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RANKING MARKS 15 STRAIGHT YEAR IN THE TOP 10 AMONG CITIES OF ITS SIZE
DAYTON, Ohio – Site Selection magazine announced Monday the Dayton Metro ranked fifth among cities of its size for economic development projects in its annual Governor’s Cup rankings, marking the 15th consecutive year the region has ranked in the top 10.
“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, President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition. “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.”
Site Selection ranks cities and states each year based on the number of economic development projects in their region. Projects factored into the rankings include those with any combination of state, regional and local incentives, as well as those that do not receive any type of assistance. This year’s results indicate a strong state and regional business climate, even in the midst of a global pandemic.
“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,” said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley. “The Dayton Region continues to work collaboratively to execute a long-term vision to grow a more diverse base of high-quality jobs for our residents and keep our region’s economic recovery moving forward.”
In 2020, the Dayton Region saw growth from existing companies, including Midmark, Avery Dennison, Fuyao and Crocs. Pella announced it will open a manufacturing facility in Troy. Combined with the continued growth at the U.S. Air Force’s National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Dayton Region is well-positioned for continued recovery in 2021.
“As our community continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s vital we continue to attract new jobs to the region to provide new employment opportunities for our residents, “said Doug Compton, Chair of the Coalition’s Board of Trustees and Dayton City Executive at Fifth Third Bank. “Site Selection’s recognition places us among the top cities of our size in the country, which reflects our team’s effort to grow the region’s economy and connect businesses to the resources they need to succeed.”
Ohio ranked second among all states for total projects and was first in the nation for projects per capita. Ohio has placed either first or second for more than 10 years, cementing the state’s role as a leader in job creation and business expansion. The state’s economic development efforts are led by JobsOhio, a private non-profit. The DDC is one of JobsOhio’s six regional network partners.
“Being in the top ten for 15 years means companies know they will thrive here and get the support they need to continue growing and prosper,” said Judy Dodge, Montgomery County Commission President. “We’re proud to showcase the many benefits of bringing businesses to Dayton, and all the communities across Montgomery County. Providing the required infrastructure and trained workforce will continue to be a top priority for the County.”
The Atlanta-based magazine has awarded the Governor’s Cup annually since 1988, based on new and expanded corporate facilities as tracked by the proprietary Conway Projects Database. The DDC works with local economic development officials and JobsOhio to provide information on regional expansion projects to use for the rankings.
“With a foundation in collaboration and partnership, our region’s economic development professionals bring critical support to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the area’s growing defense industry,” said Greene County Commissioner Rick Perales. “The Dayton Region and Greene County faced tremendous challenges in 2020. Our recognition by Selection Magazine shows our region’s resiliency as we remain among the best in the nation for communities of our size.”
In addition to investing more than $604.9 million in the region, companies committed to create more than 1,900 new jobs and retain more than 10,000 jobs. The numbers represent companies that worked with JobsOhio to expand or establish new operations in the region. The Dayton Region is also home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio’s largest single-site employer, and leader in scientific research and development.
“We’re so proud to be part of such a rich history of partnerships that have led to economic success in the Dayton region,” said Troy Mayor Robin Oda. “We’re blessed to welcome Pella Corporation and their 428 quality jobs to Troy.”
Read more here: https://siteselection.com/issues/2021/mar/top-metros-of-2020-a-year-like-no-other.cfm.