples as “The Nutcracker” canceled, families might be seeking activities that are festive, as safe as possible and outside four walls. Perhaps cutting a Christmas tree could be one of those activities that adds some sparkle to the season. Sensing a trend, numerous central Ohio tree farms are expecting high demand this year. “That’s what we’re being told through the industry,” said Donna Cackler of Delaware's Cackler Family Farms, which opened Nov. 21. Read full article.

Planning commission begins consideration of Sheetz application

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

The Grandview Heights Planning Commission is seeking more information regarding a proposal to redevelop the property on the southeast corner of Grandview Avenue and Dublin Road as a Sheetz restaurant, convenience store and gas station. The company is seeking a major site-plan review and conditional use to allow construction on the lots at 744-746 Grandview Ave. and 1075 Dublin Road. The application was discussed Nov. 18. The commission agreed to wait to vote on the request until more details, including the results of a traffic study, are available from the applicant. The corner is occupied by a Meineke store and a vacant restaurant building. Th...

How To Poise Your Business For Success (And Survival) In The Covid Economy

Monday, November 23, 2020

Business life in the era of Covid has elements of both crisis management and an endurance trial. How can your business join the ranks of those that are succeeding in this environment? LJ Suzuki, founder and fractional CFO at CFOshare and I recently dissected this question together, with an eye toward the actionable steps you should be taking now–and the potholes you need to avoid. Micah Solomon, Senior Contributor, Forbes; Customer Service Turnaround Expert and Consultant: It’s been several quarters since Covid began to make inroads into the economy; how are small businesses faring? LJ Suzuki, Founder and Fractional CFO at CFOshare: The small businesses within my purview have see...

OSU seeks approval to build $36.7M innovation center

Friday, November 20, 2020

Provided that the Board of Trustees approves the project this week, construction will start in June 2021. The facility would be slated to open in May 2023. Read full article.

Violet Township distributes nearly $65K in CARES Act funding

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Fifteen businesses and nonprofit organizations recently received nearly $65,000 in combined grants after Violet Township officials distributed federal money allocated in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. One of those is Heather Kluth, who’s had a difficult time since she opened Visage Studio Salon at 10400 Blacklick-Eastern Road, Suite 120, last November. Just four months later, the pandemic hit and a state order forced her to close her salon and spa room for two months. She didn’t qualify for some assistance programs because her business was so new and she doesn’t have a payroll because the stylists who work at the salon are self-employed. “During that time...

6 Ways to Keep Your Employees Learning At Work

Thursday, November 12, 2020

No company can reach its business goals without a qualified and dedicated workforce. As new technologies emerge, on-job training programs have become increasingly useful to enhance both employees’ soft and practical skills. But learning at work can go beyond formal training. Businesses should get creative so that employees are constantly developing their skills. The Benefits of Ongoing Training While most companies invest in costly recruitment processes to attract the right candidates, their efforts on employee engagement and education often fall short. Without any type of incentives or supportive programs, it's easy for employees to feel overlooked and unappreciated after a while — an...

Literary Buffs Will Love These Roadside Destinations

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Once upon a time in a land close to home, there were workplaces and living spaces of famous authors and illustrators that literary fans could explore through printed maps created by the Ohioana Library Association. After more than 50 years, the organization, which collects, preserves and celebrates Ohio literature, has now gone digital with the Ohio Literary Trail, an online map that connects people to more than 60 notable sites around the state. “Literary tourism is becoming a much more popular thing because people love authors and books,” says Ohioana Library Association executive director David Weaver. “It’s exciting to g...

First Person: Effects of the Global Pandemic on Company Supply Chains

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

AD: Will more companies be re-shoring or near-shoring as a result of the global pandemic? Jensen: For certain, most companies are closely examining the options available to them to avoid future supply chain interruptions. Part of the challenge of making a decision on a future sourcing direction is that this story isn’t over. As the pandemic progresses, every week, sometimes every day, brings new information to light regarding risks associated with both the supply available for companies to transact business, as well as the fluctuations in the demand associated with their specific product offerings. It is very safe to say that at present...

Front Line: COVID-19 Spurs More Automated Manufacturing

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

The global pandemic has upended the labor market and dramatically and suddenly reversed U.S. economic expansion. COVID-19, especially, has caused U.S. manufactures to face unprecedented labor challenges. With COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, these shortages are escalating. Many factories have shuttered to protect workers and prevent COVID-19’s spread. Even before this global crisis, in 2018 Deloitte had already projected that manufacturers would face shortages of some 2.4 million workers through 2028. Read full article.

Adding “COVID-19 Community Response” to the Site Selection Checklist

Monday, November 09, 2020

Much has been written about the disruptions of COVID-19 on every line of business. In the realm of economic development, this has included a recommitment to retention and expansion programs, touting quality of life to capture the influx of remote workers, a rush to virtual site tours, and many other endeavors. All of these adjustments will play a part in a community’s success in the years to come. But it seems that when all of them are stacked up, they point to the foundation of a community — or to use a construction expression, they reveal whether a community ha...

Data-Driven Operational Strategies in the Pandemic Era

Monday, November 09, 2020

As state economies struggle between surging cases of COVID-19 and intense pressure to reopen — albeit with varying degrees of restrictions — companies that reduced or halted operations in response to stay-at-home orders are torn between the urgent needs to both restore revenue streams and to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Since every location has a different dynamic and risk profile, creating a return-to-work strategy is complicated, whether a company operates in five locations or 500. The solution to developing a sound, portfolio-wide strategy includes having ready access to data, analytics, and insights, including regional and community-specifi...

Shifts in Mobility and Transportation Infrastructure in a COVID-19 World

Monday, November 09, 2020

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create an environment of unpredictability, the one certainty is that the way in which people previously commuted to their jobs — and the way in which goods and services were traditionally delivered — is likely changed forever. It is still too early to predict the entire spectrum of mobility changes that are destined to occur, but one thing is for sure — the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the fact that our mobility systems are critical to our day-to-day lives and serve as the backbone of the U.S. economy. Now, more than ever, if th...

Ohio Ranked Third in Site Selection’s 2020 Top State Business Climate Rankings

Friday, November 06, 2020

This report is a summary of third-party economic research and perspectives to foster communication with business and economic development stakeholders during the COVID-19 crisis. Key Takeaways Global: International FDI fell by 49%; outlook remains negative. U.S.: U.S. unemployment rate falls to 6.9%, Federal Reserve holds rates at zero amid considerable risks as economy continued to recover. Ohio: Ohio ranked third in Site Selection’s 2020 Top State Business Climate Rankings. Global Foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 49% to $399B in the first half of 2020 according to UNCTAD. The European Union’s executive commission lowered its economic forecast for next year and doesn’t expect to reach pre-virus levels until 2023. The ne...

Site Selection Magazine ranks Ohio’s business climate near the top

Friday, November 06, 2020

Ohio again has been recognized on a nationwide list for its business climate. That’s according to the 2020 Business Climate Rankings from Site Selection Magazine, a national publication that focuses on economic development. Ohio ranks third on the list, which was based partially on a survey of corporate executives and site selectors who were asked to identify the states they believe to have the best business climate and partially on an index of project counts and other criteria. Inclusion on the list further shows why so many companies are investing in projects in the Buckeye State. Read full article.

The New Normal in the Automotive Supply Chain

Friday, November 06, 2020

For immediate evidence of disruptions in the automotive supply chain, you need to look no further than your local dealer. Many lots are nearly empty of new vehicles, with average dealer inventories across the U.S. far below the normal 50–60 days’ supply. How did this happen? Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic is a major part of the problem. When automotive production was abruptly halted in March, there were not any new vehicles being produced until early May. Even then, production has been proceeding in fits and starts. At the same time, consumers have continued to purchase vehicles, keeping auto demand surprisingl...

The Next Recovery: Regional Leaders & Laggards

Friday, November 06, 2020

To call the road that most metro areas have traveled this year rocky would be akin to labeling Mount Everest a speed bump. But the most turbulent period of our lifetimes will eventually give way to a sustained recovery. And when it does, certain types of metro areas are in far better shape to take advantage. In the short run, places that suffered the steepest job and income losses will struggle most, which bodes especially ill for the Northeast and tourism-dependent Hawaii and Nevada. But what happens after that? Much depends on the course of the virus, such as whether outbreak...

What’s Next: Leveraging Mergers and Acquisitions with Incentives

Friday, November 06, 2020

It’s not surprising that in the face of a global pandemic and its economic impact, merger and acquisition activity is gearing up. It’s inevitable that in periods of economic downturn, stronger and better positioned companies acquire struggling businesses. However, it’s also common for both acquirers and the communities in which they operate to overlook opportunities and pitfalls in a merger or acquisition. So how do you take advantage of the first and avoid the second? One path that yields great results is thoughtful economic incentive due diligence, which offers specific and unique opportunities for an acquirer related to each of the thre...

Automotive, Steel and Other Sectors Pave this Region's Road to Recovery

Thursday, November 05, 2020

What pandemic? Facility investment might be on hold in some locations as companies rethink their property portfolios and supply chains. But it’s hard to find evidence of that in the Southeast. More than $1.4 billion in capital investment has been announced — in Alabama alone. Just in August. Plenty more projects are getting underway elsewhere in the region. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), the joint venture between automakers Mazda Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp., plans to make an additional $830 million investment in Alabama to incorporate new cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to its production lines and provide enhanced training to its workforc...

More Than Just Real Estate

Thursday, November 05, 2020

Commercial real estate communities built around colleges and universities, hospitals and medical research institutions rightly are hailed for supporting large numbers of jobs, many that pay exceedingly well. They drive critical medical research, and they support the commercialization of life-saving cures. A perhaps under-appreciated bonus comes in the ways that Eds & Meds developments can serve to enrich urban ecosystems, including the under-utilized, undervalued and forgotten. South Street Landing in Providence, Rhode Island, is a modest but spritely example. Its transition from abandoned power plant to sleek, medical education hub recently claimed a prestigious award for adaptive re-use from the Nationa...

These are the Skills and Mindsets of the Leader of the Future

Wednesday, November 04, 2020

When we hear the word water, an image immediately comes to mind, we know what we are talking about. The same does not happen with the term leadership or when we want to refer to the leader. However, this character plays a fundamental role in cultures and organizations. Jacob Morgan, a futurist who explores leadership, the future of work and the experience of employees, participated in INCmty where he pointed out the nine skills and mindsets that the leader of the future must have, whom he referred to as "the leader of today" . Also founder of FutureOfWorkUniversity.com , an online education and training platform tha...

Air Force, Ohio State announce partnership to improve diversity in science, engineering

Monday, November 02, 2020

The Ohio State University and the U.S. Air Force are creating a national consortium to increase opportunities in the Air Force for minority STEM students and graduates. Ohio State will co-lead the new effort with Wright State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The six-year, $40 million project, funded by the AFRL, will include summer internships for minority engineering students, access to specialized research equipment and laboratory space at AFRL, Ohio State and Wright State, and support for projects to be determined by collaborating with historically black colleges and universities an...

The Entrepreneurs Center Marketplace Connects Customers and Products Created by Local Businesses

Monday, November 02, 2020

As e-commerce thrives and large companies like Amazon make it easier than ever to buy online, local shops and companies can often suffer. And in the midst of a pandemic that has people shopping less, those challenges have only increased as we head into the 2020 holiday season. To help solve that problem and connect shoppers with local goods, The Entrepreneurs Center in Dayton has created the TEC Marketplace, an e-commerce platform that features and sells products from TEC companies and those participating in TEC’s Small Business Development Center. Many available products are aimed at holiday shoppers and include active apparel, hats...

Staying Safe And Strong In Ohio

Friday, October 30, 2020

When Ohio’s first three positive test results for COVID-19 were announced on March 9, Gov. Mike DeWine didn’t hesitate. The governor immediately declared a state of emergency. DeWine’s prompt action (which came just five days after California became the first state to declare a COVID-19 emergency) is credited by medical experts with sparing Ohio from the onslaught of cases (and fatalities) that afflicted other large states who took longer to react. In an exclusive Governor’s Report interview with Business Facilities, Gov. DeWine described the point at which he recognized the scope of the impending public health crisis. “COVID-19 had been on my rada...

Natalia Harris hits the ground running as Delaware's new city attorney

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Natalia Harris is quite acquainted with the duties required by her new job as Delaware city attorney. She was an assistant city attorney in Columbus for 11 years and spent most of that time working in civil and administrative law. Harris became Delaware city attorney Oct. 21, succeeding Darren Shulman, who left Delaware to become city attorney for Upper Arlington. Harris was named interim city attorney Sept. 1 and became the city’s prosecutor -- handling cases in the countywide Delaware Municipal Court, among other duties -- in July 2019. Read full article.

Leaning into the storm: Reshoring manufacturing is Ohio’s call to duty

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Ohioans couldn’t get N95 masks into our hospitals. Business couldn’t buy PPE to stay open. States fought to get testing kits. It didn’t stop with medical supplies. Try to buy a bicycle during COVID? Good luck. Many overseas-dependent products couldn’t be found on our shelves. Some seemingly simple items couldn’t be found because of one tiny component in the supply chain wasn’t available in our country. Reshoring, the restoring of manufacturing supply chains to our North American shores, is imperative! It’s also bipartisan. It’s clearly one of only a few issues upon which both sides of the aisle can agree — let’s bring manufacturing back to the U.S. Read full article.

3 Ways Great Leaders Have Evolved in the Wake of Covid-19

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Starting March 11, 2020, when the pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic, we quickly experienced a flurry of events thereafter, witnessing drastic changes not only take place on a worldwide scale but also in our own personal lives at home and in business as we had to adapt quickly to the “new normal”. As we conformed to the new rules and retreated to the safety of our homes, it gave entrepreneurs a chance to sit with their own stark reality of what they’d created up until that point - what was working, what wasn’t working, what our strength...

How to Keep Remote Workers Productive and Happy

Sunday, October 18, 2020

If a company has survived this far into 2020, they've figured out how to make remote work possible. But companies that see it as a temporary make-do effort will soon fall behind. Not only are the effects of the pandemic likely to affect the way we do business long term, but the fact is that remote work was a growing trend before the pandemic, and now it's here to stay. To be successful, companies need to move beyond making remote work possible and begin to make it more productive and efficient. They need to focus on ways to bring remote employees together while apart, engaging them with tools and information tha...

In Focus: The Evolving Role of Outdoor Spaces

Thursday, December 17, 2020

These are the Skills and Mindsets of the Leader of the Future

Wednesday, November 04, 2020

These are the Skills and Mindsets of the Leader of the Future

Wednesday, November 04, 2020

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The median income in Violet Township is $100,000.