A Chinese journalist recently visited Columbus, and published her experiences in the People's Net daily. Read what she learned and thought about Columbus.

1. chinaarticle4-120522090938-phpapp01.doc
http://world.people.com.cn/GB/57507/17611227.html
Concerted Efforts by All Walks of Life — Fourth Inquiry
into the Economic Phenomena of Columbus, Ohio, USA
● People’s Net journalist to the United Nations Xi Laiwang
April 10, 2012 at 05:13 Source: People’s Net- International Channel Viewing news on cell
phone
An increase in employment and an economic recovery as soon as possible are not only the biggest concerns of
President Obama and the federal government, but also the priorities of various levels of governments of the state of
Ohio. In the Columbus area of Ohio, however, it seems that the government does not take center stage in promoting
economic development, but rather achieves its policy goals by supporting other agencies and mobilizing the forces
of all walks of life.
”Columbus 2020”, a regional economic development organization of Columbus, is a private, nonprofit,
regional economic development agency. It represents 11 counties in the Columbus area of Ohio in pushing local
economic development. Its name, “Columbus 2020”, stems from the prospect that based on established thinking and
with supportive conditions in various aspects, in about 10 years—that is, by 2020—the long-range goals for the
economic development of the Columbus area can achieve an ideal state. This prospect was made by authorities after
conducting studies into fundamentals in the Columbus area and planning for its future economic developments.
Currently, “Columbus 2020” is making progress step-by-step toward these goals and has achieved preliminary and
encouraging results.
“Columbus 2020” mainly serves four major fields: an advanced manufacturing industry, headquarters and business
service function projects, information technology fields, and the logistics industry. Fifty percent of the activity
funding of “Columbus 2020” came from the government and the remainder was raised by the organization itself.
“Columbus 2020” has attracted a group of outstanding professionals [that are] working together. They have
extensive experience in economic development and public relations, and are highly committed and devoted to their
work.
For example, Mr. Kenny McDonald, Chief Economic Affairs Officer, is in charge of all activities related to
economic development and soliciting investments, including the “Columbus 2020” Action Plan. From his personal
experience and background, Mr. McDonald is very good at project site selection, regional economic development,
community marketing, business talent recruiting and international business activities, whereas Ms. Deborah Scherer,
global marketing director, has 15 years of practical experience in global business activities in government and
private sectors, and has served as director of the global market division of the Department of Development in the
State of Ohio Government.
Members of the professional team in charge of economic development in “Columbus 2020” collaborate with various
state and local partners to promote development of the area as well as to enable it to achieve globalization. They aim
to attract investments for the relevant local industries, and also to facilitate local brands going out to the world. The
agency’s desire is to introduce the benefits and conveniences of investments and business operations in Columbus.
Its economic development team connects its client to the needed personnel, information, and other resources, and
uses its resources and social network to facilitate your business activities.
In terms of serving foreign businesses that come to make local investments, the work of “Columbus 2020”
comprises at least the following areas: To help foreign investors find an appropriate company site, allowing them to
boost confidence and adhere to the local customs; labor market analysis and demographic structure analysis;
customized market analysis; provide comprehensive and thorough business information related to the site and

2. chinaarticle4-120522090938-phpapp01.doc
buildings; simplify the incentive policies and preferential measures by the state and local governments; personalized
community and site visits; refer to professional service agencies; and meet with local community and business
leaders, etc.
As of the end of February, 2012, “Columbus 2020” has taken on 39 business projects this year (there were 20
projects in the same period last year), where domestic projects account for 68% and international projects account
for 32%. Also in February, team members of “Columbus 2020” held consultations with relevant parties in Seattle,
Portland and Phoenix, among other places, on issues related to soliciting investors. During this period, an
international project team of members of “Columbus 2020” began to make contacts in New York with partners
related to cooperation with China and India. From March to May, in addition to visiting places like Washington,
New York, Austin, Dallas, San Diego, Houston and Atlanta for events that attract investors, “Columbus 2020” will
also go to Germany and India to conduct international activities.
Mr. Daren P. Maloney, Senior Vice President of Morgan Chase Bank [sic] in Columbus for local foreign
corporate business told this journalist that two points are crucial when studying the development of Columbus: first
is that everyone joins hands, including the finance sector, to revive the economy of the region. All parties are willing
to support the “Columbus 2020”. For example, the Center for Automotive Research at The Ohio State University
has maintained a good collaboration with agencies such as “Columbus 2020”. In addition to companies and
businesses, satisfactory services by financial institutions are also an important guarantee. Second, although the
Columbus area is far away from New York as well as two coasts, it has comprehensive local infrastructures and
facilities, an outstanding business environment, and conveniences in life and low cost of living, where people live
and work in peace under good public order.
In the process of promoting the recovery of the local economy, Jobs Ohio’s contributions cannot be ignored
either. Its president David Mustine told this journalist that Jobs Ohio was founded in July 2011, also as a private
nonprofit corporate organization. Its purpose is to guide jobs creation in Ohio. He said that the organization has
played a rather important role in jobs creation, maintenance of business activities and recruitment of people for new
enterprises in Ohio. In such activities, it has maintained a close relationship with the Department of Economic
Development of the State Government. David Mustine pointed out that its strategies and priorities for 2012 are to
promote nine major industries and four functional areas in Ohio’s economic development. Although it is a private
agency, its leaders are experts in these important industries. They make their voices heard as experts in the field.
Jobs Ohio has established a cooperative network statewide and in the local business communities, to make sure that
its activities will be fruitful.
Due to the strength of the logistics industry in the Columbus area, Columbus Logistics Association has also
been instrumental and works closely with agencies such as “Columbus 2020” and Jobs Ohio. During interviews, this
journalist felt that although large-scale, modern production is highly developed, conventional industries also have
room to push the recovery and development of this regional economy.
At the entrance to busy Short North, this journalist stopped by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. The story of this
micro business is very compelling. After repeated failures of startups, the stubborn Jeni ultimately created her own
brand in 2002 after several years of struggles. By using unique local ingredients with a unique quality, she has
gradually won the favor of local consumers, followed by American consumers in other regions. Now, the store has
not only contributed tax revenue to the local economy, but has also begun to think of a long-range plan to extend
reproduction, promote its brand and even go to the international market.
At Manifold & Phalor Company, this journalist saw a new type of workshop factory. According to its manager
Thomas J. Creek, this factory has developed from a two-person workshop to 30 employees today, with its main
products centered around the conventional machinery industry. It focuses on designs, and manufactures for clients
customized processing. Most of its products are machinery used for mines and large vans. Such products have
different sizes and are not only customized for the United States, but also for other countries. Heavy machinery is
sold locally, and its clients include Honda Motor, Home Duport [sic] and GE. But this journalist learned that the
company does not have a centralized assembly line. Its products do not have uniform specifications, nor does it have
its own brand. Nevertheless, its annual income has reached several million US Dollars. The goal for this year is to
create another 30 jobs.