One Columbus Company Profile

Background

One Columbus serves as the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus Region in Ohio. Its mission is to lead a comprehensive regional growth strategy that develops and attracts competitive companies, fosters a highly adaptive workforce, prepares communities for future challenges, and inspires innovation across corporate, academic, and public sectors. The organization's vision is to position the Columbus Region as the most prosperous in the United States.

Key Strategic Focus

One Columbus concentrates on several strategic objectives:

• Serving Existing Businesses: Enhancing the competitiveness of the regional economic base.

• Attracting New Businesses: Diversifying employment and tax bases by bringing in new enterprises.

• Supporting Entrepreneurship and High-Growth Firms: Providing a continuum of services for startups and rapidly growing companies.

• Preparing Communities for the Future: Ensuring communities are ready for growth and investment.

• Cultivating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Addressing business practices that impact career mobility, talent development, and business ownership.

• Engaging Locally and Globally: Leading peer regions and adopting best practices.

• Marketing and Promoting the Columbus Region Globally: Establishing the region as a premier location for business and careers.

Financials and Funding

One Columbus is funded by over 300 private organizations, local governments, academic institutions, and JobsOhio. This diverse funding base supports initiatives such as national marketing campaigns, existing industry support, new business recruitment, community development, and workforce development strategies.

Pipeline Development

Since 2010, One Columbus has assisted more than 670 domestic and international companies in locating within the Columbus Region, resulting in over $47 billion in capital investment and the creation of more than 75,000 new jobs.

Technological Platform and Innovation

One Columbus leverages a comprehensive regional growth strategy that integrates public, private, and institutional partnerships to drive economic development. The organization focuses on key industries such as automotive and mobility, fashion and retail, finance and fintech, food and beverage, insurance and insurtech, life sciences, and semiconductors.

Leadership Team

The executive leadership of One Columbus includes:

• Peter Mohler: Chair; Executive Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Knowledge at The Ohio State University and Chief Scientific Officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

• Marc D. Reitter: Secretary; President and Chief Operating Officer of AEP Ohio.

• Mark Berven: Treasurer; President and Chief Operating Officer at Nationwide Property & Casualty.

Leadership Changes

In November 2024, One Columbus announced new appointments to its Executive Committee:

• Peter Mohler: Appointed as Chair.

• Marc D. Reitter: Appointed as Secretary.

• Mark Berven: Appointed as Treasurer.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Columbus Region has experienced significant economic growth, with One Columbus playing a pivotal role in attracting investments and fostering a competitive business environment. The organization's strategic initiatives have contributed to the region's recognition as a top destination for business development.

Competitor Analysis

While One Columbus operates as a regional economic development organization, it competes with similar entities in other regions that aim to attract businesses and investments. Notable competitors include:

• REDI Cincinnati: Focuses on economic development in the Cincinnati Region.

• JobsOhio: A statewide economic development organization that collaborates with regional partners like One Columbus.

These organizations share similar goals of attracting businesses, fostering economic growth, and enhancing regional competitiveness.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

One Columbus collaborates with various partners to strengthen its market position and expand capabilities:

• JobsOhio: A key partner providing funding and support for economic development initiatives.

• Aventi Enterprises: Partnered with One Columbus to fund businesses through the JobsOhio Inclusion Grant, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within Ohio's workforce.

Operational Insights

One Columbus's strategic considerations include:

• Regional Collaboration: Working with local and state partners to serve as the business location resource for companies across the region and globally.

• Industry Specialization: Focusing on key industries to leverage regional strengths and attract targeted investments.

• Innovation Capacity: Enabling additional innovation capacity to sustain economic momentum and prepare communities for future growth.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

One Columbus aims to:

• Sustain Economic Momentum: By continuing to attract and develop competitive companies.

• Develop a Diverse Workforce: Focusing on talent development to meet the needs of growing industries.

• Enhance Global Identity: Increasing the Columbus Region's global identity and connectivity to attract international investments.

Contact Information

For more information, visit the official website: ColumbusRegion.com