For its second consecutive year, Toledo was ranked as third in the nation among mid-sized cities for economic development, receiving a 2018 Governor's Cup Award from Site Selection Magazine.
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz received the acknowledgement Monday at the National Museum of the Great Lakes, and was joined by economic development leaders from Fremont, Tiffin, Defiance, and Bucyrus.
The national magazine recognized the city for its economic development projects, which included Credit Adjustments Inc., Topia Production America, and Hometown Foods.
Site Selection also awarded Findlay as its top ranked micropolitan community — cities with between 10,000 and 50,000 residents.
Mr. Kapszukiewicz said the recognition is a major victory for residents.
“I think it’s a indication that Toledo is on the comeback — that things are getting better in Toledo and people are starting to take notice,” Mr. Kapszukiewicz said. “It would’ve been one thing if, coincidentally, Toledo ranked well one year, but now to do it year after year shows that there’s a momentum gathering that can’t be ignored and I think the citizens of Toledo should take pride in that.”
The mayor attributed part of the city’s success to its partners, including Regional Growth Partnership, Lucas County, JobsOhio, and the business community.
Dean Monske, president and CEO of Regional Growth Partnership, said the recognition is honorable because it sets the region on the “short list of large projects” that large companies are considering.
“It means a great deal to the entire region because of who it comes from,” Mr. Monske said. “Site Selection Magazine has truly been the bible of the economic development and corporate site selection world for 65 years.”
Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak said she is proud to achieve such a recognition for two consecutive years.
“I think you can now say that the area is trending in the right direction and that we’re showing that we have workers ready for business that want to grow and develop,” Mrs. Wozniak said.
Award recipients include Crawford Partnership for economic development, Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation, Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, Defiance County Economic Development, and Lucas County Commissioners.
The top two metro areas ahead of Toledo were Omaha/Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Des Moines/West Des Moines, Iowa.
First Published March 5, 2019, 1:10 a.m.
