Press Release:
Columbus Gains Awareness Among CEOs
Four years ago nearly 60 percent of business executives nationwide had no image of Columbus. Now, with less than 40 percent in that category, 60 percent of executives do know enough about Columbus to consider the city as a business location, according to a recent survey conducted by the Columbus Chamber.
The survey of business executives shows progress in growing awareness of Columbus. “Our community is now on the radar of more business executives, thanks to our region’s collaborative marketing efforts,” said Ty Marsh, president and CEO, Columbus Chamber. More than 400 local and national business executives participated in the survey of their perceptions of Columbus as a site to do business. Results were shared at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting today.
Nearly 90 percent of Columbus-based executives rate Columbus positively as a place to do business. Top reasons including quality of life, accessible location, higher education, infrastructure, and a can-do attitude among community leaders.
In 2005 the Chamber launched a strategy that promotes the Columbus region to business decision-makers through the support of more than 20 public sector economic development partners. Since that time the Chamber and its partners have marketed the area to this targeted audience as the “Columbus region.
“In addition to the Chamber, a number of organizations are marketing Columbus. We’ve made progress but this is no time to slow down the momentum,” warned Marsh. “These results demonstrate the strength of coordination. We have a tremendous opportunity to raise our voice, together.”
An effort coordinated by Mayor Coleman’s 2012 Image and Marketing committee and CompeteColumbus, brought together constituencies who represent business, visitors, the arts and higher education communities, and the city to create messages about Columbus, applicable for all organizations. Details will be shared later this year.
In addition, the Chamber encourages businesses professionals to post their story on the Chamber’s blog at Blog.Columbus.org or Columbus.org/TellYourStory.