The Regional Growth Partnership, JobsOhio, and our economic development partners across the 17 counties continue to prioritize strengthening the region’s product inventory. Global competition requires communities to aggressively prepare and assemble sites where they are construction-ready, day one. Similarly, more and more communities are collaborating with area developers to construct spec buildings, which adds another alluring option for potential investors.

The RGP supports key initiatives implemented by JobsOhio – initiatives geared toward improving the competitiveness of the state and Northwest Ohio. Some of these impactful programs include:

  • Ohio Site Inventory Program – aggressive $50 million program offering grants and low-interest loans to support speculative site and building development projects
  • SiteOhio – rigorous due-diligence process intended to reduce risk and save time by preparing sites for immediate development
  • Large Sites Initiative – identify and prepare sites which can accommodate large scale development

With the tools in place and more sites being brought to the table, the RGP’s marketing department has initiated an innovative program to actively promote top sites to key industry executives. The site marketing program identifies our region’s valuable, marketable sites and pushes those to consultants across the country. 

“We have to be aggressive in putting our best inventory in front of our target audiences. In addition, we have to be creative in how we do this. And that is where we’ve aimed to excel, always focusing on how we most effectively communicate to our audience.”

– John Gibney, Chief Marketing Officer, RGP

Gibney said once the RGP identifies a Northwest Ohio site to market through the program, it arranges to shoot ground video, aerial drone and photography of the property. These pieces are all incorporated into a package, which also includes key attributes of the location.

“We know it takes more than just a traditional flyer to catch the attention of consultants. Adding the visual and video elements adds to that experience,” he said.

In addition to the electronic site marketing program, Gibney said the RGP will soon be implementing a similar initiative through digital advertising.