Regional Growth Partnership Joins Forces with OBDC To Promote Northwest Ohio
TOLEDO, Ohio– Promoting a statewide marketing campaign to attract new jobs, business and capital investment to Ohio, the Regional Growth Partnership has received approval for a $54,000 matching grant.
The state grant will support the RGP’s editorial marketing initiative, which is designed to draw national and international media coverage to northwest Ohio’s strengths, resources and assets.
In putting forth its proposal to the Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC), the Regional Growth Partnership became the first regional economic development entity in the state to apply for and receive funding under the matching grant program.
“We are excited the OBDC saw the value of our editorial marketing program, and through this grant, we can now promote both northwest Ohio and the state as an ideal location for new business,” said Steve Weathers, president and CEO of the RGP. “The Ohio brand is already recognized by investors nationwide, and we’re now building on that same message to convey all of the wonderful opportunities in northwest Ohio.”
In September 2006, OBDC unveiled a new Ohio brand, summed up for the business community in the brandline, “Build Your Business. Love Your Life.” The new brandline communicates that Ohio offers balance without compromise; everything businesses need to thrive and provides ample opportunity for executives and employees to achieve their personal aspirations as well. As part of its editorial marketing program, the RGP will promote how the Toledo region uniquely delivers the Ohio promise.
“The Ohio promise of balance without compromise is gaining the attention of executives who are in a position to decide where to make capital investments and is creating interest in Ohio-based locations,” said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition. “It is important that regional branding programs translate that interest into desire by helping these executives understand how the region uniquely delivers the Ohio promise. A strong Ohio brand will help create more opportunities to compete for capital investment, but strong regional brands are required to win the competition.”
The Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC) is a nonprofit organization that is responsible for creating and sustaining a strong Ohio brand capable of attracting, retaining or expanding capital investment. The work of the OBDC supports the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio economic development community and Team Ohio. For more information on the Ohio Business Development Coalition visit www.ohiomeansbusiness.com.
The Regional Growth Partnership is a private nonprofit development corporation dedicated to fostering local, national and international economic growth opportunities for Northwest Ohio. Questions on this program should be directed to the RGP.