LANCASTER − The not too long ago Fairfield County Economic Update supplied an outlook, each the positives and the negatives, for the county’s financial system heading into 2023.
Included within the presentation was a blueprint for Ohio’s financial future, which went over suggestions for training and workforce, sense of place, taxes and prices, innovation and collaboration, enterprise friendliness, and infrastructure.
Government Director of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Fee William Murdock and President/CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and former congressman Steve Stivers have been visitor audio system.
Delivering opening remarks, Director of Fairfield County Economic and Workforce Improvement Rick Szabrak mentioned there’s nonetheless loads of work to be performed, regardless of the various causes to be optimistic.
“I believe that the Ohio Chamber presentation confirmed us that there’s a lot of labor to do,” mentioned Szabrak. “Our job as financial builders are to tout how great the whole lot is, and there are such a lot of great issues in the neighborhood and particularly in Fairfield County, however in the event you peel again the layers of the onion, there’s a whole lot of poverty, there’s transit points, there are points with housing, there are a whole lot of issues that one-by-one we’re making an attempt to sort out the very best we will, however I believe that highlights to everyone how a lot work must be performed for Ohio to actually paved the way within the nation.”
Stephanie Bosco, Lancaster Economic Improvement Director and Lancaster Port Authority Government Director, mentioned that her fundamental takeaway from the presentation was that employers must take a better take a look at struggles to fill openings.
“I believe employers want to raised perceive what the limitations are to employment, to them filling positions,” mentioned Bosco. “Assume exterior the field on methods to fight them.”
For instance, Bosco mentioned that the presentation opened her eyes to how well being care entry can play a vital position in curbing employment.
“I had by no means actually considered power situations effecting employment,” mentioned Bosco. “Possibly companies could make modifications to enhance the well being care that they provide and even create some inner applications that assist individuals get again within the mindset of taking good care of themselves in order that they will keep a wholesome and lively worker.”
Whereas each Bosco and Szabrak pointed to causes for concern, there was additionally room for optimism.
“I’ll say that Central Ohio is positioned so nicely that we aren’t seeing issues decelerate like we’re somewhere else,” Szabrak mentioned.
“I believe the financial system goes to discover a regular place,” mentioned Szabrak. “I believe we’re gonna see just a few large initiatives, however I believe this subsequent yr goes to be extra about planning and making ready for future development and being sensible. I believe we will see areas of the county getting enthusiastic about development that most likely have not been enthusiastic about it previously.”
Szabrak and Bosco pointed to thrilling new initiatives which have come to Fairfield County not too long ago, together with Google working to construct a knowledge heart in Lancaster.
