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Columbus 2020 Archives - thinkCSC

Nov 10
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thinkCSC Leadership Series: Columbus Ranks High for Millennials

By | thinkCSC Leadership Series

columbus-898928_640I’ve written before about what a great place Ohio is to do business, and we’re delighted that Columbus was named as one of the top 7 Intelligent Cities of 2015, but as the leader of a business that relies on innovation, the latest accolade for Columbus is truly worth celebrating.

In September 2015, Money named the top five cities for millennials, and once again, Columbus made the cut. Money focused on cities where:

  • Job growth is above average
  • The cost of living (food, rent, and other necessities) is affordable
  • The concentrations of grocery stores, pharmacies, laundromats, and other amenities is high
  • Loads of fun bars, restaurants, and leisure activities are offered

Coming in just behind Austin and Atlanta, Columbus is the only Midwest town to be listed. Also on the list were Tucson and Seattle. More than a fourth of Columbus residents belong to the millennial generation; Money contributes the attraction for this demographic in part to our great parks, sports, food, and public transportation. I would like to think that the draw is also because of the great companies and schools we have in the Columbus area. Downtown Columbus is becoming a tech and creative cluster, with more than 1,800 jobs projected to be added. Ohio University and Columbus State University are working together to provide more affordable education options, which will help more students obtain the higher education they need.

One of the main drivers behind the success of Columbus on all fronts is Columbus 2020. Columbus 2020 is the economic development organization serving the Columbus Region, which encompasses 11 counties. The organization works with state and local partners to achieve economic growth. As Kenny McDonald, Columbus 2020 CEO, explains, “The Columbus region has a diverse, growing economy and population base. Growth is poised to continue due to a young, educated workforce, aggressive economic-development efforts and geographic and institutional advantages.”

thinkCSC is a proud investor in Columbus 2020 and believes in the 2020 initiative. We are committed to the idea that Columbus is the best place to do business and that business owners, entrepreneurs, and millennials will thrive in our city. We appreciate having the opportunity to share our Columbus stories with those businesses considering a move to Columbus. Learn more about Columbus 2020.

May 25
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Columbus 2020: Investing in the Future of Columbus

By | Community Involvement, thinkCSC Leadership Series | No Comments

columbusPublic and private enterprises in the Columbus region are funding a non-profit economic growth initiative known as Columbus 2020. Columbus 2020 organizers are using the combined strengths of these government & business investors to significantly increase per capita income and employment by attracting major employers to the region while retaining and developing existing companies.

Columbus 2020 investors see the value of 2020’s mission and want to help it succeed. The idea is that by bringing more businesses to Columbus, the local economy will grow stronger – everybody wins. The companies involved are putting this investment forward knowing that there is no guarantee that the initiative will succeed, but this is a great symbol of leadership. As a leader, you know what the right thing is to do, you believe in it and you hope it turns out for the best – and the expectations are that it will.

thinkCSC is a proud investor in the 2020 mission, and while Columbus 2020 asks for a five-year commitment, it is not binding. However, an economic development initiative such as this – which is to market Columbus and persuade entrepreneurs of the value of moving or starting their businesses here – it makes sense to invest for the long haul. Such a venture does not happen over night; it takes time.

Columbus has been ranked by Forbes as one of the best places for business and careers. IBM, having closed the deal on the acquisition of Sterling Commerce, is creating approximately 500 high-tech jobs over the next three years. These types of stories are becoming more common, and much of this can be attributed to the efforts of Columbus 2020. New projects are regularly being considered for the Columbus region.

Am I worried that Columbus 2020 will bring in more competition in addition to jobs and prosperity? Of course, I think about remaining competitive. But as a business leader, I know in my heart that if my business and my people are strong, and if our services are relevant, we will realize more in terms of opportunity than we lose with additional competition.

thinkCSC believes in the Columbus 2020 initiative and we appreciate having the opportunity to share our Columbus stories with those businesses considering a move to Columbus. Investing in Columbus 2020 is good for the community and for thinkCSC it is smart business.

Image via: Columbus 2020

Aug 05
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Selflessness Is Strength: Reflections on Leadership

By | Community Involvement | No Comments

by Tom Hastings

cpColonel Eric Kail wrote an excellent article about leadership character in The Washington Post. He says, “Selflessness is all about strength, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Weakness, on the other hand, takes the path of least resistance; and as humans, that means being selfish — wanting all the credit and none of the blame. Real strength is measured by what we enable our followers to accomplish through our service to them.”

To be an effective business leader, one must come from the perspective of helping others play to their strengths. The Columbus Partnership enables us to be such leaders. Three strong pillars support the organization: the Columbus Chamber, TechColumbus and Columbus2020. Each pillar is vital to the health of the Columbus business climate.

The Columbus Chamber looks at the business climate in the Central Ohio region holistically and develops programs to encourage companies to stay in the metro. The Columbus Chamber works well with all the other chambers in the surrounding counties in a cooperative effort to retain businesses. They offer professional development events such as speakers and opportunities for members to learn and grow through networking, trade shows, and other opportunities.

TechColumbus encourages small businesses by arranging funds, or putting them in touch with the opportunity to get investment funds. They are always looking for fresh ideas for professional development. TechColumbus partners qualified people with young entrepreneurs to review business plans and goals. They also have many roundtable discussions with business leaders in town. A unique value proposition and a business plan that has sexy elements to it appeals to the leaders associated with TechColumbus.

Columbus2020! is the newest initiative in the Columbus Partnership. Columbus2020!’s focus is to attract business to Columbus from throughout the country and the world. Their staffers travel extensively talking about how great Columbus is as a business location. Over 200 companies are considering relocating here since Columbus2020! started. They do a great job of getting the news out and telling our story. CSC is proud to be an investor with Columbus2020! They have about 160 investors in Columbus2020! ranging from small investors to big companies that cut checks for $100,000.00. Community involvement through Columbus2020! is a win-win all the way around.

Our goal at CSC, partly working through The Columbus Partnership, is to serve our fellow business owners. If I am giving my people all the access, tools & encouragement that they need to succeed, I am being an effective leader. We are excited about the current and future possibilities in Columbus. We invite you to join us!