Zanesville was recently ranked as sixth in the nation as a Micropolitan community by Site Selection Magazine, an internationally circulated business publication covering corporate real estate and economic development.
“This recognition continues to solidify the investments being made in Zanesville and Muskingum County,” said Matt Abbott, executive director of the Zanesville-Muskingum Port Authority.
According to Abbott, AMG Vanadium‘s decision to locate their second facility in Muskingum County played a huge part in this year’s rankings.
“We are excited about their future in our community,” Abbott said.
Each year, the Port Authority submits information on new investment, new projects and job creation to JobsOhio. The information is then compiled and sent to Conway Data to track in comparison to other communities on the national level.
The criteria for inclusion is a minimum investment of $1 million, creation of 20 or more new jobs or 20,000 square feet or more of new space.
Adding to Zanesville’s qualifying projects were job creation
Dollar General, Halliburton, Kenworth, ABB Leasing and 5B’s were also part of the qualifying projects for their job creation and business investment.
“This has all been possible because of the great cooperation with city and county businesses,” Abbott said.
By definition a Micropolitan community has a population of 10,000 to 50,000 and covers at least one county.
Findlay topped the charts as a Micropolitan, followed by Tupelo, Miss., Batavia, N.Y., Jefferson, Ga., Mayfield, Ky., and Cullman, Ala. Zanesville tied with Tiffin for the number six spot.
“Muskingum County, the city of Zanesville and the Port Authority have shared a vision for over 30 years,” said County Commissioner Cindy Cameron. “Advances in infrastructure, creation of business parks and site development have provided us the means for this number six ranking. We will continue to prepare for future economic development opportunities.”
As a whole, Ohio ranked number one in the nation with a total of 448 projects, earning the Governor’s Cup. Following Ohio was Kentucky with 164 projects and Nebraska with 70 projects.
“Logistically, we’re in a great place,” Abbott said. “The workforce is tight but drawing from areas within a 45 minute commute, there is a lot of opportunity here for business development.”
State Representative Adam Holmes, who also serves as the CEO of Frueh Enterprises, agreed.
“Zanesville is located in a strategically important location that will make it a growing business destination in the coming decades,” Holmes said. “Zanesville combines robust, convenient access to rail, air and interstate logistics and is uniquely positioned to support the emerging oil and gas industry growth occurring in southeast Ohio. Zanesville is well prepared to serve as the gateway between Columbus and the expanding Appalachian area business community of the 21st century.”
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