Press Release:
Columbus Recognized as Top Metro for Business Expansion
Columbus earned a spot in the ranking of top 10 metropolitan areas for new and expanded corporate facilities, based on Site Selection Magazine’s review of 2008 projects. The magazine ranks the Columbus region eighth among metropolitan areas with populations greater than one million.
“Columbus’ regional, collaborative economic development approach make this ranking possible,” said Ty Marsh, president and CEO, Columbus Chamber.
In 2008, more than 120 businesses entered or expanded in the Columbus region, committing to an investment of nearly $800 million and creating jobs for more than 15,000.
The Columbus Chamber launched a regional marketing strategy in 2007, invested in technology to coordinate prospect management and has emphasized regional collaboration. Twenty communities now contract with the Chamber through the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange for economic development services.
“Not only are we in a better position to track these results but our regional approach is managing prospective new businesses more efficiently and effectively,” said Marsh.
The State of Ohio won the Governor’s Cup Award for the third consecutive year. The Atlanta-based magazine has recognized the state with the most new and expanded corporate facilities for more than 30 years. Ohio had 503 projects in 2008.
“Recognition as a top site for expansion is important to creating positive awareness of our region as a business destination,” said Matt McCollister, vice president, economic development, Columbus Chamber. ‘The state’s continued recognition through the Governor’s Cup Award helps the state and our region.”
Last month the Chamber released results from a survey of national business decision-makers that shows an increase in awareness of the region over the past four years.
Site Selection magazine is the oldest publication in the corporate real estate and economic development field, and the official publication of the industrial Asset Management Council. The magazine is circulated to 44,000 executives involved in corporate site selection decisions. Other Ohio cities, Cleveland and Cincinnati were also recognized. For the full listing visit: www.siteselection.com.