Strength of Technology Sector is Primary Driver of Region’s Significant Jump in Rankings of Major Metropolitan Areas

Columbus and Central Ohio took a significant step forward in the 2009 Milken Institute index of America’s “Best Performing Cities.”  This annual scorecard measures the economic vibrancy of the nation’s top 200 major metropolitan areas (MSAs).  Central Ohio jumped from 135th place in 2008 to 108th in 2009 – this on top of jumping from 154th place in 2007.  In total, over the past two years, the region has jumped a total of 46 spots in this widely recognized index. 

The report cites the strength of the technology sector’s output as being the strongest driver in the city’s year-to-year improvement.  The city was ranked 36th nationwide in the strength of its tech sector. 

“We’re pleased that we’re making real progress toward our goal of becoming one of the top performing metro areas in the nation,” says Ted Ford, president and CEO of TechColumbus.  “In a down economy, we’re continuing to move ahead and TechColumbus is pleased to be a part of a growing regional collaboration to build a nationally leading tech economy here.” 

The city also got high marks for job growth, ranking 47th out of 200 MSAs for this key metric. 

For more on the story, see Business First.

Download the full report here