Findlay-Hancock County tops again in business growth

FINDLAY — For the 10th consecutive year, Findlay-Hancock County ranked first in business growth among 543 small cities nationwide in 2023, according to Site Selection magazine. Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development is calling it "The Findlay Decade." "Advanced manufacturing expertise and access to a skilled workforce continues to attract capital year after year," Economic Development Executive Director Dan Sheaffer said. "The Findlay-Hancock County region with its proximity to major highways and rail brings domestic and global customers right into our front yard." Each year, 543 micropolitan areas — cities with a population of 10,000 to 50,000 — are ranked by Site Selection Magazine, the official publication of the Global FDI Association and the Industrial Asset Management Council. Rankings are measured on industrial projects meeting one or more of three criteria: $1 million or more invested; 20 or more jobs created; 20,000 square feet or more constructed. Last year, Findlay industry invested $300 million in expansion projects resulting in 1,100 employees hired. "Findlay is literally playing out of its league," said Site Selection Magazine's Senior Editor Gary Daughters. "Its capital investments for 2023 would have earned it Site Selection's No.1 ranking among Tier 3 metros, the next class up." "Economic development is an important factor in building a healthy community," Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn said. "These results attest to the efforts of many as it takes significant coordination and collaboration to achieve this level of growth. The City of Findlay is grateful for the recognition of the hard work by the many stakeholders involved." For 2024, the Economic Development office will stick to its core purpose of business retention and working with companies already in Findlay-Hancock County as they continue to grow, expand and add jobs, Sheaffer said. Additionally, special effort is being made to work more closely with county and township leadership regarding future development. "The synergy between the private and public sector is fundamental to the success of our community," said Hancock County Commissioner Bill Bateson. "Earning top micropolitan for a 10th year is recognition of that synergy and one that will continue to attract investment."