The Knowledge to Move Ahead
Northwest Ohio and much of the Midwest carries the traditional moniker of a manufacturing-laden region. That is certainly true. And it’s the inherent regional assets and skillsets of this workforce that has elevated the area to become a leading location for companies that want to make things.
It’s also those assets and skillsets that are positioning this region as a viable location for some of the new tech industries, many which are extensions from the traditional manufacturing sectors.
Recently, the Regional Growth Partnership completed a Target Market Study which found Northwest Ohio has the assets to attract white-collar businesses. That study served as a roadmap in developing strategies to target and win those opportunities.
“We worked to develop messaging around those assets, and today, we’re working with one of the biggest names in cybersecurity to bring an operation into downtown Toledo,” said RGP President & CEO Dean Monske, citing just one example of success through that branding, messaging and outreach.
Understanding these opportunities has driven the RGP to broaden its organizational strategy by investing more resources into the regional tech ecosystem. For example, the RGP was part of a Northwest Ohio team that attracted a $31 million state grant to create the Glass Innovation Hub to drive innovation and sustainability in the glass and solar sectors, enhancing the Toledo region’s competitiveness on a global scale.
In addition, the RGP served as a sponsor and contributor of Great Lakes AI Week held in Toledo and Bowling Green, which attracted Fortune 1000 executives and innovative startups from across the Midwest where they discussed AI technology and policy. The RGP also has worked to bring new business to The Innovation Post, formerly the Jefferson Center, renovated with the intention of hosting innovative companies and entrepreneurs.
With an influx of tech-related businesses, the RGP has worked with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce to implement a talent attraction tool aimed to bring knowledge-based workers to the region to fill white collar jobs.
“There’s a lot of new technology happening here in Northwest Ohio coming out of traditional industry – things like data centers and cybersecurity – new companies that are exploding on to the scene,” Monske said.
This past spring, Meta announced plans for an $800 million data center in Bowling Green. A significant factor in attracting the tech company was Northwest Ohio’s diverse mix of energy sources, particularly the abundance of natural gas. The region’s ability to supply vast amounts of power gives Northwest Ohio a distinct competitive advantage to attract heavy energy users in the tech and advanced manufacturing sectors.
“Natural gas is going to allow us to attract the next generation of companies that we want to locate here in Northwest Ohio,” Monske said.