Local leaders are hoping a new website will help persuade companies to bring their business to Central Ohio.
Launched earlier this month, ColumbusRegion.com touts the area’s optimal geographic location, quality workforce, and economic diversity.
ColumbusRegion.com is “a one-stop business resource guide with regional content, including maps, demographic info, economic sector statistics, workforce statistics, city and county information, site incentives, tax information, and more− anything and everything for people to decide the Columbus region is where they want to do business,” says Allison Thomas, marketing director for Columbus2020, which developed the website.
One of the website’s key elements is a report builder that allows visitors to compile information about the local population, workforce, , real estate, employment, taxes, cost of living, and other factors that contribute to economic development. The reports are fully customizable and can be populated according to selected criteria.
ColumbusRegion.com is helpful to multiple audiences, she says.
“Site consultants and CEOs –audiences who select communities in which a business will locate– are key targets,” she adds. “The information contained on the site is also useful to local businesses.”
ColumbusRegion.com features branding and messaging developed by Fahlgren as part of the new Columbus Imaging Campaign; digital agency Dynamit designed the website.
Thomas says feedback has been outstanding.
“We tapped into our regional partners for their reaction and ideas, which guided some adjustments,” she says. “Overall, the comments are extremely positive and they are impressed by the tools.”
One “national professional” said it’s one of the best websites they’ve seen, she adds.
Columbus2020 will monitor use and navigation and make adjustments as needed.
“In addition to the resources on ColumbusRegion.com, our team of economic development experts is here to connect businesses with the people, information, resources, and services they need,” she says. “We want to help them call the Columbus region home.”