Press Releases

For Immediate Release

What’s happening at the Columbus Chamber and with our members? In this section you will find a complete catalog of our recent and archived press releases.

To arrange an interview with a member of the Columbus Chamber team, contact:

Michelle Bretscher, APR
Director, Marketing and Communication
W: 614.225.6941
C:  614.499.0889

michelle_bretscher@columbus.org

  • Press Release March 13, 2012

    Columbus Chamber Survey: 80 Percent of Regional Logistics Company Respondents Surveyed Plan to Hire in 2012

    Positive news coincides with Logistics Job Fair planned for March 20

    Columbus, OH (March 13, 2012) – The employment outlook is strong for the logistics industry in the Columbus Region, according to a recent survey conducted by the Columbus Chamber’s Columbus Region Logistics Council (CRLC). Eighty percent of the respondents surveyed plan to hire additional logistics staff in 2012, coinciding with the organization’s spring Logistics Job Fair.

    The positive hiring outlook from businesses comes after the Columbus Region’s fourth quarter update showed that employment in the distribution industry – including transportation, warehousing, and wholesale – grew 2.6 percent (2,000 jobs) in late 2011 versus gains of 1.5 percent and 0.8 percent at the state and national levels.

    “It’s obvious that the logistics industry is a major driver in the Columbus Region economy, and all evidence suggests that it will keep up the positive momentum in 2012 and beyond,” said Michael Dalby, president and CEO, Columbus Chamber. “Making the connection between job seekers and a growing industry gets to the core of the service-based offerings the Chamber provides existing businesses to facilitate expansion. The more the logistics industry succeeds, the more jobs will be available.”

    Key findings of this year’s survey included:

    -       In addition to 80 percent of respondents surveyed planning to hire logistics staff in 2012, 78 percent of those respondents also added to their rosters in 2011 – showing a steady pattern of growth.

    -       More than half of the respondents planning to hire logistics staff in 2012 will add more than 10 employees.

    -       More than 65 percent of respondents specified a strong customer base as a key driver of growth in the region, likely due to central Ohio’s prime position between major hubs like the East Coast and Chicago. Thirty-five percent of respondents cited the region’s recovering economy.

    -       More than half of respondents see the creation of additional job functions as a primary growth opportunity for logistics professionals in the next five years.

    -       Nearly 25 percent of those surveyed plan to make job offers at the March 20 Logistics Job Fair, while the remaining respondents plan to use the event as an opportunity to screen candidates for potential opportunities.

    The CRLC conducted the survey in advance of its spring job fair, scheduled for 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20 at Columbus State Community College’s Center for Workforce Development, 315 Cleveland Ave., 4th floor. More than 30 companies – including Cardinal Health, Limited Brands and McGraw-Hill – will be on hand to talk with potential candidates about entry-level to mid-management/leadership opportunities in areas including operations management, facilities management and maintenance, business development and customer service. Admission and parking are free for job seekers and exhibitors. Job seekers should bring copies of their resume and a list of references. For more information on the job fair, visit columbus.org/logisticsjobfair.

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    About the Columbus Chamber
    The Columbus Chamber helps businesses thrive. It leads business growth, retention and expansion initiatives in the Columbus Region, enhances the business environment and delivers programs and services that enable its members to be more successful. To learn more about the Columbus Chamber, visit www.columbus.org.