December 31st, 2007, 1 Comment
Ohio offers business and industry many unique qualities that contribute to better balance and, ultimately, optimal business performance. But it doesn't stop there. Those who live in Ohio not only have the opportunity to pursue their professional ambitions, but the ability to achieve their personal dreams.I am inspired by Rob Howlett's passion for the state of Ohio and the balance he has found for his family and company. Rob is founder and CEO of Circlesprout Ltd in Cleveland, Ohio. Rob left Cleveland seeking professional and personal success only to find that it was most easily attainable in Ohio, the state of perfect balance; the state he proudly calls home.
Q: Have you moved back to Ohio to find work:life balance? Please share your story.
December 12th, 2007, No Comments
I recently spoke with Tillie Hidalgo Lima, CEO of Best Upon Request Corporate, regarding the importance of work:life balance. Tillie is a great inspiration, not only in how she achieves work:life balance personally, but also how her company's mission is built on the importance of work:life balance. Here's what I learned:
Best Upon Request has data from surveys that demonstrate employees can save an average of two hours per every fulfilled concierge service request. Almost 60 percent of respondents say that this saved time is invested in increased productivity on the job. It also results in employees taking less work home and having more available time to spend in pursuit of their personal goals.
FOR YOUR DISCUSSION:
Q: How does living in Ohio help your employees achieve a positive work:life balance? How is it positively impacting their productivity in your company?
Please share your thoughts.
December 10th, 2007, No Comments
I have been reading about more and more locations like Georgia running out of drinking water because of drought conditions and I wanted to learn more about Ohio's fresh water supply. I recently spoke to Linda Abraham-Silver, executive director of the Great Lakes Science Center, regarding the topic and found the conversation very interesting.
Linda indicated that water is a natural resource more precious than oil as it is required for life. If water is the "new oil," then Ohio is the new equivalent of Saudi Arabia. Ohio has access to the world's second largest supply of fresh water, roughly 20 percent of all the fresh water on the planet. This is going to be an amazingly important competitive advantage for Ohio's economy as demand for fresh water increases globally.
Do you currently view water supply as an important site selection factor?
What other non-traditional criteria are part of your decision process?
Let me know what you think.
Read more »
December 8th, 2007, No Comments
Ohio is leveraging next generation technology to stimulate innovation in the aerospace industry and create new jobs. I have become aware of a new project by Boeing-Heath that uses virtual reality technology to revolutionize the manufacturing process for aerospace products throughout the state and the entire Midwest.
The $1.25 million Virtual Manufacturing Center (VMC) will be located at the Central Ohio Aerospace and Technology Center (COATC) in Licking County. Project funding includes a $500,000 state-local incentive package and a $200,000 Rapid Outreach Grant through the Ohio Department of Development.
Does this type of investment by Ohio make the state more attractive in terms of site location and business expansion? Did you know Ohio is the leading location for aerospace innovation?
Let me know what you think.
December 7th, 2007, No Comments
The answer is a resounding Yes. I have completed a lot of research on the subject and have compiled a great reference library. The research studies, articles and testimonials and other resources collected will provide business leaders with compelling evidence for why they should consider the pursuit of better balance for themselves and their employees to be a key element of their business growth strategy. Visit often as we'll be refreshing this site to showcase thought leaders on work life balance, the benefits of balance to business owners and how they're finding it in Ohio.
Do you believe work:life balance is an important factor in determining a location for a capital investment?
What is your community, region and state doing to improve work:life balance for residents?
What are you doing as a company to improve work:life balance for your team?
Please share your comments and experiences.
