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Tom Hastings Archives - thinkCSC

Mar 10
1

thinkCSC Leadership Series: Columbus Is an Intelligent Place to Do Business

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by Tom Hastings

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I’ve mentioned before how strongly I feel that Ohio is a great place to do business, so it’s really no surprise that – for the third consecutive year –  Columbus has been named as one of the “Top7 Intelligent Communities of 2015” by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). The ICF recognized Columbus for its efforts on several fronts, including:

  • Having the “highest concentration of Fortune 1000 companies in America”
  • The excellent research facilities of Ohio State University (OSU) and Battelle
  • The city’s efforts to tackle the challenges of a higher-than-average low-income population
  • The city’s investment in advanced broadband access
  • The regional economic partnership between Columbus and Dublin (a former Top7 Intelligent Community)

The ICF also recognized the efforts of the Central Ohio Compact in their efforts to make higher education more affordable and accessible, as well as Rev1Ventures (formerly: TechColumbus) for its efforts in fostering business startups. Mayor Coleman was applauded for his efforts to revitalize East Franklinton. All of these efforts have had measurable payoffs, and Columbus has seen a decade of growth in skilled manufacturing.

The selection of the Top7 Intelligent Cities is a 10-month process that begins with nominations of cities around the world. Those nominations are narrowed down to 21 finalist cities, and to reach the top seven cities, those finalists provide detailed data that is analyzed and scored by an independent research firm.

This year’s theme was “The Revolutionary Community.” I find this to be an apt description of Columbus, and one all business leaders can take direction from. We must be flexible, forward-thinking, and willing to embrace the way technology will impact our future growth and economy. Columbus was recognized for “programs aimed at increasing collaboration among government, education, business and institutions.” Increased collaboration and an effort to improve the entire community (not just the bottom line) is something every business leader should add to his or her agenda. In the end, we all benefit from the effort to be better together.

Columbus is now in the running to be named the 2015 Intelligent Community of the Year. The announcement will be made in June at the Intelligent Community Forum’s Annual Summit in Toronto.

Watch the video and learn more about the Top7 Intelligent Communities.

Nov 17
0

Leadership Series: Community Properties of Ohio and CPO Impact

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by Tom Hastings

CPO ImpactCommunity Properties of Ohio  (CPO) was initially formed to manage the Community Properties Initiative in Franklin County, managing a $100-million budget and endeavoring to rehabilitate neighborhoods and provide affordable housing for low-income residents of Franklin County, giving them the opportunity to acquire housing, become more stable, and contribute to the success of the community.

What Is CPO?

Community Properties of Ohio are the property management affiliate of Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH). Working with OCCH, CPO has led the rehab efforts that provide improved residential opportunities in seven urban neighborhoods around The Ohio State University and Near East Side areas. CPO partners with OCCH in a variety of capacities to ensure affordable housing for Columbus and for Franklin County.

How CPO Benefits Columbus: CPO Impact

CPO works to provide affordable housing, but their mission is to “move residents beyond poverty.” To further their goal, CPO created CPO Impact, a nonprofit foundation established to work in partnership with the United Way of Central Ohio and other foundations.

CPO Impact Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the OCCH and CPO. The primary mission of CPO Impact is to develop initiatives that increase the success of CPO residents. Their key objectives include increasing stability and safety, helping residents move beyond poverty, and providing support for CPO resident children.

Why I Believe in Supporting CPO Impact

Having the safety and security of a home is vital – not just for the people in need but for the entire community as a whole. A community is only as strong as its residents, and one of the ways to strengthen a community is to address the challenges facing the most marginalized members. I urge you to do what you can to support the efforts of the CPO and CPO Impact.

To learn more about how to support CPO Impact, visit www.cpoms.org.

 

Aug 19
0

Leadership Series: EO Columbus

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by Tom Hastings

eoI have been a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Columbus chapter since 2004 and have held various positions in the organization, including President. EO helps entrepreneurs achieve their personal and business goals by providing peer-to-peer learning opportunities and experiences as well as connections to experts in every industry. What I admire most about the organization, however, is its focus on encouraging entrepreneurs to be active members of their communities.

What Is EO?

Founded in 1987, EO is a global organization for entrepreneurs, providing support to and connection for individuals who have the desire to not only develop themselves and their businesses but also to become better partners and leaders in their communities. The members of EO are part of a growing global network that supports entrepreneurs and business owners in more than 46 countries through 143 local chapters.

The EO Difference

EO chapters like EO Columbus provide members with local resources to support business growth, including educational events, networking and mentorship. EO also strengthens the global business landscape by partnering with local businesses, thereby encouraging job growth.

They have programs to support upcoming entrepreneurs:

  • The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards program recognizes undergraduate students who own and run businesses while attending a college or university.
  • The Accelerator Program provides business owners with the tools, knowledge and skills to grow their businesses.

Why I Believe in Being a Part of EO

No business can be successful if the community in which the business operates is not also successful. From supporting budding entrepreneurs to encouraging community leadership, EO is an organization designed to help business leaders thrive locally and globally.

To learn more about how to become a member, visit the Columbus chapter of Entrepreneur’s Organization.