Columbus Ranked 8th Metro for New and Expanded Business Facilities

Columbus recently ranked 8^th among large metropolitan areas for its new and expanded corporate facilities in Site Selection Magazine’s annual ranking.  The rankings are based on the number of capital investments to build or expand facilities towards the creation of new jobs.  In 2008, more than 120 businesses entered or expanded in the Central Ohio region, committing to an investment of nearly $800 million and creating more than 15,000 jobs.  

Columbus Chamber President and CEO Ty Marsh believes it’s the regional, collaborative approach to economic development that has made this ranking possible.  Twenty communities around the region currently contract with the Chamber for economic development services through the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange.  Marsh says these coordinated efforts have not only resulted in a more effective management of attracting prospective new business to the region, but also in a more accurate tracking and reporting of the results of these efforts.  

“Recognition as a top site for expansion is important to creating positive awareness of our region as a business destination,” says Matt McCollister, vice president of economic development for the Chamber.

A recent Chamber-sponsored survey of national business decision makers shows a marked increase in awareness of the region over the past five years.   

In the same ranking, Ohio earned Site Selection’s top honor, the Governor’s Cup, for the third consecutive year.  

For more details, see the release from the Chamber:  http://www.columbus.org/media-center/press-release-archive/?id=27

For more on the State’s ranking, see the story in TechWeek:  http://www.techcolumbus.org/en/art/1429/