This week, CNBC named Ohio the No. 1 state in America for business, citing strengths in infrastructure, cost of doing business, the economy and innovation. This milestone is worth celebrating and highlights years of deliberate investment throughout the state.
CNBC wrote: "The Buckeye State offers companies broad market access, with more than 143 million people living within a day’s drive, low real estate costs, reasonable utility and insurance costs, generous incentives and shovel-ready sites."
But rankings like this don't happen by accident. Behind Ohio's roads, transit systems, advanced manufacturing hubs and growing innovation economy is something that's much harder to measure: collaboration.
At MurphyEpson, we've had the privilege of working alongside many of the organizations helping shape Ohio's future (and businesses). We've partnered with communities like Columbus, Cleveland, Dublin, Fairfield, Grove City, Marysville, Piqua, Toledo, Upper Arlington, Wadsworth, Westerville and Whitehall to name a few. We've supported regional initiatives led by organizations such as the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and The Beta District. And while every project is different, they all share one thing in common: the best outcomes happen when organizations choose partnership over silos.
The Beta District is a perfect example. It has become a nationally recognized proving ground for smart mobility because the City of Dublin, the City of Marysville, Union County, Honda, DriveOhio, research institutions and private industry chose to pursue a shared vision instead of competing priorities.
The same is true for LinkUS. What started as a transit investment has become a regional effort involving the City of Columbus, COTA, Franklin County, MORPC, the Columbus Partnership and neighboring communities. Along the East Main Street corridor, that collaboration extends through Bexley, Whitehall, Reynoldsburg, Truro Township and Etna Township. Along West Broad Street, it includes Prairie Township, Franklin Township and neighborhoods from Franklinton to Westland.
It's not just transportation. Across Ohio, we've watched local governments, universities, businesses and public agencies come together to tackle housing, infrastructure, workforce development, economic growth and community engagement. Transit agencies like COTA, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) and the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) are building stronger regional connections. Universities are partnering with private industry to prepare tomorrow's workforce. Organizations such as JobsOhio show that statewide success relies on regional alignment rather than competition.
Yes, we have challenges ahead. And no, this doesn't come easy. But our collaborative mindset is what pulls Ohio through.
As Ohio celebrates its latest ranking, we see the true story as how we come together. Our state's greatest strength isn't just what we createl; it's how we collaborate to build it.
