FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dover, Ohio (March 11, 2025) – Tuscarawas County has been recognized as a top-tier location for economic development, securing a coveted spot as one of the top three micropolitan areas in the nation, according to Site Selection magazine's prestigious 2024 rankings. This outstanding achievement highlights the county's robust economy, pro-business environment, and collaborative spirit. Remarkably, the county leaped from 17th to 3rd in the nation in just one year, demonstrating the significant strides made in fostering economic growth.
Site Selection magazine, a leading publication for corporate real estate and economic development, annually ranks states and cities based on a number of qualifying economic development projects. These projects must have a minimum capital investment of $1 million, create at least 20 new jobs, or add at least 20,000 square feet of new floor area.
Ohio demonstrated remarkable strength in economic development, claiming the No. 3 spot in both overall projects and per capita investments in Site Selection's Governor's Cup rankings. The top five states for total projects are Texas (1,368), Illinois (664), Ohio (565), California (323), and Georgia (262). This marks the tenth consecutive year that Ohio has secured a top-five position in both categories, reaffirming its status as a premier location for business investment and expansion.
Tuscarawas County's impressive ranking reflects its commitment to fostering a thriving business environment. The county boasts a diverse economy, a skilled workforce, and a strategic location with access to major transportation routes. Moreover, the county is home to a variety of growing industries, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Recognizing the momentum generated by expansions, JobsOhio and Team NEO proactively encouraged Tuscarawas County to pursue submissions for Site Selections Governor’s Cup rankings.
Michael Lauber, Chairman of the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation
"We feel honored that Site Selection magazine again recognizes us as one of the top micropolitan areas in the nation," said Mike Lauber, Chairman of the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation. "Moving up from #17 to #3 shows that success breeds success. This achievement testifies to the foresight and hard work of our community members, businesses, and economic development partners. We will continue to build on this and create a brighter future for Tuscarawas County."
Ohio micropolitan areas dominated the 2024 rankings, claiming an unprecedented six of the top seven spots. In addition to Tuscarawas County, several other Ohio micropolitan areas secured top spots in the rankings:
Micropolitan Areas: These are defined as municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 that act as economic hubs.
Furthermore, Ohio's success extends beyond the state and micropolitan levels, with several metropolitan areas also earning high rankings:
Metro Tier 1: These are the largest metropolitan areas, with populations of 1 million or more.
Metro Tier 2: This tier consists of mid-sized metropolitan areas, with populations ranging between 200,000 and 1 million.
Metro Tier 3: These are the smaller metropolitan areas, with populations between 50,000 and 200,000.
To maintain this momentum and potentially claim the No. 1 spot in the near future, the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation is calling on all private sector local companies from all industries to submit their capital improvement projects annually to our website. A new form has been created that allows local companies to help us in our pursuit of the top spot in the nation. All you have to do is to go to TuscEDC.com/ohio-governors-cup-submissions and fill out the form once your capital improvement budget has been finalized and the project’s announced.
Marla Akridge, Executive Director, Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation/Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County
"We encourage all companies in Tuscarawas County, from all industries, to participate in this initiative," added Executive Director, Marla Akridge. "By working together, we genuinely feel we can compete for the top spot in the nation. Being named the top Micropolitan by Site Selection can help us ensure Tuscarawas County remains an attractive place to conduct business."
Media Contact:
James C. Shively
Business Development Director
330.401.3623
jcshively@tuscedc.com
About Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation:
The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation works to boost the local economy by providing resources and support to businesses in Tuscarawas County, Ohio.
About Site Selection Magazine:
Site Selection magazine is a leading publication providing analysis and rankings on corporate real estate and economic development for business leaders and site selection professionals.
About JobsOhio:
JobsOhio is a private nonprofit corporation driving job creation and investment in Ohio by attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses.
About Team NEO:
Team NEO drives economic growth in Northeast Ohio by attracting investment, fostering business development, and aligning regional economic efforts.