5 Myths About Economic Development Organizations in Greater Springfield

Economic development organizations operate in public view, yet many people misunderstand what they do. The term itself is unclear to many business owners and residents. Some assume these organizations focus only on recruiting large companies. Others see them as disconnected from local needs.

These beliefs cause confusion about priorities, funding, and results. In reality, economic development relies on structure, data, and long-term outcomes.

EXPAND Greater Springfield works across business retention, site development, workforce alignment, and small business support. The organization tracks activity, measures results, and adjusts based on employer input.

To provide clarity, the following section dispels five myths and demonstrates how EXPAND Greater Springfield addresses them in Clark County. Economic development focuses only on attracting new companies.

Myth 1: Economic development focuses only on attracting new companies

Business attraction receives the most public attention. Announcements about new employers and job creation are visible and easy to measure. This creates the impression that attraction is the primary function.

Reality: EXPAND Greater Springfield also focuses on existing business growth

Most job growth in a local economy comes from companies that already operate there. EXPAND Greater Springfield reflects this reality through its Business Retention and Expansion program.

The organization’s HITS Team works directly with employers considered economic base employers — those whose goods or services bring outside revenue into the community — to identify needs in four areas:

• Hiring
• Investing
• Training
• Space

EXPAND Greater Springfield conducts regular visits with economic base employers. These conversations identify expansion plans, workforce gaps, and operational challenges. The team then connects businesses with resources, training partners, and infrastructure solutions.

This method promotes job growth, minimizes relocation risks, and helps protect the tax base by retaining businesses.

Myth 2: Economic development should support every industry equally

A common assumption is that a balanced economy requires equal attention across all industries. While diversity has value, equal distribution of effort does not produce strong outcomes.

Reality: EXPAND Greater Springfield targets key industry sectors

EXPAND Greater Springfield focuses on sectors with existing strength and growth potential:

• Agribusiness
• Advanced manufacturing
• Professional services
• Logistics and distribution

This targeted approach enables alignment among employers, workforce training, and infrastructure investment. Industry concentration also improves supply chain efficiency and knowledge sharing among firms.

By focusing on specific sectors, the organization markets Greater Springfield more effectively and helps training providers align programs with employer demand.

Myth 3: Economic development operates separately from workforce and community factors

Some view economic development as a standalone function tied only to land, buildings, and incentives. This view ignores how workforce and community conditions influence business decisions.

Reality: EXPAND Greater Springfield integrates workforce data and employer input

Workforce availability and skill alignment drive most location and expansion decisions. EXPAND Greater Springfield collects and analyzes employer data to address these factors.

The organization conducts:

• Annual employer surveys to track workforce needs
• Wage and compensation studies are conducted every two years
• Ongoing engagement with training providers and education partners

This data shapes program design and priorities, ensuring that workforce initiatives align with current employer needs.

By maintaining direct contact with employers, EXPAND Greater Springfield can respond to issues before they affect operations or growth plans.

Myth 4: Economic development is limited to building new sites

Public discussion often focuses on new industrial parks or greenfield development. This creates the impression that growth depends on the construction of new facilities.

Reality: EXPAND Greater Springfield manages site readiness and redevelopment

Site readiness requires more than land. It involves zoning, utilities, transportation access, and certification standards. EXPAND Greater Springfield works to prepare and maintain sites that meet these requirements.

Current efforts include:

• Oversight and development of PrimeOhio I and II
• Advancement of AirPark Ohio II toward SiteOhio certification
• Development planning for Nextedge and other strategic locations

The organization also coordinates with utility providers to support infrastructure investment for future projects.

In addition to new development, redevelopment plays a role in efficient land use. Existing sites with infrastructure can often support new investment at lower cost and with less time.

Myth 5: Only large companies drive job creation

Large project announcements receive attention because they involve significant capital investment and job numbers. This leads to the belief that small businesses have a limited role in economic growth.

Reality: EXPAND Greater Springfield supports small business and entrepreneurship

Small businesses create jobs across the economy. Their growth often occurs in smaller increments, but the combined impact is significant.

EXPAND Greater Springfield supports small businesses through data tools, training, and outreach. One example is the use of SizeUp technology, an online platform that provides market data and competitive analysis for business owners.

The organization increases access to educational programs and partner resources, helping entrepreneurs make informed decisions and improve performance.

Small business engagement supports job creation, increases local ownership, and adds resilience to the economy.

Economic Development Requires Consistent Execution and Measurable Outcomes

EXPAND Greater Springfield operates with defined goals tied to job creation and investment based on its EXPAND 2029 campaign.

These include:

• Creating 2,000 primary jobs and 800 secondary jobs
• Facilitating $500 million in new investment
• Assembling at least 75 acres of industrial-ready land
• Maintaining regular engagement with local employers

These targets guide daily work and long-term planning. Progress depends on coordination across public and private partners.

Economic development is not a single project or initiative. It is a continuous process that relies on data, relationships, and execution.

Learn How EXPAND Greater Springfield Supports Economic Growth

EXPAND Greater Springfield works with businesses, community leaders, and partners to support economic activity in Clark County. Its approach combines employer engagement, site development, and workforce alignment.

To learn more about current initiatives, available resources, and opportunities to get involved, visit EXPAND Greater Springfield or connect with the team directly.