Ohio’s Logistics and Distribution Assets Make State an Easy Sell
By Ted Griffith,
Managing Director of IT and Logistics & Distribution,
JobsOhio
Macy’s, Amazon and Dollar Tree are the most recent companies that have announced plans to build distribution centers in Ohio. They join companies like Home Depot, Hayneedle, zulily, Restoration Hardware and McLane Co., which already have significant distribution operations in our state. Why do these companies want to put their distribution facilities here, in Ohio? Because Ohio makes it easy to move goods where they need to go.
As e-commerce continues to grow, retailers want to move closer to dense population centers where most of their customers live. Ohio fits the bill, with three major metropolitan areas – Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland – as well several smaller metro areas, including Akron, Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown. And it’s within a day’s drive of 60 percent of U.S. and Canadian markets. Ohio’s proximity to customers provides a clear advantage for companies involved in e-commerce and logistics and distribution.
But being close to customers and markets isn’t enough. Companies must be able to deliver their goods to those markets quickly, reliably and cost-effectively. Ohio has the assets to make that happen, including:
- Six distribution and processing centers owned by the nation’s four largest delivery companies (UPS, DHL, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service).
- An integrated transportation system with 6,820 miles of interstate highway, 13 intermodal facilities and 10 major rail yards.
- Maritime transport capabilities via Lake Erie and the Ohio River.
- A location conveniently situated between both coasts.
- A tech-forward environment exploring autonomous and connected vehicle capabilities.
- Nationally ranked supply chain management and logistics programs creating a constant flow of skilled talent.
- A low risk of natural disasters.
These assets should make it easier to sell Ohio to companies looking for the best state to build or expand their distribution facilities.
Senate President Obhof Appoints Kimberly Marshall to the Ohio Public Works Commission
Senate President Larry Obhof of Medina has appointed City of Medina Economic Development Director Kimberly Marshall to the Ohio Public Works Commission.
The Public Works Commission provides financing for local public infrastructure improvements through both the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) and the Local Transportation Improvement Program (LTIP). SCIP is a grant/loan program for roads, bridges, water supply, wastewater treatment, storm water collection and solid waste disposal. LTIP is a grant program for roads and bridges only.
read moreCEP Uses Monitors to Help Spread Good Economic, Workforce News
The Champaign Economic Partnership in Champaign County has found a new way to share good news about economic and workforce development – and local job postings: eleven xx-inch TV monitors strategically placed around the county.
read moreOhio Economic Development Institute Graduates First Group of Certified Economic Developers
The Ohio Economic Development Institute, a continuing education program for experienced economic developers, has graduated its first seven participants. Another 16 will complete the program in six months.
The program offers hands-on, practical training in economic development to career professionals with at least three years of experience in the field. The institute is facilitated through a partnership between the Ohio Economic Development Association, the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, and JobsOhio. Launched in 2016, it is the first state-level economic development certification program in Ohio.
read more