Ohio Ranks No. 1 in the Global Groundwork Index
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Site Selection magazine has ranked Ohio No. 1 in the Global Groundwork Index, based on an analysis of job creation, capital expenditures and strategic infrastructure development from 2019 through July 2023.
“Ohio ranks No. 1 in the Global Groundwork Index because we recognize the importance of making strategic investments today that will impact Ohio’s future,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “This winning formula includes preparing large-scale sites for industrial development, fortifying infrastructure statewide, nurturing our skilled workforce, streamlining regulatory processes and collaborating with private industry.
According to a news release, the ranking, determined by the convergence of public infrastructure development and private-sector business expansion, solidifies the state’s status as the ultimate destination for strategic growth.
“Our administration, working with the General Assembly and JobsOhio, has deployed a strategy to improve infrastructure, including roads and bridges, broadband and 5G, water and sewer, Brownfield and demolition funding and other targeted investments to make sure that we are ready to support the growth of new and existing businesses,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said. “We have prepared Ohio to win, and it is great to see the team effort being recognized as a success.”
Ohio generated more than 102,129 new job commitments and $62.24 billion in capital investments based on JobsOhio data from 2019 through 2023. Major metropolitan areas also ranked high in Site Selection’s top metropolitan ranking, with Columbus at No. 2 and Cincinnati at No. 5 nationally.
“Ohio is clearly leading an economic resurgence in the Midwest, and JobsOhio and TeamOhio have consistently delivered results and value for our business community and the people of Ohio,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO. “High-profile investments from Abbott, Amgen, Ford, GM, the Honda LG Energy Solution joint venture, Intel, Medpace, Sierra-Nevada and others demonstrate the industrial diversity that has helped drive Ohio’s top Global Groundwork Index ranking.”
Nauseef credited not just large companies.
“Smaller companies are thriving here as well, and significant investments in innovation districts, data centers, broadband networks, airline service and vibrant communities also enhance the business climate and quality of life in Ohio,” he said.
Site Selection is a business publication that covers corporate real estate and economic development.
Pictured at top: An artist’s rendering of a planned $20 billion Intel project in Ohio. (JobsOhio)
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
