October 16th, 2008, No Comments
Many companies are trying harder to help their employees achieve better work:life balance, recognizing that better balance means happier, healthier and more productive employees. Employees should not have to sacrifice personal fulfillment for professional prosperity. Ohio’s promise of perfect balance offers business and industry many unique qualities that contribute to better balance and, ultimately, optimal business performance.
Ohio supports both professional and personal aspirations in an ideal balance of corporate climate and lifestyle opportunities. Metropolitan and micropolitan areas support high levels of community engagement, offering executives ample opportunity to offer time and talents for worthy causes. Ohio is unique among U.S. states in offering multiple major urban areas, all within easy distance of one another, surrounded by accessible suburban communities and tranquil rural areas. Because the population is distributed throughout the state, commutes to work are shorter and less stressful than in most major U.S. cities, leaving ample time for more enjoyable activities.
In addition, Ohio hosts a diverse culture, broad range of outdoor sports and activities, outstanding health care and education, strong IT infrastructure, and an affordable cost of living. Businesses find Ohio an ideal location to grow their business, while employees and their families don’t have to compromise professional or personal satisfaction in pursuit of their ambitions. Ohio executives tell us stories about achieving their childhood dreams as professionals in the State of Perfect Balance, all the while having time to spend with their children as they grow up. It’s a combination that’s life-affirming from every angle.
Felber & Felber Marketing is a public relations and marketing firm in Twinsburg, Ohio. I recently spoke with Felber & Felber Marketing’s President Rob Felber about the work:life balance he found in Ohio and his company’s success.
Click here for the complete interview with Rob Felber.
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September 19th, 2008, No Comments
The manufacturing industry has long been the backbone of Ohio’s economy. From the processing of raw materials to the creation of finely tuned products, Ohioans have served as the world’s experts in the manufacturing sector. While the global marketplace has changed the playing field, Ohio remains at the top of the nation in manufacturing competiveness.
To meet the demands of the changing manufacturing industry, legacy companies within Ohio's manufacturing sector are adjusting. For example, the state's historic rubber companies are engaging in advanced plastic applications. In addition, Ohio is the number two state in the U.S. in potential for manufacturing wind turbines and components.
Rowmark LLC is a manufacturer of plastic sheet for the custom engraving, signage and awards markets worldwide. President and CEO Duane Jebbett has steered the Findlay-based company to a global leadership position. I recently spoke with Duane about his thoughts on Ohio's manufacturing and logistics capabilities, along with his commitment to the state's Midwestern work ethic.
Click here for the complete interview with Duane Jebbett.
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September 8th, 2008, No Comments
Ohio’s strength is built on its diverse regions and industries. Each industry attributes to Ohio’s business environment and economic success. For example, with an annual payroll of $11.2 billion and more than 260,000 employees, the financial industry plays a large role in Ohio's economy.
With an extensive network of financial institutions including numerous Fortune 1,000 banking and insurance companies, Ohio has the financial strength and diversity to provide the capital resources necessary for industrial and commercial development statewide. In fact, more than 17,500 financial companies call Ohio home.
As co-founder and certified fund specialist at Ascend Advisory Group, Chris Bardos brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry to the company. Chris recently shared with me his commitment to his home state and thoughts about Ohio’s business environment.
Click here for the complete interview with Chris Bardos.
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August 12th, 2008, No Comments
Ohio is dedicated to helping companies create the advanced energy industry of the future. In May 2008, Ohio passed renewable portfolio legislation requiring all publicly owned utilities serving the state to generate 12.5 percent of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025. The state's comprehensive supply chain, exceptional manufacturing capabilities, abundant natural resources, public-private partnerships that reduce risk and innovative research capabilities place Ohio at the forefront of the next generation of energy supply.
Ohio native Craig Zamary, founder and president of Green Energy TV, shared with me his passion to bring honest and fair reporting of renewable/alternative energy news to waiting viewers. Green Energy TV is an online television channel that allows viewers to upload and watch renewable/alternative energy videos.
Located in Youngstown, Ohio, Green Energy TV has brought renewable/alternative energy news to viewers from over 160 countries and 6 continents around the world. Zamary not only shared with me his passion for providing a one-stop-shop outlet for any green energy related news, but how he has achieved both professional and personal success in Ohio.
Click here for the complete interview with Craig Zamary.
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August 5th, 2008, No Comments
While many other states depend on a single industry or a small group of industries, which often limits the opportunities for doing business within the state, Ohio is doing just the opposite. The state’s top 10 industries, which include aerospace, agriculture, automotive, bioscience, energy, logistics, manufacturing, polymer/plastics and professional/financial services, gross more than $500 billion annually. Ohio’s cornucopia of industries is attractive for companies in other industries, such as information technology, that are looking to escape the over crowdedness and tight competition in hubs like the Silicon Valley.
I recently spoke with Ravi Kunduru, CEO and founder of Ventech Solutions, the world's first Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 5 (v 1.2) software company serving companies in the United States and globally. Ravi was poised to move his young firm to San Jose in 2000, but when the market softened, he waited. To his delight, Ventech continued to grow in Ohio's stable, diverse economy while IT companies "where the action was" struggled.
Deciding to stay in Ohio was a decision that quickly paid off for Ravi. As other IT companies cut staff, he was adding skilled employees from Ohio's highly educated talent pool and pulling those from the west coast looking for a better balance between work and play.
Click here for the complete interview with Ravi Kunduru.
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