2021
Q2
QUARTERLY REPORT
FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
July 9, 2021
Dear Columbus Partnership Members, We have seen great momentum this quarter, as Columbus continues to emerge from the pandemic. Our economic development pipeline is more robust than ever; Smart Columbus has an evolved focus to leverage technology for community good; our community and membership have advanced meaningful work in diversity, equity and inclusion; and cranes dot the sky all over the Columbus Region. I am very optimistic about our future, while I also recognize the challenges our community faces. To achieve the vision to become the most prosperous region in the U.S. will not occur without staying aggressive, focused and creative. The second half of 2021 is a critical period of time as we accelerate the Partnership’s work into the future. We are grateful for your continued engagement.
Alex R. Fischer President and CEO
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Membership and Engagement .........................04 Economic Development ......................................06 Smart Columbus .................................................... 08 Public Policy ............................................................ 10 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion .............................12 Member Roster .........................................................14 Our Team ....................................................................16
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MEMBERSHIP & ENGAGEMENT ALL-MEMBER MEETINGS AND EVENTS SAVE THE DATES AUGUST 26 | 4-7 PM New Member Orientation (open to all members) SEPTEMBER 22 | 3-7 PM A Critical Conversation about Race Rooted in the Work of Aminah Robinson OCTOBER 14-15 Leadership Retreat at Harvard DECEMBER 9 | 6-9 PM Holiday Party
June 1 Member Meeting Our virtual member meeting highlighted the ongoing developments that are happening around the Region, the vision going forward for Smart Columbus and a special conversation with Dan Doctoroff, chairman and CEO of Sidewalk Labs on the future of cities and work. June 29 Columbus Crew Reception and Lower.com Field Preview The first in-person gathering since early 2020 was a special one, as members and their guests had the opportunity to tour the Columbus Crew’s new downtown stadium, Lower.com Field.
NEW MEMBERS We welcomed four members to the Columbus Partnership this spring:
Ralph Andretta Alliance Data
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Brad Campbell The Dispatch Printing Co.
Bob Nelson Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC
Roger Rawlins Designer Brands Inc.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT YALP 2020-2021 June marked the sixth year that 10 Columbus leaders participated in Harvard’s signature Young American Leaders Program (YALP). The program that typically takes place on Harvard’s campus was held virtually this year after being postponed in 2020. With Doug Kridler and The Columbus Foundation, the Partnership created a hybrid immersive experience for the cohort at the Smart Columbus Experience Center, which included Harvard curriculum supplemented by local programming and engagement with Columbus YALP alumni. Partnership member Traci Martinez was selected as a participant in this year’s cohort.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT YTD RESULTS
32
$1.22B
3,202
$205M
EXPANSIONS AND NEW LOCATIONS
JOBS COMMITTED
INVESTMENT
NEW PAYROLL CREATED
MAC CONWAY AWARD One Columbus was named a recipient of the 2021 Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development for the fourth consecutive year. The annual award recognizes the top 20 economic development groups in the nation and is granted by Site Selection Magazine.
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Q2 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Amgen
Path Robotics
Bold Penguin
Midwest Molding
Palmer-Donavin
Chiyoda Integre
Transcendia
Nuvik
Amgen, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, plans to invest $365 million to build a new manufacturing facility in New Albany, creating 400 new jobs upon opening. The facility will feature Amgen’s most advanced assembly and final product packaging capabilities for medicines to be distributed in the U.S.
Palmer-Donavin, a Columbus, Ohio-based leader in building material distribution and door fabrication, has announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Union Township, Ohio, investing $800,000 and creating 20 new jobs.
Path Robotics, a Columbusbased artificial intelligence (AI) robotics company producing the world’s first truly autonomous robotic manufacturing system, plans to expand its headquarters in Columbus, creating 140 new jobs.
Chiyoda Integre Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based global parts supplier for industries ranging from automotive to telecommunications, plans to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Lancaster, investing $1 million and creating 15 new jobs over the next three years.
Bold Penguin, a Columbus, Ohio-based high-growth insurtech company changing the way small businesses obtain insurance, is expanding its workforce, creating 162 new jobs, which more than doubles the company’s workforce to 240 full-time employees.
Transcendia, a leader in manufacturing and converting specialty films, is planning a substantial investment to expand its Union Township manufacturing facility that will create 36 new jobs in the local community.
Midwest Molding, Inc., an ISO 9001 certified plastic injection molding company, announced plans to expand its presence in Jerome Township, Union County, creating 55 new jobs.
Nuvik USA, Inc., the manufacturer of Crocodile Cloth® industrial-strength disposable cleaning cloths, plans to expand operations at its Gahanna facility, creating 43 new jobs and investing $1.2 million.
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SMART COLUMBUS LAUNCHING SMART COLUMBUS 2.0 In mid-June, Smart Columbus announced the closing of the first chapter in Columbus’ smart city journey with the conclusion of the Smart City Challenge. Through this opportunity, Columbus deployed the most comprehensive portfolio of emerging mobility technologies of any city in five years, showing how safer, cleaner and more equitable transportation options can create opportunity for residents and prepare the region for the future. With the support of the City of Columbus and Partnership members, Smart Columbus will be sustained as an agile, collaborative innovation lab that benefits our community by anticipating and advancing what is new and next at the intersection of technology and community good. In doing so, Smart Columbus will: Help solve complex societal problems and respond to disruption, while simultaneously enabling job creation and economic opportunity. Advance perspectives on the future of cities, and inspire future change by telling the story of equitydriven innovation that’s happening in our region. Foster an ecosystem of partnerships motivated by, invested in, and taking action on the belief that we can use technology to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country. Collaboration and commitments by the public and private sectors will amplify impact. Deliver impact by deploying human-centered, technology-enabled solutions co-created with the community. Technology deployments will seek to help Columbus embrace and seamlessly integrate technology into the fabric of our city, enabling greater responsiveness to the needs of our city and our residents while prioritizing climate, prosperity and equity.
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Projects currently are focused in the areas of mobility to ensure Columbus continues to lead in this area, sustainability to accelerate adoption of climate technologies to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and digitalization to inclusively modernize the resident experience.
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PUBLIC POLICY
The Partnership has undertaken work on federal and local policy issues including the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, member-directed spending, U.S. Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, RAISE discretionary grants, the bipartisan infrastructure proposal and municipal income tax discussions. In addition, Partnership advocacy efforts during the second quarter were focused on the finalization of the state operating budget. Governor DeWine signed the two-year, $74 billion budget on June 30. The Columbus Partnership advocated on a number of items in the budget:
MEGAPROJECT LEGISLATION Megaprojects can now be authorized for important tax incentives that are necessary to compete with other states. A megaproject is an economic development project that either includes $1 billion in capital investment or $75 million in payroll. Throughout the legislative process, the Partnership advocated for the megaproject language, which was added to the budget during the conference committee.
CAPITAL GAINS INCOME TAX DEDUCTION Throughout the past year, the Partnership has been advocating for a venture capital gains income tax deduction in order to attract the workforce needed for Ohio to thrive. The Senate had removed the language regarding capital gains that the House passed, but the final version of the budget included the venture capital gains income tax deduction. 10
BROADBAND The Ohio Senate’s version of the budget stripped funding completely for broadband access and expansion. However, the language barring government-supported broadband networks was removed from the final version of the budget, and instead $250 million will be invested in broadband - $60 million more than the proposed House version of the budget. The Columbus Partnership weighed in significantly on both the overall funding allocation as well as the removal of the original language.
MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX The final budget extends the ability for an employer to consider employees’ income as earned at their physical worksite through the duration of 2021, as well as finalized language that addresses employer liability and the requirements for refund documentation. The Partnership joined other business groups, including the Ohio Chamber and Ohio Business Roundtable, in advocacy for this language.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING The proposed change included in the Ohio Senate substitute version of the budget would require that affordable housing projects be evaluated at full market value, despite federally imposed rent and income eligibility restrictions. This would jeopardize the ability to use low income housing tax credits to address the affordable workforce housing shortage across Ohio. The Partnership advocated against this proposal, which was eventually replaced with a provision that creates the Federally Subsidized Housing Study Committee to make recommendations about the valuation process of federally subsidized residential rental property.
STEP UP TO QUALITY The Senate version of the budget eliminated Step Up to Quality provisions that require childcare programs receive at least a one-star designation, along with the goal that all programs receive at least three stars by 2025. Rather than removing the provisions entirely, a study committee was formed to review the Step Up to Quality program and its requirements. The Partnership joined community leaders in advocating for Step Up to Quality.
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION WORKGROUP UPDATES INDIVIDUAL AWARENESS & EDUCATION The Individual Awareness and Education DEI workgroup, focused on furthering our understanding of the impacts of racism on society, recently concluded programming with Dr. Robert Livingston. Partnership members along with leaders from within their organizations participated in a three-part series focused on the concepts in Dr. Livingston’s book, The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations. The sessions with Dr. Livingston engaged more than 200 participants - an incredible display of commitment from Partnership organizations.
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ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT The Organizational Commitment DEI workgroup, focused on what we must do within our own organizations to drive change, is in the process of understanding where Partnership organizations sit today on the broad spectrum of DEIfocused activity. Partnership members were asked to complete a survey, which will allow the Organizational Commitment workgroup to understand the baseline of DEI-focused activity that exists within the membership. Data collected will be used to help build a framework of recommendations to enact or change within Partnership organizations. Recommendations will be available this fall.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS The Community Partnerships DEI workgroup, focused on identifying where the Partnership should align with existing efforts, has been meeting with equity-focused organizations. Groups met so far include the African American Leadership Academy, Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce, Equity Now Coalition, National Center for Urban Solutions and Rise Together Innovation Center. Additionally, workgroup members meet monthly with the Rise Together Innovation Center board leaders to ensure ongoing connectivity and to identify future areas of potential support and partnership. Partnership members were asked to consider participating in Ready2Earn, a comprehensive summer work readiness training and work experience program for youth ages 16-18, offered by Franklin County and the Columbus Urban League. Eight Partnership members and 12 One Columbus investors pursued interest in serving as worksites.
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MEMBER ROSTER Jane Grote Abell CPO & Executive Chairwoman of the Board Donatos Pizzeria, LLC
Bradley L. Campbell Chairman, President and CEO The Dispatch Printing Co.
James Hagedorn Chairman & CEO The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.
Kristina M. Johnson. Ph.D. President The Ohio State University
Nicholas K. Akins** Chairman, President & CEO American Electric Power
Melanie E. Corn, Ed.D. President Columbus College of Art & Design
Joseph G. Hamrock, Jr. President & CEO NiSource, Inc.
Mark S. Johnson Managing Partner Deloitte LLP
John Ammendola President & CEO Grange Insurance
Tanny Crane President & CEO Crane Group Co.
David T. Harrison, Ph.D. President Columbus State Community College
Brett L. Kaufman CEO Kaufman Development
Ralph J. Andretta President and CEO Alliance Data
Brent D. Crawford Principal Crawford Hoying
Dee B. Haslam Owner-Operator Columbus Crew
Chad M. Delligatti CEO InnoSource
Frances B. Henry Regional President Fifth Third Bank - Central Ohio
Mary E. Auch Regional President PNC Bank, Columbus D. Scott Barbour President & CEO Advanced Drainage Systems Roger M. Bird Senior Vice President, U.S. Nutrition Abbott Nutrition Heather E. Brilliant President & CEO Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. Corrine M. Burger Managing Director JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Mark S. Cain President and CEO The Smoot Construction Co. 14and The Smoot Corp.
Sandra C. Doyle-Ahern, MEn President EMH&T
Michael C. Kaufmann** CEO Cardinal Health, Inc. Elizabeth P. Kessler, Esq. Partner-in-Charge Jones Day
David B. Holladay President CoverMyMeds
John W. Kessler** Co-Founder & Chairman The New Albany Company
Jeffrey W. Edwards Chairman, CEO & President Installed Building Products and Edwards Companies
Fran Horowitz CEO Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Nancy J. Kramer** Chief Evangelist IBM iX
Thomas M. Feeney President & CEO Safelite® Group
Mark S. Howard Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer Nationwide
Douglas F. Kridler President & CEO The Columbus Foundation
John B. Gerlach, Jr. Chairman & CEO Lancaster Colony Corp.
Lisa K. Ingram President & CEO White Castle System, Inc.
Mark D. Kvamme** Co-Founder & Partner Drive Capital
Manuel Guzman President CAS
Adam M. Johnson Chairman & CEO NetJets®
Richard S. Langdale Managing Partner NCT Ventures
As of July 2021 **Asterisks indicate Governing Board members
Michael E. LaRocco President & CEO State Auto Insurance Co. Lorraine L. Lutton President & CEO Mount Carmel Health System Stephen E. Markovich, M.D. President & CEO OhioHealth Traci L. Martinez, Esq. Office Managing Partner Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP
Joseph R. Nardone President & CEO Columbus Regional Airport Authority Robert D. Nelson Executive Vice President Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC Jack W. Nicklaus Founder and Co-Chair Nicklaus Companies Jack W. Nicklaus II Vice Chairman Nicklaus Companies
Michael D. Martz, Esq. Managing Partner Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Thomas J. Obrokta, Jr. President & CEO Encova Insurance
Thomas B. McLean (Brad) President AT&T Ohio
Harold L. Paz, M.D. Executive Vice President & Chancellor for Health Affairs The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
James T. Merkel Founder & CEO Rockbridge Holdings David R. Meuse Senior Advisor Stonehenge Partners, Inc. M. Cameron Mitchell Founder & CEO Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Curtis J. Moody Chairman of the Board MOODY•NOLAN
Joel S. Pizzuti President The Pizzuti Companies Jonathan H. Price CEO CBC Companies Roger L. Rawlins Chief Executive Officer Designer Brands Inc. Timothy C. Robinson CEO Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Craig A. Rogerson Chairman, President & CEO Hexion Inc.
Lewis F. Von Thaer** President & CEO Battelle
Matthew A. Scantland Founder & Principal TwoFold Ventures
Kirt A. Walker** CEO Nationwide
Jay L. Schottenstein Chairman & CEO Scottenstein Stores Corp.
Peter G. Watson President & CEO Greif, Inc.
Robert H. Schottenstein Chairman & CEO M/I Homes, Inc.
Adam S. Weinberg, Ph.D. President Denison University
Alex Shumate, Esq.** Senior Partner - Ohio Strategic Relationship Partner Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP
Abigail S. Wexner CEO Whitebarn Associates
Stephen D. Steinour** Chairman, President & CEO Huntington Bancshares Inc. Bruce K. Thorn President & CEO Big Lots, Inc. Alex E. Timm Co-Founder & CEO Root Insurance Co. Douglas E. Ulman President & CEO Pelotonia Daniel M. Valerio Office Managing Partner Ernst & Young LLP
Leslie H. Wexner** Chairman Emeritus L Brands, Inc. Scott L. White President & CEO IGS Energy Kimberly K. Zavislak Office Managing Partner KPMG LLP To be named: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
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OUR TEAM COLUMBUS PARTNERSHIP Irene Alvarez Vice President, Engagement, Marketing and Communications ia@columbuspartnership.com Robbie Banks Program Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion rb@columbuspartnership.com Gerard Basalla Associate Director, Public Policy gb@columbuspartnership.com Alex Fischer President and CEO arf@columbuspartnership.com Sean Grant Chief Administrative Officer sg@columbuspartnership.com Tara Griffin Staff Accountant tg@columbusregion.com Megan Hurley Director, Engagement and Programming mh@columbuspartnership.com Zach McGuire Director, Smart Columbus Energy zm@columbuspartnership.com Gideon Okonrende Loaned Executive, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion go@columbuspartnership.com Mark Patton Vice President, New Business Ventures mp@columbuspartnership.com Jeff Polesovsky Vice President, Public Policy jp@columbuspartnership.com
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Savannah Ranz Engagement Coordinator sbr@columbuspartnership.com
Jay Knox Research Manager jkk@columbusregion.com
Susan Rutherford Director, Benefits and Administration slr@columbuspartnership.com
Shelly Ma Economic Development Data Analyst sm@columbusregion.com
Terry Trissell Executive Assistant to the President and CEO tt@columbuspartnership.com
Matt McCollister Senior Vice President, Economic Development mm@columbusregion.com
ONE COLUMBUS
Kenny McDonald President & Chief Economic Officer km@columbusregion.com
Justin Bickle Managing Director, Client Services and Project Management jb@columbusregion.com
Matt McQuade Managing Director, Business Development mmq@columbusregion.com
Stephen Cone Economic Development Coordinator sc@columbusregion.com
Tammy Palasique Workforce Development Specialist tp@columbusregion.com
Logan Dawson Project Manager ld@columbusregion.com
Jackie Pervan Executive Assistant to the President and CEO jp@columbusregion.com
Juliet Hall Research Analyst jh@columbusregion.com
Jennifer Randall Senior Staff Accountant jr@columbusregion.com
Amy Harman Director, Marketing and Communications ah@columbusregion.com
Deborah Scherer Managing Director, Global Trade and Investment ds@columbusregion.com
Chip Holcombe Managing Director, Investor Relations ch@columbusregion.com
Tom Stipkovich Project Manager ts@columbusregion.com
Jung Kim Managing Director, Research and Business Intelligence jk@columbusregion.com
David White Director, Workforce and Talent Solutions dw@columbusregion.com Haley Young Administrative Specialist hy@columbusregion.com
SMART COLUMBUS Jordan Davis Executive Director jld@columbuspartnership.com Mackenzie King Director, Innovation Initiatives mk@columbuspartnership.com Alex Slaymaker Head of Programs for Sustainability Initiatives as@columbuspartnership.com
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