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Dayton Metro Wins Site Selection Magazine's Governor's Cup

Ranking Marks 16 Straight Years In the Top 10 Among Cities of its Size

Site Selection magazine announced Tuesday the Dayton Metro led cities of its size for economic development projects in its annual Governor’s Cup rankings, marking the 16th consecutive year the region has ranked in the top 10 and the fifth time the region won.

“A month ago, we celebrated a record year for job creation in 2021. Our first-place finish represents not only the hard work of economic development professionals throughout our community, but how the Dayton Region shapes its own future,” said Jeff Hoagland, President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition. “We have the industry, education, and talent to fuel growth. If you like great people, abundant resources, a central location, and a winning game plan, come join us in Dayton.”

Site Selection ranks cities and states each year based on the number of economic development projects in their region. Projects factored into the rankings include those with any combination of state, regional and local incentives, as well as those that do not receive any type of assistance. This year’s results indicate a strong state and regional business climate, even as the region weathered a second year of a global pandemic.

“I am so proud that Dayton continues to be a leader in attracting new corporate facilities and businesses. This is great indicator of the amazing work that has been accomplished in economic development for our region,” said Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. “Helping develop a skilled workforce is a key focus of my agenda and I am excited that these types of opportunities continue to grow within our region.”

In 2021, the Dayton Region saw an increasing number of new companies establish operations in the region, as well as growth from existing companies, including Economy Line, Royal Canin, and Starwin Industries. Gabriel Brothers, Pak-Rite, and Surati all committed to new facilities in the region. 

“The Dayton Region should be extremely proud of its top finish in the Governor’s Cup. This is a real testament to our local economic development professionals” said Doug Compton, Chair of the Coalition’s Board of Trustees and Dayton City Executive at Fifth Third Bank. “As we strive to grow and diversify our regional economy, this recognition highlights our team’s effort to grow the region’s economy and connect businesses to the resources they need to succeed.”  

Ohio ranked second among all states for total projects and was third in the nation for projects per capita. Ohio has placed either first or second for more than 10 years, cementing the state’s role as a leader in job creation and business expansion. The state’s economic development efforts are led by JobsOhio, a private non-profit. The DDC is one of JobsOhio’s six regional network partners. 

“Companies from around the world are benefiting from doing business in the Dayton Region,” said Carolyn Rice, Montgomery County Commission President. “This top ranking exemplifies the work of our regional partners to build a diverse economy and create great jobs for our residents.”

The Atlanta-based magazine has awarded the Governor’s Cup annually since 1988, based on new and expanded corporate facilities as tracked by the proprietary Conway Projects Database. The DDC works with local economic development officials and JobsOhio to provide information on regional expansion projects to use for the rankings. 

In addition to investing more than $854.8 million in the region, companies committed to create more than 4,264 new jobs and retain more than 3,298 jobs. These numbers represent companies that worked with JobsOhio to expand or establish new operations in the region. The Dayton Region is also home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio’s largest single-site employer, and leader in scientific research and development.
 

Read Site Selection's story.

Learn more about the Dayton Region's record year. 

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