Dayton Daily News

Ohio’s economic developmen­t efforts lauded

Company expansions in 2020 rank Dayton Kettering 5th in nation.

- By Thomas Gnau

Ohio topped an economic developmen­t magazine’s rankings for attracting new corporate facility projects and the Dayton region was lauded, as well, state government said Monday.

Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup 2020 ranked Ohio first for bringing more new corporate facility projects per capita. Ohio ranked second for total projects overall.

While Toledo tied as No. 1 for total projects among areas with population­s between 200,000 and 1 million, Dayton-Kettering ranked fifth and Akron tied for No. 10 in the same category, the state noted.

This is the 15th consecutiv­e year the region has ranked in the top 10, the Dayton Developmen­t Coalition noted.

In particular last year, the Dayton area celebrated expansions by Midmark, Avery Dennison, Fuyao and Crocs, while Pella announced it will open a manufactur­ing facility in Troy.

“While no one could have foreseen the COVID crisis, our region has worked for decades to prepare for the next downturn. We were ready when disaster hit,” said Jeff Hoagland, the coalition’s president and chief executive. “Our region’s economic developmen­t profession­als, at the DDC and throughout the region, worked with more than 700 businesses to help them preserve jobs and, in many cases, continue to grow.”

Said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley: “For 15 years, Dayton has held its position as leader in economic developmen­t. 2019 and 2020

tested our resilience, and we rose to the challenge.”

“Ohio continues to attract new corporate facilities and businesses to invest here,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a release. “In Ohio, we have a strong business community that will work alongside new companies who are looking to invest and utilize our skilled workforce.”

The state stayed at No. 1 for projects per capita based on Site Selection criteria, which measures new business projects with significan­t impact, including headquarte­rs, manufactur­ing plants, R&D operations, logistics sites and others.

“We are No. 1 for a reason, and that reason is we strive to have the best business and workforce friendly environmen­t in the Midwest,” Lt. Governor Jon Husted said in the state’s announceme­nt. “Even in the midst of a pandemic, businesses knew they could count on Ohio as a great place to invest, now and for the future.”

“Ohio’s No. 1 ranking for the second consecutiv­e year and the lofty standing of many of our communitie­s speak to the value propositio­n of this state,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and chief executive. “Thanks to outstandin­g leadership, close collaborat­ion and creativity at the state, regional and local level, Ohio once again stood out as a top destinatio­n where both businesses and families can succeed and grow.”

 ??  ?? The Fuyao Glass Plant in Moraine employs more than 2,000 workers. The company expanded last year in the region.
The Fuyao Glass Plant in Moraine employs more than 2,000 workers. The company expanded last year in the region.
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 ?? FILE ?? An aerial view of Day Air Ball Park, from the east along Monument Avenue.
FILE An aerial view of Day Air Ball Park, from the east along Monument Avenue.

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