Ohio Innovation Technology Association

03/10/2022

OITA presents the 2022 Cybersecurity Summit. Join us on March 31 at 9:00 am for a discussion on state and local cybersecurity challenges and goals. The event will be held at The Athletic Club of Columbus.

Featured speakers include: Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, the Ohio Secretary of State, Ohio Attorney General's office, Ohio Auditor of State, Ohio Department of Administrative Services' CISO, Ohio Adjutant General, Ohio Department of Public Safety, and the Ohio PUCO.

Sign up here: www.ohioita.org/events

Special thanks to our event sponsors: Verizon, IBM, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Anterix, Google Cloud, Fortinet, Transom-Group, The Credo Company, and AgileBlue We wouldn't be able to put on such a powerful event without your support.

11/01/2021

OITA President Nick York spoke with Spectrum News 1 Ohio about the changing landscape of tech hiring and working. Check out the conversation on , , and the future of across Ohio here:

“OITA President Nick York spoke with about the changing landscape of tech hiring and working. Check out the conversation on , , and the future of across Ohio here: https://t.co/iTzMO3tJUv ”

08/10/2021

Despite the devastating news recently shared through the United Nations climate study, there is some good sustainability news coming from . Toledo ranked #1 in Site Selection (magazine)'s Sustainability rankings.

According to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm "investment and innovation can build the clean energy future right here at home”. And that's exactly what's happening at Toledo's growing First Solar plant (built by The Rudolph/Libbe Group and soon to become the largest fully vertically integrated solar manufacturing complex outside of China).

In addition to First Solar, Lucas County Commissioners recently joined the "Toledo-Lucas County Sustainability Commission to announce the launch of the online Toledo-Lucas County Green Map, designed to connect people to sustainable assets to improve their social, economic, and physical well-being". And Owens Corning continues to provide fiberglass products, roofing, and other materials geared towards sustainability.

Investing time and energy into the sustainability market is a crucial next step for corporations, governments, and individuals around the world. OITA is proud to highlight Ohio's own Toledo as a leader in this field. Congrats to ​TLCSC Director Melissa Greene Hopfer, MPA, Sustainability Coordinator Beatrice Miringu, and everyone involved in the recent sustainability projects and awards.

Check out more about the list and metrics here:
https://lnkd.in/eWjbHXU.

And check out the Toledo-Lucas County Sustainability Commission here: https://lnkd.in/ePJGBM7P.

Germany, Illinois and Toledo Top the 2021 Sustainability Rankings

08/09/2021

DEI initiatives are equally important in both treating clientele and hiring/retaining employees. OITA member, Deloitte, recently conducted and shared a study, "Amplifying Black Voices-- What health care organizations can do to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce" on this topic.

The article shows how diversity in the health care workforce can improve trust and strengthen connections with a diverse array of patients.

From 'what's working' (including adequate funding for DEI initiatives and a changing "strategic direction") to areas in need of improvement, check out the article for company-wide lessons and stats from the research study:
https://lnkd.in/e4q9mY9E

OITA is excited and proud to continue working with a company so focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion-- both internally and externally!

Let us know what your company or community is doing, or initiatives you are starting, in the comments below.

Improving diversity the health care workforce is important for ensuring health equity. Where does the industry stand; what can it do to improve performance?

08/05/2021

Are you an Employee working in one of these fields? Let us know how your company has contributed to this success in the comments below!

*And if you are looking to get involved in the successful tech, innovation, and policy communities across Ohio, reach out to us at www.OhioITA.org!

Business Facilities
InnovateOhio
JobsOhio
OhioMeansJobs
Innovation Ohio

08/05/2021

OHIO NEWS!!!
Ohio Ranked among Top 10 in Business Facilities 17th Annual Rankings Report--
The annual report covers 60 categories involving State, Metro and Global leaders building the foundation for a future of sustainable growth.
Ohio was ranked in the top 10 for multiple categories:
#2 Automotive Manufacturing
#6 Health Care Jobs
#7 Aerospace/Defense
#8 Manufacturing Employment
#9 Solar Power Jobs

At the level:
Cleveland ranked #1 in Health Care Hubs (Large)
Columbus was ranked #7 in Best Business Climate (Large) and #9 in Fintech Leaders
Cincinnati ranked #10 in Best Business Climate (Mid-sized)
Dayton #7 in Health Care Hubs (Mid-Sized)

More good news from the report--"Ohio’s private sector employment was 4,563,800 in June 2021, up by 19,900 jobs – the best monthly gain since January 2021". And Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the approval of six projects set to create and retain hundreds of jobs statewide; the projects are expected to result in more than $38M in new direct payroll and spur more than $30M in direct investments across Ohio.

Ohio is on the move to sustainable and rapid growth across industries. Congrats to all the other states that made the list and are joining Ohio on this path to tech and innovation progress! Check out more from the report here: https://lnkd.in/eXAT_AP.

JobsOhio

17th Annual Rankings Report features 60 categories that highlight State, Metro and Global leaders building a future of sustainable growth.

08/04/2021

How much is universal broadband really worth? -- New sources say $160 Billion!

“The U.S. economy stands to gain $160 billion a year in extra output from a successful national high-speed Internet plan," according to a recent *research paper by economists Jose Maria Barrero, Nicholas Bloom and Steven Davis, and an article by Government Technology.

“Senate negotiators are currently discussing a $65 billion investment in broadband investment, including the extension of monthly subsidies for low-income Americans, as part of a broader infrastructure bill”. The plan of action is to spread high-speed internet to “corners of the country that don’t have a reliable service now".

Data shows that the next infrastructure and broadband plans will greatly benefit middle-income individuals (those not required to work on-site, but still without expensive, high speed internet access at home) and the professional workforce (much of which is hoping to long after the pandemic ceases).

Equitable internet services and wide-spread connectivity are crucial for us to continue moving forward with tech and innovation post-COVID. OITA is excited to see the progression of these plans.

Find out more about the economists' studies and findings here:
https://lnkd.in/eaBX5Z4m.

And learn more about what the Bipartisan Infrastructure Spending Bill consists of (including broadband, security, transit, and more) here: https://lnkd.in/e_uPnSRS.

*Research paper prepared for The Aspen Institute Economic Strategy Group.

State and local governments are set to receive billions if the legislation passes, including funding to support cybersecurity, broadband, transit, roads, water and more. Here are the details.

07/29/2021

Catch up on IBM's event, focused on "the rapid adoption of new digital technologies" and "tools and education to continue recovery and transformation". Think Gov featured speakers from a variety of fields- including IBM security, cloud, federal CIOs, NASA, tech media outlets, and more. Rewatch the event sessions on-demand HERE! https://lnkd.in/eBgmu6A.

Special shoutout to IBM Client Executive, Jennifer Buckles- the connecting link between OITA and IBM. OITA is excited to see events like Think Gov sharing news, resources, and insights pushing tech and innovation forward!

Event produced by FedScoop.

Join government leaders and decision makers at Think Gov as they highlight how open and secure hybrid cloud platforms give them the agility and flexibility to adapt and innovate.

07/21/2021

SPOTLIGHT SERIES!: This week OITA highlights Centric Consulting, the Ohio-based firm with offices around the world (including across the U.S. & India)! Having been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms, Centric provides guidance on business, tech, & the digital space. Want to connect with a Centric Expert? Reach out to us at www.ohioita.org, or visit www.centricconsulting.com for more info.

Check out Centric News & Events: https://lnkd.in/e57JzSa.

& check out open roles in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, India, and more!: https://lnkd.in/evtgSxK.

07/16/2021

Ohio is Breaking Venture Capital Records!--

Ohio has ALREADY broken full-year investment records in startups, and there are still five months to go in 2021!

Having generated $1.1 Billion this year, VC investments in record numbers are proving that Ohio's tech frontier is growing rapidly. And July contains two more VC deals- including $400 million to Olive AI Inc. and $56 million to Physna Inc..

Forge Biologics Inc., Lower, Battelle, Beam Dental, Path Robotics, Branch Financial, LLC, Circulo Health, and Oculii are each recipients of large sums of 2021 investment money.

OITA congratulates each of these Ohio-based tech startups on their innovation, creativity, and ability to tap into what Ohioans desperately need- from to and developments, and everywhere in between.

Since 2017, VC numbers in Ohio have been continually increasing, and the companies benefitting from these investments are continuing to grow! If your company has been recently funded, or you are looking for ways to expand your investment, policy-creation, or innovation networks- REACH OUT TO US at www.OhioITA.org. We want to be YOUR source of connectivity moving forward.

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/columbus-business-first/ohios-breaking-records-for-vc-investment-in-tech-startups-so-is-the-rest-of-the-country/

COLUMBUS, Ohio (COLUMBUS BUSINESS FIRST)–Ohio tech companies, driven by Central Ohio, already have broken the state’s full-year record for venture capital investment with more than five…

07/15/2021

OITA applauds the work of Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, State Representative Thomas Hall, State Representative Rick Carfagna, InnovateOhio's Deputy Director Carrie Kuruc, and Cleveland State University Professor Kirk Herath for their research and developments on Public Policy surrounding Data Privacy.

Read the Official Press Release here.
Reach out to us at www.OhioITA.org with questions, comments, or to get connected.

07/14/2021

Columbus Partnership Leadership Change Announcement!

Columbus Partnership was founded in 2002 to coordinate the region’s corporate involvement in economic development, civic leadership, philanthropy and public policy. Yesterday, a BIG CHANGE in Leadership was announced.
Alex Fischer is stepping down from his position as CEO, and Kenny McDonald is taking over.

So much has happened during Fisher's decade-long leadership at Columbus Partnership- including "Central Ohio’s business community returning to normalcy with the end of pandemic-related restrictions, Smart Columbus transitioning to a nonprofit, and the Columbus Crew playing the first game in its downtown stadium". But Fisher knows the time has come for a new leader to step up.

With experience as the CEO of Columbus Partnership's Economic Development Arm, One Columbus, Fischer believes McDonald is more than ready to take the reins of the operation. McDonald will take over at the start of 2022.

Find out more about the transition and Columbus Partnership's mission here: https://lnkd.in/esDf35S .


https://www.nbc4i.com/news/columbus-business-first/alex-fischer-to-hand-over-columbus-partnership-reins-to-kenny-mcdonald/

COLUMBUS, Ohio (COLUMBUS BUSINESS FIRST)– Alex Fischer has announced plans to step down as CEO of the Columbus Partnership after more than a decade in the role. Kenny McDonald, CEO of the gro…