Latest News

Springfield manufacturing company names new vice president

Tuesday, May 07, 2019

Sweet Manufacturing Company has a new vice president of manufacturing. Dwayne Gundolf has joined the company. Gundolf will be responsible for leading all aspects of Sweet’s manufacturing processes and people. He will ensure that Sweet continues to provide a quality “Made in the USA” product via a safe, efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process, according to a news release from the company. Read full article.

New Springfield business thriving, already booked through December

Monday, May 06, 2019

The L, a newly opened event space in Springfield, is already so successful that it is almost booked until December. “I do still have a couple dates open here and there though,” Owner Sheila Lash Rice said. “But it’s spotty.” Located at 1530 S. Yellow Springs St., the business was originally suppose to be a hair salon. Read full article.

Former chain sandwich shop in Springfield reopens under new name

Friday, May 03, 2019

Jon Smith Subs in Springfield has reopened under a new name - Grill Time Express. Located in Park Shopping Center on Bechtle Avenue in Springfield, the sandwich restaurant opened in June of last year as a Jon Smith Subs franchise, and was the first franchise in Ohio for the Florida-based chain. However, Walden said the business struggled, and was on the verge of closing its doors. Read full article.

Technology Employment Expands its Presence in Ohio's Workforce

Thursday, May 02, 2019

More than 9,200 new jobs in 2018 coupled with growing economic impact, according to CompTIA Cyberstates 2019™ report COLUMBUS, Ohio /PRNewswire/ -- Technology-related employment in Ohio grew by more than 9,200 new jobs in 2018 and the tech sector increased its contribution to the state's economy, according to Cyberstates 2019™, the definitive guide to national, state and metropolitan area tech sector and tech workforce analytics published annually by CompTIA, the leading technology industry association. Net tech employment grew by an estimated 9,248 jobs in 2018.1 Since 2010 net tech employment has grown by nearly 62,000 new jobs. Tech accounts for approximately 7 percent of the Ohio workforce. The median tech...

Venture Capital Firms Invested in Ohio at Record Levels in 2018

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

Ohio leads the Midwest in attracting growth capital Some of the best-known early companies, such as IBM, Genentech, Apple and Intel, were backed by venture capital (VC). What has changed since then? In a word: everything. As an industry, VC firms have gone from providing a few million dollars in funding per year in the 1960s, to funding over 8,900 deals worth more than $130 billion in 2018, according to Pitchbook/National Venture Capital Association data. VC firms still invest the largest share of their funds in technology and biotech firms. However, the funding shift within technology is dramatic – from mostly hardware...

JobsOhio Attracts Projects That Overdeliver

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Sometimes companies that invest in Ohio create more jobs and invest more capital that initially committed JobsOhio reviews all potential projects with a consideration for return on investment and breakeven as it takes calculated risks in providing funding. This year’s results demonstrate that the projects with a metric evaluation date in 2017 are overdelivering in terms of new jobs created, payroll, capital investment and employees trained. Read full article.

I 70 / 75 Economic Development Summit on May 30

Monday, April 29, 2019

The I 70 / 75 Economic Development Summit on May 30 will feature Heather E. McGowan is an internationally known speaker, writer, and advisor. McGowan prepares leaders to most-effectively react to rapid and disruptive changes in education, work, and society. As a Future of Work Strategist, Heather has worked with diverse teams to address these challenges. The event will include representatives from various fields making it one of the best opportunities for networking around. These can include industries of all types including development companies, real estate firms, government, economic development organizations, financial institutions, utility companies, institutions of higher learning and students. This...

Why owner of an 80-year-old chain of Dayton-area stores is eliminating plastic bags

Friday, April 26, 2019

It will still be the “place with the helpful hardware folks,” but it won’t be the place for plastic bags much longer. The owner of nine Dayton-area Handyman Ace Hardware store locations says his stores are phasing out plastic bags in favor of paper ones. Read full article.

Springfield’s Home City Bank gets new name with leadership change

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Home City Banks, with branches on North Limestone and West Main streets in Springfield, have officially become Richwood Banks following the finalization of a nearly $32 million deal reached last year. President and CEO of Richwood Bank, Chad Hoffman, debuted the new name to Springfield and Clark County leaders. He said he believes community banks like Richwood help make communities like Springfield stronger. Read full article.

15 Ohio State graduate programs ranked in top 10 by U.S. News & World Report

Monday, April 22, 2019

Three specialties are rated nation’s best According to the U.S. News & World Report 2020 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools, The Ohio State University offers a vast array of top graduate and professional programs, with 15 ranked in the top 10 and three ranked best in the nation. Top-10 graduate and professional programs include legal dispute resolution (1), student counseling/personnel services (1), technical/vocational education (1), veterinary medicine (4), business supply chain/logistics (6), clinical nurse leader (7), health care management (7), nursing master’s (8), education curriculum/instruction (8), elementary teacher education (9), secondary teacher education, (9), biological/agricultural engineering (9), business production/operations (9), accounting (10) and public...

FUELING CHANGE IN AMERICAN ENERGY

Friday, April 19, 2019

As in every sector, technology and consumer behavior are changing industries. None more so than the energy sector. The increasing demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and air conditioning are all helping to shape the future. But many of the goliaths of the energy world have been creeping slowly towards innovation. They are out-of-pace with the technology and agile new market entrants coming onto the scene. Over the next thirty years, the sector is likely to change dramatically from what it is today, in almost all areas of operation. “Ohio has the most at stake” When considering the impact on America’s energy hubs,...

Ohio State’s Mobile Design Lab puts digital skills on the move

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

The Ohio State University’s Digital Flagship initiative is hitting the road. A shiny, black recreational vehicle was parked in front of the Recreation and Physical Activity Center. The RV packs enough horsepower to crisscross the Buckeye state in comfort. But it’s intellectual muscle that really powers the new Mobile Design Lab. “It’s a 34-foot bus that we’ll be able to take to all of our campuses and do outreach across the state around design thinking, mobile app development, coding, and how to use technology in teaching and learning as a student, as a professor or staff,” said Director of Learning Programs & Digital...

Upstart Strategically Opens New R&D Center in Ohio

Monday, April 15, 2019

The Columbus location will be the first outside of California for this Silicon Valley innovator Click here to view company details.

Ohio Dominates Site Selection’s 2018 Governor’s Cup Rankings for Fifth Consecutive Year

Friday, April 12, 2019

Top Metropolitans and Micropolitans Responsible for Ohio’s Success Ohio has shown its dominance in economic development and business attraction for the fifth consecutive year, according to Site Selection’s newly released 2018 Governor’s Cup rankings. Ohio’s continued recognition is a testament to the state’s business climate, workforce, infrastructure and innovation, as well as to the many local, regional and state partners that help to spread the word. Read full article.

Incentive to Bring Investment to Local Opportunity Zones Announced

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

(AKRON, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that his proposed budget for the 2020-2021 biennium will include a state tax incentive to attract more investment to Ohio’s “Opportunity Zones.” Governor DeWine made the announcement during a business roundtable event organized by the University of Akron. The Opportunity Zone program, which was created by federal legislation in 2017, provides federal tax incentives for investments in low-income census tracts that have been designated as Opportunity Zones. Across the state, Ohio has 320 Opportunity Zones, which were identified by local communities as having high potential for new investment, development, and job creation. Read full article.

Internet of Things and Autonomous Vehicles to Spur Smart Community Growth in 2019

Monday, April 08, 2019

Communities driven by private sector technology developments will move to create Smart Communities to address transportation, public service, safety and utility challenges in 2019. Smart Community models are driven by Information Age technology known as the Internet of Things (IoT) and self-driving vehicles known as Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). Read full article.

Report Released on the Disincentives for Low-Wage Workers to Increase their Income

Friday, March 29, 2019

There are employed individuals in Clark County who are struggling to make ends meet. Whether living just above, at or below the poverty line, many low-wage workers struggle with self-sufficiency and depend on tax incentives and assistance programs for their family’s daily needs. Because of this, low-wage earners have multiple disincentives for working full time or for receiving minor salary increases. It is important for employers to be aware of what these disincentives are and how their entry-level or low-wage employees could be impacted by an increase in wages, for example. Tax credits and public assistance programs in Clark County Unemployed and...

Champaign County chamber hires new executive director

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has appointed Susie Koennecke as their new Executive Director. Koennecke was officially welcomed into her new position on Feb. 12, 2019. Koennecke stepped up in September 2018 to serve as interim Executive Director while the chamber looked to fill the position. “The chamber let me fill in while they were in the process of looking to hire,” Koennecke said. “They went through a long process of interviewing a bunch of people and ultimately I was chosen by the group to stay in the position.”\ Read full article.

Luxury apartments, townhouses, carriage homes coming to Huber Heights

Monday, March 25, 2019

A new housing development is planned for Huber Heights that will bring 300 luxury apartment units, townhouses and carriage homes. Metropolitan Holdings of Columbus will invest nearly $30 million to build 310 units in 48 buildings on Brandt Pike near Shull Road. The multi-family development will add a mix of carriage homes with living space over garages, townhouses and apartments on 16.5 acres, said Huber Heights city manager Rob Schommer. It will also give the city an additional $4 million in revenue through taxes, Schommer said. Read full article.

Study: Ohio creative sector generates $41 billion in economic activity

Friday, March 22, 2019

The Ohio creative arts industry is a dynamic economic engine, generating more than $41 billion in activity statewide, including $1.4 billion in the Akron area, a new study says. The Columbus-based Ohio Citizens for the Arts released the findings of the report, called “Ohio’s Creative Economy: The Economic Impact of Arts and Creative Industries.” Read full article.

Letter: JobsOhio’s model, team are boon for state

Thursday, March 21, 2019

I respond to the excellent Dispatch editorial “Winning isn’t everything when Ohio is still second.” I agree that JobsOhio had a “banner year” in 2018, as evidenced by 266 job-creation projects that will yield 27,071 new jobs and $1.3 billion in payroll. I also second the opinion that JobsOhio’s success can be witnessed not only in Ohio’s wins, but in the state’s ability to compete for projects such as Amazon, Apple and others. Ten years ago, Ohio wouldn’t have been in the conversation for developments like these. Having spent more than 25 years in the public-policy arena, I have seen every state...

LinkedIn 2018 Emerging Jobs Report

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Introduction from Guy Berger, Chief Economist, LinkedIn The Emerging Jobs Report is our opportunity to take a look at the jobs and skills that are growing most rapidly around the country so you, as U.S. professionals, can make more informed decisions about your career. Using data from LinkedIn’s Economic Graph, we analyzed the roles that companies are rapidly hiring for, the skills associated with them, and the roles that have emerged over the last five years. Read full article.

Governor DeWine, JobsOhio Name J.P. Nauseef Next President of JobsOhio

Monday, March 18, 2019

Governor Mike DeWine joined the Board of Directors of JobsOhio in announcing that J.P. Nauseef has been selected as the next president and chief investment officer of JobsOhio. The JobsOhio board has completed its search process for the organization’s next president and chief investment officer. Last year, the board engaged executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles to assist with the process. Read full article.

The Shale Crescent’s Time Has Come

Friday, March 15, 2019

Midwest shale formations are rewriting the time-honored economics in the petrochemical industry. For 75 years, the Gulf Coast has been the obvious place for petrochemical companies to invest in North America. But that distinction has changed. The massive energy finds in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations, which together lie underneath areas of Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania that we call Shale Crescent USA, have disrupted the industry’s time-honored economics. Now, for many companies with established and expandable footprints on the Gulf Coast, it likely doesn’t make sense to invest in a region that is a growing petrochemical hub. But for those considering...

Manufacturing Checklist Offers Insight into Food Ready Sites

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

When is comes to choosing a building or site, food manufacturers have unique needs. That means finding a suitable location can often be a challenge. If you have a client looking for a suitable food site, here is a checklist containing site and building attributes you need to consider. Fortunately, Ohio has sites across the state that meet the needs of food and beverage companies making products used around the world. Read full article.

Kettering luring more than 150 new jobs to business park

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

KETTERING — Kettering expects to land 150 or more new jobs with an online retail company planning to go in the Kettering Business Park. It would be more good news for the city and business park: Tenneco already announced plans for 300 new jobs in Kettering, and Kettering Health Network is set to open a $10 million command center in the park. The city has been working with Jim McCarthy of the Cincinnati-based TW Development Group in the deal to bring the yet unnamed e-retailer to its building in the Kettering Business Park. The business is also planning to buy other properties in the...

A Successful Trade Mission to Japan Deepened Relationships and Created Opportunities

Monday, February 11, 2019

Horton Hobbs IV, Vice President of Economic Development, Amy Donahoe, Director of Workforce Development, and Toni Overholser, representing training opportunities with Clark State Community College, with recently traveled to Japan to participate in a trade mission aimed at deepening the relationship between Clark County and the Japanese companies who have chosen to call Clark County home. “We wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to the companies who have already invested in our community. The trade mission allowed us to meet with executive leadership teams in person, establish a friendly relationship and show them that we are a...

Two downtown Springfield stores find new homes

Monday, February 11, 2019

Downtown Springfield will see changes on Fountain Avenue and Main Street over the next month as two stores move locations and a third business expands. Stick and Stone, a store that has combined the work of local artists for nearly a year, is moving to 122 East Main Street under the new Ash and Mantle name. Champion City Guide and Supply will move from its location in the Tuttle Brothers building at the corner of Main and Spring streets into Stick and Stone’s former location at 36 N. Fountain Ave. Continue to full article

New housing, business expansions planned for 2019

Friday, February 08, 2019

Residents in Springfield will see new job opportunities, construction on new housing options and more businesses popping up downtown, according to local economic development officials. In Champaign County, a local hotel project is moving forward for the first time in several years and officials are pushing ahead with a cleanup effort at the former Q3 and Johnson Manufacturing site. The county’s economic development agency is also working to better link students and local manufacturing companies and is developing a series of videos to market the area. Continue to full article

Best States for Female Entrepreneurs 2019—Definitive Ranking of All 50 States

Thursday, February 07, 2019

While the old saying “It’s a man’s world” is passé, there’s still evidence men have the upper hand in business—particularly the startup world. Women-owned startups face significant social and economic challenges, resulting in a remarkable disparity between male and female-launched businesses. For example, a recent study by Biz2Credit revealed that women who apply for business loans typically get 45% less than their male counterparts. Stereotypes and dated traditions play into this; 94% of venture capital firms are dominated by male decision-makers, according to Fortune magazine, while lingering concerns about the interruption of a woman raising a family leads some funders and...

Ohio’s Innovation Spaces Power Next-Gen Technology Solutions

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

Businesses and academic institutions embrace new ecosystems of advancement Cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile device ubiquity are not just buzz words and acronyms – they are earth-shaking changes in technical capability that enable companies to operate and delight their customers in ways they could not before. While startup technology companies often win headlines, what this digital shift really means is that nearly every company today is a “tech company.” Whether offering digital products and services, improving internal and customer efficiencies, or shifting to entirely new digital markets, to remain competitive...

Site Development Strategy Key to Early Opportunity Zone Success

Monday, February 04, 2019

Marketing helps but a fancy web site cannot replace a strong site development plan that illustrates an Opportunity Zone is prepared for development. Creating an Opportunity Zone site development plan involves five steps that includes the creation of site plans and infrastructure finance strategies, enacting land use entitlements and tax incentives, advocating for a state and local Opportunity Zone public policy agenda, marketing the Opportunity Zone and seeking professional guidance to operate an Opportunity Zone by seeking investors. Site plan and infrastructure finance strategies are an essential first step for Opportunity Zone development as all these 8700 census tracts are competing...

Navistar says manufacturing changes reduced injuries

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Navistar’s improvements at the company’s Springfield plant included investments to improve ergonomics and prevent injuries on the manufacturing floor, company officials said in a recent post on a company website. That included improvements to the strap lock installation and cutting process, which company officials said had caused a high number of hand injuries. The News-Sun reported earlier this year Navistar has invested millions in new equipment in Springfield over the past several years to revamp the interior of the facility and streamline its manufacturing processes. Continue to full article

Speedway will add hundreds of jobs in Clark County with expansion

Monday, December 17, 2018

Enon — Speedway will add as many as 300 new jobs in Clark County as part of an announcement today that the national convenience store chain will expand its corporate headquarters in Enon with a $48 million project. The News-Sun previously reported the Clark County commissioners approved a 100-percent, 15-year tax abatement to encourage Speedway to retain its corporate headquarters in Enon and create new jobs as part of the expansion. The new positions would be full-time corporate and office support jobs created over the next three to four years to provide support for new stores acquired from Andeavor, a rival refining firm. Continue...

The future of green jobs in Ohio

Sunday, December 16, 2018

We have looked at different job growth strategies in past blogs, from making policies that support small businesses to focusing on workforce development to shrink the skills gap. This week we explore another potential job growth strategy: Ohio’s role in the Green Economy, and particularly in the wind industry. As many states beginning to pursue a green jobs strategy, it becomes imperative for each to pursue an optimal strategy that is specifically tailored to their unique resources. How does Ohio generate electricity? In Ohio, electricity is mainly generated using coal, natural gas and nuclear power. (The exact breakdown is 54 percent from coal, 32 percent from...

Becoming “Blockland:” Ohio wants to lead blockchain business

Friday, December 14, 2018

When it comes to the potential of the little understood blockchain technology, Valentina Isakina, financial services managing director for JobsOhio, doesn’t mince words. She compares the impact of blockchain to the transformative impact the Internet has had on all of our lives. “Or even bigger,” Isakina said in a recent interview. Continue to full article

A Taste of Leadership: Why Food and Flavoring Companies Can’t Resist Ohio

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Ohio’s concentration of food companies, R&D resources and markets have been giving companies a competitive edge for generations. Food is a social unifier and an important part of our daily life. Some of our fondest memories are tied to the foods we eat. Today, consumers want food that is healthy, convenient and flavorful. This unique mix of freshness and taste is challenging the food industry to innovate. Food processing companies are focusing on making their ingredients safer, tastier and more satisfying. While some companies struggle to navigate this shift, Ohio’s food processing and food flavoring companies as well as other food entities...

The Ohio Advantage: Leveraging Ohio’s Competitive Assets

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

For those of us charged with promoting our state, most of us would agree Ohio is an easy sell. The list of Ohio’s benefits for prospects are long, but there are four key assets, each with extraordinary components, that set Ohio apart from the competition: business climate, research and innovation, location and infrastructure, and workforce. These four pillars are featured prominently on the JobsOhio home page with in-depth overviews and resources you can share with new companies considering Ohio. Ohio’s business climate could be considered the foundation of Ohio’s winning assets. As one of the largest economies in the U.S. (7th) and the...

Export Interns Boost Business: Ohio Program Will Pay Up to Half the Wages

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

The Ohio Export Internship Program helps businesses grow by expanding export efforts or starting an export initiative. The Ohio Development Services Agency is accepting company applications now for summer internships. The students involved are highly motivated and take export-focused coursework at Cleveland State University, The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University. This year, about 50 students from 12 universities across the state have been selected to participate in the program. Continue to full article

Three Trade Missions Can Help Businesses Grow

Monday, December 10, 2018

Ohio companies can open new foreign markets for their products through three trade missions early next year. The Ohio Development Services Agency and the state’s Small Business Development Center Export Assistance Network is organizing the trade missions, scheduled for March and April 2019. Slots for each trade mission are limited, so businesses should act now to reserve a spot. Continue to full article

Springfield area small businesses prepare for holiday season

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Several area business owners said they’re more optimistic about the future of small, independent retailers in Clark County despite competition online and from national chains. Several local stores in Clark and Champaign County will make an extra push to get customers in the door this year as Small Business Saturday approaches. The event is in its ninth year after American Express created promoted the day as a way to bring more business into local stores. Kambe Mabry has run the Rusty Brush with her mother for years, but moved into available space at Stick and Stone in downtown Springfield several weeks ago....

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