While working from London, Vice President of
Economic Development and Community Relations for Duke Energy, Chip Wood talks about how a region with a healthy economic development outlook is not only good for business, but how we all benefit from a thriving city-core.
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SoapBlog 4 - You gotta take a swing to get a hit
Posted By: Chip Wood
6/19/2009
I always get frustrated when my 9 year-old son (and sometimes my
favorite Reds players) strikes out without ever taking a good swing in
baseball. I get the same feeling when companies and communities sit
idly in the dugout while others are out pursuing the business
opportunities that result in long term growth.
While the current economic conditions require companies to scrutinize
every investment, now more than ever, we need to be executing a focused
plan to retain existing companies and position our community for
attraction and expansion opportunities.
Today Neil Hensley and I met with a company based in Ireland. Our
consultant had verified the company was interested in expanding to the
US, but Greater Cincinnati was not on the company's radar as a
potential site for their US manufacturing operations.
Within the first few minutes of the meeting, the company owner asked
very directly why he should open a manufacturing facility in
Cincinnati. We shared a few of the many benefits of our area,
including easy access to his customers and the availability of a
skilled workforce. The company will now be visiting us and I think we
have a good shot at attracting them to our region.
Whether we win or lose this particular opportunity, I'm glad that the
Cincinnati Partnership is at least up at the plate and taking a few
good swings on behalf of our region.