Name a country anywhere in the world and chances are Jaime Sisto has been there, developing new economic opportunities for Ohio. In fact, after working in more than 40 countries as an economic development attorney and the former international trade director for two Ohio governors, he's lost count of the places he's traveled. Watch the video to find out how Jaime continues to strengthen Ohio's growth nationally and internationally as the president of Value Recovery Group.
He shares, "There are great places every where in the world. But if you have to pick one to live in and work in, Ohio has presented a great foundation for me, the company I work for and my family."
Ohio continues to offer the work-life balance critical to the overall satisfaction professionals have with their lives.
BusinessWeek recently conducted a survey of more than 3,000 educated professionals (men and women) to determine what drives contentment in a “frenetic and distraction-packed life.”
The survey administrators expressed surprise that “there is an incredibly high correlation between people’s happiness and meaning at work and home.” In other words, the ability to be successful in both areas of one’s life is the key to overall happiness.
These findings shouldn’t surprise anyone who lives in Ohio, where executives and their employees have the opportunity and tools to achieve success in both their professional and their personal lives.
The authors of the article spotted several patterns in how survey respondents spend their time and how they feel. A couple of important takeaways included spending time exercising and with people you love and feeling challenged, which is linked to overall satisfaction.
Ohio is known as the State of Perfect Balance, where one has the opportunity to achieve professional success without having to sacrifice personal aspirations. Individuals in Ohio have more time to spend with their loved ones or on leisure activities due to things like shorter commutes and a plethora of options for fun. An engaged and supportive business community allows entrepreneurs and executives alike to take their business in whatever direction they desire.
It’s no wonder companies want to come here and employees want to stay here.
Read more about the BusinessWeek study.
Pick up today’s Wall Street Journal to read about one Ohioan who worked his way from shop welder to company president. This Ohioan, Rick Griffith, is president of McGinnis Inc., one of the country’s leading providers of marine transportation equipment and repair to the river industry. Rick remarked, “The state of Ohio has given me the resources necessary to advance my career at McGinnis, starting as a welder 36 years ago, to my position today as president.”
McGinnis’ access to the largest inland river port in the country has kept business afloat in Ohio for the past century. McGinnis Inc., supported by AEP Ohio, has benefited from Ohio’s resources, like economic development grants, access to river transportation and some of the lowest utility rates in the country. These benefits have also helped Rick advance at McGinnis where he has spent his entire career.
Click here to find out more about Rick’s story in today’s Wall Street Journal.
On March 17, CNN’s Lou Dobbs talked with Ohio Governor Ted Strickland about the state’s plan to proactively redefine the future by strengthening the business climate and investing in industries that will carry its economy into the 21st century global economy.
The Governor shared Ohio’s progress in creating high-paying jobs in the state’s fastest-growing industries, such as advanced energy and bioscience.
The state is leveraging existing strengths in advanced design, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing to pave the way for economic development in wind, solar, bio-fuel and other advanced energy technologies. Companies from across the globe are considering advanced energy projects in Ohio, such as a proposed offshore wind farm on Lake Erie.
In addition, Ohio’s manufacturing sector is transitioning to produce components for advanced energy. For example, HPM America in Mt. Gilead has retooled its facilities to manufacture components for wind turbines instead of parts for the automotive industry.
But, advanced energy isn’t the only 21st century industry Ohio is investing in building. Ohio ranks best in the Midwest and 4th in the nation for its strengths in the bioscience industry, according to Business Facilities Magazine. Its superior medical system also helps explain the state's emerging dominance in the bioscience field.
Through aggressive economic development efforts and funding for next-generation research, Ohio has created more than 53,000 new jobs and retained another 200,000. The $1.6 billion Ohio Third Frontier is expanding the state’s high-tech research capabilities and leveraging research into successful commercial enterprises. In addition, the $1.57 billion Building Ohio Jobs initiative will create more than 57,000 jobs and lay the foundation for future economic prosperity.
Ohio’s vision for the future includes a strong focus on education. In a move to ensure access for all Ohioans during these challenging economic times, the state froze college tuition at most of its institutions for two years and has increased funding for elementary and secondary education.
As Governor Strickland expressed in the interview, “Ohio has a bright future. I invite people to come to Ohio. We’ll treat you well, welcome you and make you part of the Ohio family.”
Lou Dobbs will interview Ohio Governor Ted Strickland to talk about the state’s proactive approach to purposefully redesigning its business climate tonight (Tuesday, March 17) at 7 p.m. on CNN. The state continues to take aggressive steps to ensure Ohio is the ideal location for companies that want to be successful in today’s global economy and current economic climate.
For example, the $1.6 billion Ohio Third Frontier is Ohio’s largest-ever commitment to expanding the state’s high-tech research capabilities and promoting innovation and company formation to create high-paying jobs for generations to come. In addition, in 2008 Ohio leaders crafted the Building Ohio Jobs initiative, a $1.57 billion bi-partisan jobs stimulus package to create more than 57,000 jobs and lay the foundation for future economic prosperity. Also, last week Ohio received the 2008 Site Selection Governor’s Cup Award for the third consecutive year!
