This could go in the Akron-Canton thread, or in the Youngstown-Warren thread. So the Ohio thread wins.....

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/ge-plans-to-close-ravenna-plant-1.369621

Some good press on Ohio's three Cs...

 

 

Cities’ hearts beating strong in Ohio’s three C’s

 

Euclid Avenue was the spark in Cleveland, as a bus rapid-transit system ignited development along the important Downtown artery once lined with so many mansions it was known as Millionaires’ Row.

 

The rebirth of downtown Cincinnati started with Fountain Square and in Over-the-Rhine, a historic neighborhood filled with stately but crumbling homes.

 

In Columbus, the Arena District rose on the blighted site of a long-closed prison. This started a wave of development that has spread south, to the river and the land formerly occupied by the failed City Center mall.

 

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2013/02/04/cities-hearts-beating-strong.html

 

ALEC LAFFER STATE ECONOMIC COMPETITIVE INDEX

 

http://alec.org/docs/RSPS-6th-Edition

 

A good read. Basically, a prediction on how the states will perform in the near future. Ohio is at #26 from #49

 

Definitely right leaning but interesting nonetheless.

ALEC? The next thing you know we'll be quoting the Nazi Party. These scumbags are the devil with friendly smiles and nice clothing.

Let's see... Of the top 10 most undervalued housing maarkets, four are in Ohio and four more are in Florida. The other two are Detroit and Hartford....

 

http://trends.truliablog.com/2013/11/bubble-watch-nov-2013/

Way to go Johnny...

 

@opinfo Ohio lost 12,000 jobs to lead USA http://t.co/xCd9tTMF6f  #Ohio led USA in job loss. http://t.co/AWhuxyI2Zy

Midwest Shut out of drone testing

 

http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/news/local/midwest-shunned-in-drone-site-decision/ncYLR/

Ohio: Tesla restrictions in progress?

 

http://www.valuewalk.com/2014/03/tesla-motors-inc-tsla-now-banned-in-5-states/

Ohio: Tesla restrictions in progress?

 

http://www.valuewalk.com/2014/03/tesla-motors-inc-tsla-now-banned-in-5-states/

 

That article is pretty old. Legislation passed over the spring limiting Tesla to just 3 stores in the entire state. Cleared the Senate in April, the house in May.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2014/05/tesla_bill_clears_ohio_house.html

 

Tesla bill clears House, would allow 3 stores in Ohio

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill allowing Tesla Motors to sell its electric cars at up to three Ohio locations passed the House on Wednesday, sending the bill to Gov. John Kasich's desk.

 

Kasich is expected to sign Senate Bill 260, which prohibits car manufacturers other than Tesla from obtaining dealer licenses. Tesla already has two licenses to operate its stores in Cincinnati and Columbus.

 

The bill originally kept Tesla from expanding beyond those two stores. But Tesla and the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association, which requested the legislation, reached a compromise allowing Tesla to open a third store, likely in Northeast Ohio.

Those rascally Republicans picking winners and losers with their regulations.

 

http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=130_SB_260

Those rascally Republicans picking winners and losers with their regulations.

 

http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=130_SB_260

 

Freedom isn't free....what hypocrisy.

^ No kidding. Completely arbitrary rules to support the current dealer model. I'm surprised it doesn't just say "FU Tesla" in there.

 

(a) Owning, operating, or controlling not more than three licensed motor vehicle dealerships if, as of January 1, 2014, the manufacturer was selling or otherwise distributing its motor vehicles at an established place of business in this state. Such ownership, operation, or control may continue unless the manufacturer's motor vehicle operations are sold or acquired or the manufacturer produces any motor vehicles other than all-electric motor vehicles.

It's amazing how much clout auto dealers and liquor/wine/beer distributors have, even among the "free market" party.

Even worse than Tesla, though, is the fate of any hypothetical future Tesla competitor.  At least Tesla got up and running fast enough to have enough clout to secure three stores in the state through a loophole designed just for Tesla.  What if there were a future electric car maker looking to beat Tesla at its own game?  Doesn't seem likely right now but very few corporations dominate their industry for decades.

What about this company outside of Akron. Looks like they're updating they're product line from 3 wheels to 4 wheels. 

http://www.myersmotors.com

 

Maybe this is a totally different sales model.

Giant Eagle closing all eight Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four in Ohio

 

Citing "numerous business and economic factors," Giant Eagle Inc. is closing all eight of its Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four stores in Northeast Ohio -- at the end of business on March 26.

 

The Ohio locations are in:

 

1.) Eastlake, at 34700 Vine St.

2.) Ravenna, at 832 West Main St.

3.) Brooklyn, at 4798 Ridge Road, and

4.) Parma, at 8201 Day Drive.

 

The stores collectively employ about 125 workers in Northeast Ohio. Giant Eagle said it is "working diligently to identify open positions at other area Giant Eagle Inc. locations for those interested in continuing employment."

 

Stores will remain open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until they close March 26.

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/giant_eagle_closing_all_eight_good_cents_grocery_more_stores_--_including_four_in_ohio.html#incart_river

Giant Eagle closing all eight Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four in Ohio

 

Citing "numerous business and economic factors," Giant Eagle Inc. is closing all eight of its Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four stores in Northeast Ohio -- at the end of business on March 26.

 

The Ohio locations are in:

 

1.) Eastlake, at 34700 Vine St.

2.) Ravenna, at 832 West Main St.

3.) Brooklyn, at 4798 Ridge Road, and

4.) Parma, at 8201 Day Drive.

 

The stores collectively employ about 125 workers in Northeast Ohio. Giant Eagle said it is "working diligently to identify open positions at other area Giant Eagle Inc. locations for those interested in continuing employment."

 

Stores will remain open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until they close March 26.

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/giant_eagle_closing_all_eight_good_cents_grocery_more_stores_--_including_four_in_ohio.html#incart_river

 

I feel bad for the employees.  Maybe Giant Eagle will actually put them to work as cashiers in the bigger stores instead of making their customers do the work for them....

Giant Eagle closing all eight Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four in Ohio

 

Citing "numerous business and economic factors," Giant Eagle Inc. is closing all eight of its Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four stores in Northeast Ohio -- at the end of business on March 26.

 

The Ohio locations are in:

 

1.) Eastlake, at 34700 Vine St.

2.) Ravenna, at 832 West Main St.

3.) Brooklyn, at 4798 Ridge Road, and

4.) Parma, at 8201 Day Drive.

 

The stores collectively employ about 125 workers in Northeast Ohio. Giant Eagle said it is "working diligently to identify open positions at other area Giant Eagle Inc. locations for those interested in continuing employment."

 

Stores will remain open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until they close March 26.

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/giant_eagle_closing_all_eight_good_cents_grocery_more_stores_--_including_four_in_ohio.html#incart_river

 

I feel bad for the employees.  Maybe Giant Eagle will actually put them to work as cashiers in the bigger stores instead of making their customers do the work for them....

 

Good grief.  Someone else complaining about self-checkout? I've see that complaint from a few people on UO and it always makes me laugh. I prefer self-checkout if I only have a few things.  It's faster. If I have a lot, I go to a cashier. It's really simple: if you don't want to self-check, then don't. And stop complaining about it here

Giant Eagle closing all eight Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four in Ohio

 

Citing "numerous business and economic factors," Giant Eagle Inc. is closing all eight of its Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four stores in Northeast Ohio -- at the end of business on March 26.

 

The Ohio locations are in:

 

1.) Eastlake, at 34700 Vine St.

2.) Ravenna, at 832 West Main St.

3.) Brooklyn, at 4798 Ridge Road, and

4.) Parma, at 8201 Day Drive.

 

The stores collectively employ about 125 workers in Northeast Ohio. Giant Eagle said it is "working diligently to identify open positions at other area Giant Eagle Inc. locations for those interested in continuing employment."

 

Stores will remain open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until they close March 26.

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/giant_eagle_closing_all_eight_good_cents_grocery_more_stores_--_including_four_in_ohio.html#incart_river

 

I feel bad for the employees.  Maybe Giant Eagle will actually put them to work as cashiers in the bigger stores instead of making their customers do the work for them....

 

Good grief.  Someone else complaining about self-checkout? I've see that complaint from a few people on UO and it always makes me laugh. I prefer self-checkout if I only have a few things.  It's faster. If I have a lot, I go to a cashier. It's really simple: if you don't want to self-check, then don't. And stop complaining about it here

 

No.

 

I'd prefer it done right, but the Pittsburgh store does it completely wrong.  They try to push towards it and it's the only thing available during some slow hours, you have to have a "loyalty card", the things can be temperamental, and someone needs to "verify" your receipt.  There is really no benefit to the customer.

Giant Eagle closing all eight Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four in Ohio

 

Citing "numerous business and economic factors," Giant Eagle Inc. is closing all eight of its Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four stores in Northeast Ohio -- at the end of business on March 26.

 

The Ohio locations are in:

 

1.) Eastlake, at 34700 Vine St.

2.) Ravenna, at 832 West Main St.

3.) Brooklyn, at 4798 Ridge Road, and

4.) Parma, at 8201 Day Drive.

 

The stores collectively employ about 125 workers in Northeast Ohio. Giant Eagle said it is "working diligently to identify open positions at other area Giant Eagle Inc. locations for those interested in continuing employment."

 

Stores will remain open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until they close March 26.

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/giant_eagle_closing_all_eight_good_cents_grocery_more_stores_--_including_four_in_ohio.html#incart_river

 

I feel bad for the employees.  Maybe Giant Eagle will actually put them to work as cashiers in the bigger stores instead of making their customers do the work for them....

 

Good grief.  Someone else complaining about self-checkout? I've see that complaint from a few people on UO and it always makes me laugh. I prefer self-checkout if I only have a few things.  It's faster. If I have a lot, I go to a cashier. It's really simple: if you don't want to self-check, then don't. And stop complaining about it here

 

Sounds like you like it Jeremy?  Perhaps you should apply? ;)  Giant Eagle could use a few more (hundred) cashiers.

 

I am college-educated and capable of operating the scanners.  But in the end it always seems to take longer with the verifications and such, even with only a few items.  And in reality, I'd like to see Giant Eagle (and other retailers like Home Depot, etc) hire more Americans.  These are good paying jobs for some people.

 

I also suggest you go to a REAL grocery store like Wegmans and witness what a pleasure it is to see a bank of 20 human cashiers blasting through a high volume checkout in no time at all.   

 

Giant Eagle closing all eight Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four in Ohio

 

Citing "numerous business and economic factors," Giant Eagle Inc. is closing all eight of its Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four stores in Northeast Ohio -- at the end of business on March 26.

 

The Ohio locations are in:

 

1.) Eastlake, at 34700 Vine St.

2.) Ravenna, at 832 West Main St.

3.) Brooklyn, at 4798 Ridge Road, and

4.) Parma, at 8201 Day Drive.

 

The stores collectively employ about 125 workers in Northeast Ohio. Giant Eagle said it is "working diligently to identify open positions at other area Giant Eagle Inc. locations for those interested in continuing employment."

 

Stores will remain open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until they close March 26.

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/giant_eagle_closing_all_eight_good_cents_grocery_more_stores_--_including_four_in_ohio.html#incart_river

 

I feel bad for the employees.  Maybe Giant Eagle will actually put them to work as cashiers in the bigger stores instead of making their customers do the work for them....

 

Good grief.  Someone else complaining about self-checkout? I've see that complaint from a few people on UO and it always makes me laugh. I prefer self-checkout if I only have a few things.  It's faster. If I have a lot, I go to a cashier. It's really simple: if you don't want to self-check, then don't. And stop complaining about it here

 

No.

 

I'd prefer it done right, but the Pittsburgh store does it completely wrong.  They try to push towards it and it's the only thing available during some slow hours, you have to have a "loyalty card", the things can be temperamental, and someone needs to "verify" your receipt.  There is really no benefit to the customer.

 

Completely agree. Giant Eagle's self checkout policies are ridiculous. I went to the store in East Liberty (Pittsburgh) as a tourist last summer. I just wanted to get a bottle of water. There were no cashiers, only self checkout. I went up to the machine and it asked for a loyalty card. Not having one I asked the attendant how to bypass the screen. She said "You need one to check out."  What!?!  Is this Sam's Club?

I explained to here that I was just in town for the day and that we didn't have Giant Eagles in Cincinnati. She got all snippy and told me that she'd scan her card for me "just this once."

 

WTF kind of a policy is that? I'll go to a gas station next time.

Giant Eagle closing all eight Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four in Ohio

 

Citing "numerous business and economic factors," Giant Eagle Inc. is closing all eight of its Good Cents Grocery + More stores -- including four stores in Northeast Ohio -- at the end of business on March 26.

 

The Ohio locations are in:

 

1.) Eastlake, at 34700 Vine St.

2.) Ravenna, at 832 West Main St.

3.) Brooklyn, at 4798 Ridge Road, and

4.) Parma, at 8201 Day Drive.

 

The stores collectively employ about 125 workers in Northeast Ohio. Giant Eagle said it is "working diligently to identify open positions at other area Giant Eagle Inc. locations for those interested in continuing employment."

 

Stores will remain open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until they close March 26.

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/giant_eagle_closing_all_eight_good_cents_grocery_more_stores_--_including_four_in_ohio.html#incart_river

 

I feel bad for the employees.  Maybe Giant Eagle will actually put them to work as cashiers in the bigger stores instead of making their customers do the work for them....

 

Good grief.  Someone else complaining about self-checkout? I've see that complaint from a few people on UO and it always makes me laugh. I prefer self-checkout if I only have a few things.  It's faster. If I have a lot, I go to a cashier. It's really simple: if you don't want to self-check, then don't. And stop complaining about it here

 

Sounds like you like it Jeremy?  Perhaps you should apply? ;)  Giant Eagle could use a few more (hundred) cashiers.

 

I am college-educated and capable of operating the scanners.  But in the end it always seems to take longer with the verifications and such, even with only a few items.  And in reality, I'd like to see Giant Eagle (and other retailers like Home Depot, etc) hire more Americans.  These are good paying jobs for some people.

 

I also suggest you go to a REAL grocery store like Wegmans and witness what a pleasure it is to see a bank of 20 human cashiers blasting through a high volume checkout in no time at all. 

 

We have Wegmans in the DC area but it is still faster for me and my daughter to do self-checkout at Giant even with two-carts of items. Wegmans shoppers like to brag but their cashiers I have observed don't move any faster than other stores. Some are also the slow and chatty types too. Long lines. No thanks.

 

Self-checkout done right is great over any cashier.

I'd rather have one more person employed in my community, so even if there is only one staffed checkout lane, I will wait in that line.  I also make it a point to do most of my shopping at stores that aren't actively pushing machines to replace people. 

 

I have no doubt it would be more convenient to order my groceries online, have them picked from an automated warehouse and delivered by drones.  That's the direction we're heading, but not with my support.  Of course some of the savings will be passed along to the consumer, just enough to drive competitors under, but the lion's share will be captured by whoever owns the robots.  And once the competitors are eliminated those discounts fade away.  And the result is less people in my community who can afford to do business with me.  Goes around, comes around.

I'd rather have one more person employed in my community, so even if there is only one staffed checkout lane, I will wait in that line.  I also make it a point to do most of my shopping at stores that aren't actively pushing machines to replace people. 

 

I have no doubt it would be more convenient to order my groceries online, have them picked from an automated warehouse and delivered by drones.  That's the direction we're heading, but not with my support.  Of course some of the savings will be passed along to the consumer, just enough to drive competitors under, but the lion's share will be captured by whoever owns the robots.  And once the competitors are eliminated those discounts fade away.  And the result is less people in my community who can afford to do business with me.  Goes around, comes around.

 

Right, you're using a computer or smartphone to type a response. Think about how many people have lost their jobs once data storage became digital. It's an incredible amount and hasn't been wholly replaced by computer industry types. It's the good and bad about tech advances.

We have Wegmans in the DC area but it is still faster for me and my daughter to do self-checkout at Giant even with two-carts of items. Wegmans shoppers like to brag but their cashiers I have observed don't move any faster than other stores. Some are also the slow and chatty types too. Long lines. No thanks.

 

Self-checkout done right is great over any cashier.

 

I've never waited more than 5 minutes in a Wegmans, especially in the express lanes.  The stores in Western New York usually have two levels of express lanes as well, some are 12 items and less and some are 24 items and less, which increases your options even more.

 

And self-checkout is super easy if everything goes right and you're the first person in the line.  If you're behind Mildred buying her cat food with 17 kinds of coupons from the hover-round, not so much....

We have Wegmans in the DC area but it is still faster for me and my daughter to do self-checkout at Giant even with two-carts of items. Wegmans shoppers like to brag but their cashiers I have observed don't move any faster than other stores. Some are also the slow and chatty types too. Long lines. No thanks.

 

Self-checkout done right is great over any cashier.

 

I've never waited more than 5 minutes in a Wegmans, especially in the express lanes.  The stores in Western New York usually have two levels of express lanes as well, some are 12 items and less and some are 24 items and less, which increases your options even more.

 

And self-checkout is super easy if everything goes right and you're the first person in the line.  If you're behind Mildred buying her cat food with 17 kinds of coupons from the hover-round, not so much....

 

I'm more interested in avoiding lines than in using either self-check or attended.  But if Mildred's myopic older sister is "verifying receipts" for four different self check registers, it defeats the purpose, first in the checkout line or not.

Right, you're using a computer or smartphone to type a response. Think about how many people have lost their jobs once data storage became digital. It's an incredible amount and hasn't been wholly replaced by computer industry types. It's the good and bad about tech advances.

 

As to what we're doing now, who did that displace?  Nobody was doing this via mail.  There were newsletters, sure, but nothing resembling a forum.  This is a mass benefit, a novel contribution to the world, that I attribute to technology-- a change for the better. 

 

But automated checkout is simply replacing people for its own sake.  Rather than solving a problem, it just takes one problem (of debatable severity) and gives us another.  And as I pointed out above, the benefit from that change is largely contained.  Checkout is still checkout.

I don't understand people who think they are saving jobs by avoiding the self-checkout lane, but that's not really on topic. Do you also refuse to use Groupons for local independent businesses because the business loses money on them and they've been proven not to actually result in any long-lasting customer base increase in foot traffic, but instead are big business losses? I do, but I"m the only one I know of who does that.

 

That being said, I keep wondering what can be done about all the unfilled jobs that are out there and all the unskilled workers who need them. Something is not connecting. There are hundreds of truckloads of goods sitting waiting for drivers because nobody wants to drive truck. There are good paying, life-long careers with pension and job stability if you want to be an electrical engineer working in the transformer industry, but it's not selling an app or working at Google so nobody wants to do it. There seem to be many of these such jobs right here in Ohio - machinists, millwrights, all kinds of jobs for people who want them but there's a disconnect between unemployed and all these jobs.

I don't understand people who think they are saving jobs by avoiding the self-checkout lane, but that's not really on topic. Do you also refuse to use Groupons for local independent businesses because the business loses money on them and they've been proven not to actually result in any long-lasting customer base increase in foot traffic, but instead are big business losses? I do, but I"m the only one I know of who does that.

 

That being said, I keep wondering what can be done about all the unfilled jobs that are out there and all the unskilled workers who need them. Something is not connecting. There are hundreds of truckloads of goods sitting waiting for drivers because nobody wants to drive truck. There are good paying, life-long careers with pension and job stability if you want to be an electrical engineer working in the transformer industry, but it's not selling an app or working at Google so nobody wants to do it. There seem to be many of these such jobs right here in Ohio - machinists, millwrights, all kinds of jobs for people who want them but there's a disconnect between unemployed and all these jobs.

 

I bet there are a lot of people who would love to be electrical engineers and the like - I feel like it's our education systems that don't encourage it.  I can't recall ever even knowing something like that was a real career choice growing up (I'm 34) - or more specifically, how I would learn to do it.  As far as everyone wanting to work at google - people might want to, but the big tech companies are struggling to find qualified engineers, which results in recruiting heavily overseas.  So even if people want to, we apparently aren't outputting the quality we should be in the volume we could be. 

 

http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d13/tables/dt13_322.10.asp - link to #of degrees by major

Looks like there are more psychologists than engineers.  Business degrees outpace everything else by a wide margin - which frustrates me to no end.  Everyone wants to be a business man or a manager, but that's the least of our problems. 

I don't understand people who think they are saving jobs by avoiding the self-checkout lane, but that's not really on topic. Do you also refuse to use Groupons for local independent businesses because the business loses money on them and they've been proven not to actually result in any long-lasting customer base increase in foot traffic, but instead are big business losses? I do, but I"m the only one I know of who does that.

 

Technically, I do as well, but it goes beyond that.  While I recognize that a business chooses to do those sorts of promotions, I firmly recognize their right to make a profit and deal with them accordingly.

 

That being said, I keep wondering what can be done about all the unfilled jobs that are out there and all the unskilled workers who need them. Something is not connecting. There are hundreds of truckloads of goods sitting waiting for drivers because nobody wants to drive truck. There are good paying, life-long careers with pension and job stability if you want to be an electrical engineer working in the transformer industry, but it's not selling an app or working at Google so nobody wants to do it. There seem to be many of these such jobs right here in Ohio - machinists, millwrights, all kinds of jobs for people who want them but there's a disconnect between unemployed and all these jobs.

 

It's a matter of work skills and work ethic.  A lot of younger people in particular don't want to work to a fixed schedule like some of those jobs demand.  Or with that kind of structure in general.

I don't think a lot of parents today push for their kids to go into in-demand fields. They tell them to study whatever they want. When most people are 17-18 and selecting a major they don't know much about the work world.

A press release, so I'm posting the whole puppy....

 

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150324005137/en/Ohio-Major-Metro-Regions-4100-Construction-Projects#.VRJDYvzF98E

 

Ohio Major Metro Regions See More Than 4,100 New Construction Projects Released for Bid in 2014, BidClerk Data Shows

Ohio Regions’ Contracts Are Valued at More Than $11 Billion

March 24, 2015 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

 

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In Ohio, BidClerk data shows an increase in high-value projects, and the Cleveland region saw an increase of 18% in total projects compared to 2013.

 

Ohio’s major metro regions saw more than 4,100 new construction projects put out for bid in 2014. The total contract value was more than $11 billion, compared to $6 billion in 2013.

 

Nationally, BidClerk reported on 162,000 commercial construction projects valued at $455 billion in 2014. BidClerk saw an increase in the total contract values of more than $175 billion compared to 2013. These figures include both public and private work and represent the aggregate value of actively bidding commercial construction contract opportunities available in BidClerk's database.

 

In Cincinnati, BidClerk data shows more than 900 new construction contracts were released for bid in 2014, valued at $800 million.

 

One noteworthy project was the $118 million Proton Center for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The general contractors on the project are Messer Construction and Linbeck Construction, and the architect is Tsoi Kobus & Associates.

 

For Cleveland, BidClerk data shows more than 650 new construction contracts were released for bid in 2014, valued at over $1.8 billion.

 

In Columbus, BidClerk data reported more than 1,100 new construction contracts were released for bid in 2014, valued at over $2.1 billion.

 

The areas surveyed for this BCI report are all major-metro regions in Ohio, including Akron, OH; Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN; Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH; Columbus, OH; Dayton, OH; Toledo, OH; and Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA.

 

Today's construction data was released by BidClerk, a leading provider of construction project data and marketing tools for building product manufacturers, contractors, and distributors. The BCI data represents projects that actively bid in 2014 and is not a full representation of BidClerk's full project database. The BidClerk Construction Index is a quarterly data service offered at no cost to media outlets that cover regional construction news. Members of the media may request custom BCI reports by contacting [email protected].

 

About BidClerk

 

BidClerk offers an extensive range of construction project data and marketing tools for building product manufacturers, contractors, and distributors. Find BidClerk on Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus. More info: www.BidClerk.com or call (877) 737-6482.

 

Contacts

BidClerk

Laura Day, 513-518-0216

[email protected]

Love the aggressiveness!!

 

http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20150401/ohio-leaders-aim-to-capitalize-on-criticism-of-indiana-law

Seems pretty dumb considering Ohio State University successfully defended it's right to discriminate against gay students last year.

 

Burns v. Ohio State Univ. Coll. of Veterinary Med., Ohio Ct. App., No. 13AP-633 (March 25, 2014).

http://www.shrm.org/legalissues/stateandlocalresources/pages/ohio-state-law-does-not-protect-against-sexual-orientation-discrimination.aspx

Anybody seen this? Is Ohio even trying to pitch to GE? It has a big presence in Ohio.

 

http://politics.blog.ajc.com/2015/06/05/georgia-makes-a-pitch-for-general-electrics-headquarters/

I don't think any airport in Ohio (including CVG) has the flight options anymore to attract a global company like that. GE is going to Chicago, Atlanta, or an East Coast city or maybe even Charlotte. We've become an afterthought flyover state.

^  Yes.  This potential GE HQ move was mentioned several days ago in Cincy's business journal:

 

    http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/morning_call/2015/06/general-electric-s-hq-could-be-on-the-move.html

 

    Needless to say, however, we're talking about a global corporation that will be attracted not only by enormous tax incentives, but also by a

    global city and airport (think Chicago-Atlanta-Detroit-Dallas, etc.)  Therefore, Cincinnati (with its Evendale GE jet engine factory, CBD 

    GE global operations center, and hometown GE chairman/CEO Jeffrey Immelt) would be the logical choice for Ohio, there's little chance of this happening.

    Quite frankly, although we may wish to believe otherwise, none of our "3-C's" are yet the kind of global city GE's probably looking for in such circumstances.    :oops:

   

I don't think any airport in Ohio (including CVG) has the flight options anymore to attract a global company like that. GE is going to Chicago, Atlanta, or an East Coast city or maybe even Charlotte. We've become an afterthought flyover state.

 

The GE HQ is currently located in Fairfield CT which means that it isn't anywhere near a major international airport that offers the options you are referring to.  LaGuardia Airport in NY would be the nearest major airport which is well over an hour away on a good day. That would not be considered convenient, so I'm thinking it's a non issue. When they mentioned the threat to relocate they never mentioned transportation as an issue, only the taxes.   

 

The HQ is currently located in Fairfield CT which means that it isn't anywhere near a major international airport.

 

Lol I was gonna say that exact same thing! Why do I get the sense that so many ohio-ans have this "oh woe is me" mentality?

 

There are alot of big corperations HQ in Cincinnati, yes we might not be NYC or Chicago, but there is still benefits that would intrigue a company to move down here, especially when you tie in that GE has many facilities already in Cincinnati, and the CEO is originally from Cincinnati as well.

 

Not saying GE is going to HQ down here, but our shot is as good as any.

If GE was happy with all of the features of its surrounding community, including a proximate global access point, I doubt they'd be moving.

 

Woe is me isn't the reason, it's the result. And it's the result of a no-growth state that hasn't been able to offer the features necessary to foster start-ups and enable them to grow into major employers. Collaboration, access and low costs are all big pieces of that.

 

I wouldn't even waste time going after rootless corporate HQs. Instead, encourage our own startups and their growth into the Fortune 500s of tomorrow.

Here is the 2015 Fortune 500 list, sorted by each metro area.  Wasn't sure if Findlay would be considered part of the Toledo metro or not.  If it is then Toledo has 4 from the list and not 3. 

 

Akron (2):

166 Goodyear

206 First Energy

 

Cincinnati (10):

20 Kroger

32 Proctor & Gamble

105 Macy's

371 Ashland Inc

414 Omnicare

415 AK Steel Holdings

416 Fifth Third Bancorp

443 General Cable

459 American Financial Group

481 Western & Southern Financial Group

 

Cleveland (4):

153 Progressive

230 Parker-Hannifin

266 Sherwin-Williams

365 Travel Centers of America

 

Columbus (4):

26 Cardinal Health

85 Nationwide

184 American Electric Power

262 L Brands

 

Findlay (1):

25 Marathon Petroleum

 

Toledo (3):

399 Owens-Illinois

410 Dana Holding

498 Owens Corning

 

Wooster (1):

467 JM Smucker

 

Edit: Correction to ranking of Ashland Inc.

^That part of your list is correct.  Findlay is a separate MSA/CSA from Toledo.  OTOH, Orrville (JM Smucker) should be separate from Akron.  Wooster has its own MSA thing going on (but I get why you put it in Akron; close by).

^That part of your list is correct.  Findlay is a separate MSA/CSA from Toledo.  OTOH, Orrville (JM Smucker) should be separate from Akron.  Wooster has its own MSA thing going on (but I get why you put it in Akron; close by).

 

Thanks for the info ColDayMan.  I did not know that about the Orrville area being part of Wooster as well.  Like you said, Akron is so close and I just assumed it was part of Akron because of that and you know what they say about people that assume  :oops:   

Didn't realize KeyCorp wasn't Fortune 500, but according to Wikipedia they are currently sitting at 521.

^ There certainly is some fluidity from year to year. Aleris (Beachwood) was F500 for a number of years but I believe is now hovering in the mid 500s.  And then you have a case like Eaton (gee thanks, Ireland!)

Thanks for sorting the new Fortune 500 list by metro area seanian.  Here's some more analysis from Business First and a non-sorted listing of Ohio's Fortune 500 companies from http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2015/06/04/ohio-gets-new-no-1-on-the-fortune-500-and-a.html

 

Some jockeying at the top 3 Ohio spots with last year's #1/22nd overall (Cardinal Health) falling to #3/26th overall; last year's #3/24th overall (Kroger) rising to #1/20th overall; and last year's #2/25th overall (Marathon) staying second in Ohio at #2/25th overall.  Here is the non-sorted listing of Ohio's 23 Fortune 500 companies for 2015 (plus two KY-based companies located in the Cincinnati MSA) with their 2014 rankings noted:

 

  20. Kroger, Cincinnati. (2014: 24)

  25. Marathon Petroleum, Findlay. (2014: 25)

  26. Cardinal Health, Dublin. (2014: 22)

  32. Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati. (2014: 31)

  85. Nationwide, Columbus. (2014: 91)

105. Macy’s, Cincinnati. (2014: 107)

153. Progressive, Mayfield Village. (2014: 157)

166. Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Akron. (2014: 147)

184. American Electric Power, Columbus. (2014: 186)

206. FirstEnergy, Akron. (2014: 195)

230. Parker-Hannifin, Cleveland. (2014: 217)

262. L Brands, Columbus. (2014: 263)

266. Sherwin-Williams, Cleveland. (2014: 278)

365. TravelCenters of America, Westlake. (2014: 339)

371. Ashland, Covington, KY. (2014: 344) *not listed in linked article

399. Owens-Illinois, Perrysburg. (2014: 372)

410. Dana Holding, Maumee. (2014: 385)

414. Omnicare, Cincinnati. (2014: 415)

415. AK Steel, West Chester. (2014: 455)

416. Fifth Third Bancorp, Cincinnati. (2014: 361)

443. General Cable, Highland Heights, KY. (2014: 405) *not listed in linked article

459. American Financial Group, Cincinnati. (2014: 487)

467. J.M. Smucker, Orrville. (2014: 485)

481. Western & Southern Financial Group, Cincinnati. (2014: 511)

498. Owens Corning, Toledo. (2014: 475)

 

Didn't realize KeyCorp wasn't Fortune 500, but according to Wikipedia they are currently sitting at 521.

A few others that just missed this year's Fortune 500:

501. Big Lots, Columbus. (2014: 473)

503. Hexion, Columbus. (2014: 505)

wow....Cleveland has really fallen--only 7 companies, compared to Cincinnati's 10!

Cleveland's two largest employers are hospitals.  CCF is the second largest employer in the state last time I checked, behind only WalMart.  UH was also in the top 10 in the state.  Both combined account for about $60,000 employees and many of those jobs are well-paid jobs, as opposed to other Top 10 employers such as Kroger, Giant Eagle and WalMart.

 

What happened to Lubrizol and Cliffs?  I assume they are still somewhere in the Fortune 1000, near the 500 mark.  How about Timken?

Thanks for sorting the new Fortune 500 list by metro area seanian.  Here's some more analysis from Business First and a non-sorted listing of Ohio's Fortune 500 companies from http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2015/06/04/ohio-gets-new-no-1-on-the-fortune-500-and-a.html

 

Some jockeying at the top 3 Ohio spots with last year's #1/22nd overall (Cardinal Health) falling to #3/26th overall; last year's #3/24th overall (Kroger) rising to #1/20th overall; and last year's #2/25th overall (Marathon) staying second in Ohio at #2/25th overall.  Here the non-sorted listing of Ohio's 23 Fortune 500 companies for 2015 (plus one KY-based company located in the Cincinnati MSA) with their 2014 rankings noted:

 

I actually saw that article in the bizjournal Columbus but it left out what the bizjournal Cincinnati had, that article leaves out 2 companies in the Cincinnati metro that are located just across the river in KY.  That is a problem when they base reports just giving Ohio data because Cincinnati's metro spans across the river, its metro area is in 3 states where as all other large cities in Ohio are only in Ohio.   

What happened to Lubrizol and Cliffs?  I assume they are still somewhere in the Fortune 1000, near the 500 mark.  How about Timken?

 

Lubrizol was bought by Berkshire Hathaway a few years ago. Cliffs is #560. Other Cleveland/Akron area companies in top 1000 are Aleris (#546), RPM (#589), Key (#592), Timken (#632), PolyOne (#638), Diebold (#743), Lincoln Electric (#792), Hyster-Yale Materials Handling (#805), Medical Mutual of Ohio (#879), Applied Industrial Technologies (#880), and TransDigm (#904).