Ohio’s Business Climate: Take a Tour with 10 International Consultants

Companies from more than 40 countries have investments in Ohio, with Germany, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France having a significant presence. Each year, JobsOhio gathers with our international business development consultants to expose them to Ohio’s regions, key stakeholders, and main assets, but more importantly, to firsthand stories from international companies that have chosen Ohio to conduct their operations. This full immersion, in turn, helps the consultants highlight the state’s value proposition when speaking with businesses looking to establish or grow a presence in the United States. This year’s visit included 10 consultants representing Benelux, the DACH region, France, Italy and the Nordics in Europe and India, Japan, and Taiwan in Asia. The consultants work with the JobsOhio International Business Development team to help global business leaders grow and thrive in Ohio.

The 800-mile trip, carefully designed with the help of JobsOhio’s regional partners, included stops in six regions. The trip highlighted Ohio’s vibrant business climate, which contributed to its CNBC ranking as a top state for business, and the diverse resources that make the state an ideal place to live. The group had the opportunity to visit international businesses throughout the state, including AMG Vanadium (Netherlands), PVS Plastics (Germany), Valfilm (Brazil), Forge Biologics (Japan), and VEGA Americas (Germany), and learn more about what makes Ohio a top state for business. One of the group’s favorite stops was the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, where innovative technology to revolutionize air travel, advance space exploration, and improve life on Earth is developed and tested.

The trip also offered insight into Ohio’s:

Education Infrastructure

Ohio has one of the strongest workforces in the nation and a robust education ecosystem focused on in-demand skills and STEM learning. JobsOhio connects companies with more than 200 colleges, universities, and career technical centers to keep more graduates living and working in Ohio. JobsOhio’s consultants had the opportunity to tour Ohio State University, Ohio University, and the University of Akron. The University of Akron tour included meeting with faculty at the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, which contributes to the region’s designation as a Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

“From my perspective, Ohio stands out as an ideal place for Asian companies, especially those from Taiwan, to grow. The state's strong work ethic and focus on advanced manufacturing and automotive industries align perfectly with the needs of Taiwanese businesses. Ohio offers easy access to the U.S. market, lower operational costs, and top-notch infrastructure, which can significantly enhance the competitiveness of Taiwanese companies. I've also noticed how well-prepared Ohio's workforce is, thanks to its excellent universities and technical schools. With these advantages, Ohio provides both the opportunities and the supportive environment for Taiwanese companies.”

– Josephine Liu, JobsOhio Taiwan Consultant

Healthcare Industry

Ohio’s healthcare industry is committed to embracing innovation and improving care for all. The state’s Innovation Districts, located in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, are anchored by world-class medical and research facilities, leading academic institutions, and private companies. The districts help scale research for the state's most innovative companies, including Amgen, GE Healthcare, Medpace, Pfizer, and more. In Columbus, the consultants met with Eddie Pauline, President of BioOhio.They also visited The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where they toured The James Cancer Hospital withJason Walsh, Senior Director of Business Development.

Quality of Life

When international companies decide to invest in a state, they also consider the welfare of their employees moving to a new place. Outdoor activities are a high priority for employees and their families, and Ohio offers numerous ways to enjoy an active lifestyle. The consultants explored Hocking Hills State Park in Southeast Ohio, where rolling hills encompass the state’s Appalachian region. The nationally recognized park is one of Ohio’s 76 state parks and features some of the most diverse terrain in the state. From towering cliffs to scenic waterfalls, the park has long been a haven for those looking to recharge and reconnect with nature. A summer visit was also the perfect time to experience America’s pastime with a Toledo Mud Hens game in Northwest Ohio. Baseball games are a staple in Ohio throughout the summer, with two Major League Baseball teams, the Cincinnati Red and Cleveland Guardians, and numerous Minor League Baseball teams throughout the state.

“Ohio is full of surprises and opportunities and a place where Benelux companies can thrive, and employees have a good quality of life. Ohio is all about keeping up with the company’s needs, so whether your business needs high-speed internet, abundant water supply, or reliable power, Ohio has it. And with so many top-class universities and technical schools, Ohio’s workforce is like a Swiss Army knife – prepared for anything. If you don’t believe it, you should probably come to see for yourself.”

– Sieb Hoogstra, JobsOhio Benelux Consultant