Less than a generation ago, Ohio was a symbol of
what went wrong with industrial America. Its once mighty manufacturing sector was
declining at such a rapid pace that leaders in both state and local government held
their breath each morning, hoping not to be told of the next plant closing or layoff
announcement.
In some industrial communities in the northeast portion of the state, unemployment
reached over 20 percent. Skilled and unskilled workers were leaving the state; some
communities even had relocation programs for their unemployed citizens, paying them
to move to communities where there were employment opportunities. The "rust
belt" moniker was given to the
Midwest industrial states, and Ohio seemed to be the rust belt capital.
A generation later, Ohio is leading the country in other ways. For the past four
out of five years, Ohio has led the country in corporate relocations and expansions.
The state also
leads in the number of international relocations and expansions.
Population growth in Ohio has followed the state's economic growth.
"With growth six times faster than predicted, we are poised to make even
bigger strides in
our economy," said John Damschroder, special projects director for Ohio's Department
of Development.
The linchpin of Ohio's economic development effort is the Ohio job creation tax
credit, approved by the state legislature in 1993. The credit provides a corporation
franchise/income tax credit to businesses creating at least 25 new jobs in Ohio.
According to Damschroder, the idea behind the job creation tax credit is simple.
"It is
sharing the benefits with the people who create the wealth," he said.
Ohio is continuing its aggressive policy to assist business in relocation and
expansion.
In 1996, the state legislature passed another jobs bill that the administration believes
will
further Ohio's competitiveness. It includes, among other incentives, a 10 percent
machinery and equipment tax credit, a 10 percent credit of pre-tax profit from the
increase in export
sales, and financial incentives to rural communities in Ohio to develop spec buildings
and industrial parks.
Growth across the state
A survey of select communities around Ohio suggests that the job creation engine
that Ohio developed has indeed reached all corners of the state.
Ried Dulberger, senior vice president for economic development of the Youngstown-Warren
Area Chamber of Commerce sees steady growth for the area. Once the symbol of manufacturing
decline in the Midwest, the Youngstown-Warren area is now seeing approximately 80
percent of its growth in the expansion of existing industries, said Dulberger.
The community also is taking advantage of its proximity to major markets and an
excellent highway system by recruiting major distribution facilities.
In 1996, the area saw the relocation of Kaufmann's National Distribution Center
from the Pittsburgh, Penn., area. At 58,000 square feet, the center represents a
$26 million investment and creates over 400 new jobs. Things Remembered, a national
retail chain, also chose the Youngstown area for its a 280,000 square foot distribution
facility, creating 170 new jobs
and reflecting an $11.6 million investment.
Over the past three years, 18 businesses have relocated to the area, and more
than 1.7 million square feet of space has been built, creating 1,700 new jobs and
$56 million in new investment. Fifty-four expansions over the last three years account
for 2.6 million square
feet under roof, along with 1,700 new jobs and $106.4 million of new investment.
The southeastern part of Ohio has traditionally been the poorest part of the state,
with the least investment and highest unemployment rate. However, Ohio's current
growth mode has included this mostly rural area.
Recently Time magazine named Chillicothe one of the "hot spots"
in the nation for economic growth. Al Hill, director of the Cambridge-Gurnsey County
Community Improvement Corp., reported that there has been significant job growth
over the past 18 months. Expansions include the $7.5 million Lauren-Meteor International
facility, which will produce rubber products for the automobile industry, and Centia-Metalworks,
which produces a metal shingle roofing system.
Ohio's large cities also have seen significant economic growth over the past year.
Jim Kroeger, director of business development for the Cleveland Area Growth Association,
reported that 1996 has been an excellent year for the Cleveland area, with the second
highest growth in jobs and capital investment since 1988. According to Kroeger, expansion
of existing industry contributed to 76 percent of new job growth and 79 percent of
the new capital investment in the Cleveland area. Relocations and expansions totaled
87 projects, including
20 relocations. More than 3,950 jobs were created and $342 million of capital invested.
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