Columbus Chamber Blog: Information about economic development, economic and business trends, Columbus workforce, programs, events and the Chamber of Commerce in and around Columbus, OH

Tell Your Story, Columbus

We have a strong story. It's unique. And it's authentic. When we all tell the Columbus story together, it becomes incredibly powerful.

As our nation faces unprecedented economic challenges, the Columbus region has an opportunity to stand out. There's no doubt we feel the recent economic effects here, but we are more stable and strong than most. And that means it's more important than ever to tell our story - and it's equally important that we tell it together.

So Columbus, tell us your story. Tell us in the comments section below why you do business here, why it's a great place to live, work and play. Those stories will become a powerful, unified voice for us to market our region. Please also tell us how we can help you, as a business leader in our community, to be more successful. We're here, your Chamber, to help you succeed today and in the future.

Want to share your story on video? Upload your 1-3 minute video at www.columbus.org/tellyourstory.

Learn More About The Greater Columbus Area

Greater Columbus is a thriving metropolitan area of 1.75 million people (Columbus is the 15th largest city in the U.S.) at the heart of the largest concentration of population and economic activity in North America.

Already the second-fastest growing major metropolitan area in the Midwest, the entire community is seizing new opportunities to propel Greater Columbus into the ranks of the nation's most innovative, attractive and business-friendly communities. At the core of these efforts is the region's leading business organization, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

Read more about Columbus's recent success here:
MarketWatch.com Report Lists Columbus as the 7th Best City for Business

Columbus Region Quick Facts:

• Eight-county region
• 28 cities and villages with 4,000+ population
• Metropolitan area spans 4,000 square miles
• 1.75 million people in the region, the greatest concentration is in Franklin County where 1.1 million people reside
• Annual growth of 1.1%
• Second-fastest major metropolitan statistical area (MSA) growth in the Midwest
• Driving Ohio’s population growth*
• 20 colleges and universities
• 110,000 college students
• Home to 15 Fortune 1,000 headquarters

City of Columbus Quick Facts:

• State capital
• Largest Ohio city (733,203)
• 15th largest city in the U.S.

*Ohio's population growth since 2000

Columbus Moves into Top 10 Best Cities for Business

MarketWatch recently announced their top picks for the best cities for business. Both Dallas and Columbus moved into the top 10.

As a resident of the city, I was excited to see Columbus, Ohio ranked 7th this year.

MarketWatch mentioned Columbus being the home of the Ohio State University, Limited Brands and Big Lots Inc. As well as the addition of the financial firms Diamond Hill Investment Group and ProCentury Corp.

This is what else they had to say about Columbus.

Join The Columbus Chamber Today

Member Value
Our mission is to lead and support economic growth and development in the Columbus Region.  That means we work to attract new businesses into our Region; retain and expand businesses; and cultivate startups. We work to connect small, medium and large corporate businesses with people, resources and information - all to help businesses grow and expand.   

 What does that mean for you?

• Leveraging our Contacts to Contracts Program to connect to larger businesses and corporations to keep dollars in the Columbus Region;
• Participating in our Attract & Retain Talent initiative designed to build and maintain a workforce in our Region that meets business needs;
• Leveraging the Chamber’s advertising and event sponsorship opportunities to increase the visibility of your business;
• Networking events designed to provide your business the opportunity to meet your next customer or supplier.
• Connecting with public sector officials to voice your opinion and concerns while the Chamber advocates on behalf of all members for a business friendly environment;
• Utilizing our cost savings programs such as workers compensation (Gates McDonald), healthcare (Anthem), or office supplies (Office Depot), to name a few.

Columbus Region Workforce

The Columbus Region is home to 20 colleges and universities in the Columbus region with a total enrollment of 110,000 students and  20,000 annual graduates. With nearly 1 million potential employees in the Columbus Region, a median age of 34.9  and a Midwest work ethic - we're young educated and dedicated. Columbus has job training incentives and training providers that support business. Our productivity is characterized by low (15.3%) manufacturing unionization and high ($175,108.00) value-added. With a great quality of life, competitive wage rates and growth of labor-shed that outpaces the nation, the Columbus Region is a great place to do business.

Read more about Columbus, Ohio's quality of life.