Ohio businesses will work with Acton to keep momentum. We’ll also speak up

This op-ed by Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, originally appeared in The Columbus Dispatch.

Ohio voters have made their choice, and I congratulate Gov.-elect Amy Acton on her election. As Ohio prepares for new leadership, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce is ready to work with the incoming administration to strengthen our economy, support businesses and create opportunities across the Columbus region.

Elections bring new leadership and priorities, but what businesses need to succeed doesn’t change. They need predictable policies, skilled workers, reliable infrastructure and an environment that encourages investment. Families need affordable communities, quality education and access to good jobs. Ohio’s success depends on getting both right.

The Columbus region has become a destination for business investment, innovation and talent. We’ve worked hard to build that momentum, and we cannot take it for granted. Other regions are competing for the same businesses, workers and investments. The decisions Ohio makes in the coming years will determine whether we continue to lead.

Employer needs must be top of mind

Across our region, employers are navigating a common challenge: how to grow while managing rising costs, workforce demands and infrastructure needs. For a small business, that may mean deciding whether to hire another employee or invest in expansion. For a larger employer, it may mean evaluating whether the region has the talent, energy capacity and infrastructure to support its next investment. The scale may be different, but both need confidence in Ohio’s economic future.

Workforce development must remain a priority.

Employers continue to struggle to find and retain skilled workers. We need stronger connections between education and industry, more opportunities for career training and fewer barriers keeping people out of the workforce. That includes addressing access to affordable, reliable child care, which remains a significant challenge for working families and can limit employers’ ability to attract and retain talent.

The incoming administration’s focus on education, health care access, workforce training and affordability offers opportunities to work together. Helping Ohioans gain skills, access opportunities and participate fully in the workforce benefits both businesses and families.

We also need to make sure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth. Reliable and affordable energy, modern transportation networks and sites ready for development are essential to attracting new businesses and helping existing employers expand.

Ohio cannot afford policies that create unnecessary uncertainty or make it harder to invest here. Businesses need clear, consistent regulations and realistic expectations. Responsible development and economic growth can go hand in hand, but only if we approach both with practical solutions.

Tax policy and economic development incentives require that same balance. Accountability and transparency matter, but communities also need tools to compete for jobs and investment. Proposed tax changes should be evaluated for how they affect small businesses, local government resources and long-term growth.

These decisions should not be made without input from the people and communities they affect. The incoming administration should work directly with employers, utilities, educators, local governments and economic development partners before making significant policy changes.

The Columbus Chamber will support policies that strengthen our workforce, encourage investment and help businesses grow. We will also speak up when proposals threaten Ohio’s competitiveness. That is our responsibility to the employers and communities we represent.

Ohio’s economic future will not be determined by election results alone. It will depend on the decisions we make next.

The election is behind us. The work of building Ohio’s future is ahead.

Derrick R. Clay
President and CEO
Columbus Chamber of Commerce

About the Columbus Chamber of Commerce: The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,600 organizations across the Columbus Region. Founded in 1884, the Chamber serves as a strategic partner to the region’s businesses. We convene the community, advocate as the active voice for business, and navigate the insights, connections, and solutions that drive prosperity and growth. The Chamber provides an interconnected ecosystem where businesses collaborate to eliminate barriers to success, creating a vibrant environment for enterprises throughout the region. Together, we make our region an exceptional place to do business. Learn more: columbus.org.