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Global 500

Fortune's Global 500 List, revealing the most profitable companies around the world, was announced yesterday.
Here's what happened:

-OITA Partner Lenovo made the list once again-- this year jumping 65 spots up to #159 in the world (and #15 in the Technology Sector)!
-Female CEOs were recognized more than ever. With nine new female-run entries, 23 of the top 500 companies are currently lead by women. Let's make it even more by 2022!
-Apple takes the lead as the worlds most profitable company, moving up two spots from their 2020 position of 3rd place.

Congrats to all the companies that found ways to be profitable throughout the COVID pandemic, and are continuing to grow and strengthen as we navigate this new normal.

Check out all this and more about the #Global500 list here: https://lnkd.in/dryNdwV.

Ohio’s 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 months to go.

See more at ... Ohio’s breaking records for VC investment in tech startups. So is the rest of the country.

Keeping It Real: Germany, Illinois and Toledo Top the 2021 Sustainability Rankings

Despite the devastating news recently shared through the United Nations climate study, there is some good sustainability news coming from Ohio. 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 Companies, Inc. 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. Special shoutout to OITA Member First Solar for the contribution to this success!

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

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

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 group’s economic development arm One Columbus, is to succeed him Jan. 1.

See more at ... Alex Fischer to hand over Columbus Partnership reins to Kenny McDonald

How state and local governments can prepare for ransomware

Over the past few months, ransomware attacks abounded, ranging from the Colonial pipeline, the meat industry and, most recently, the software vendor Kaseya.

See more at ... How state and local governments can prepare for ransomware

PayIt Officially Signs First Non-U.S. Contract With Toronto

The company, which provides digital services and payments, has completed the deal after a year of skepticism and criticism from local tech vendors and advocates. It plans to make the first services live in the fall.

See more at ... PayIt Officially Signs First Non-U.S. Contract With Toronto

Business Facilities’ 17th Annual Rankings Report

Our economic development community proved last year that it can fulfill its primary mission - to build a better future - while coping with the most disruptive crisis of our lifetime.

See more at … Business Facilities' 17th Annual Rankings Report

Progressive Insurance Plans to Hire 6,400 New Employees By Year’s End

Progressive Insurance is embarking on a hiring spree.

The insurer said it intends to hire up to 6,400 new employees across the country during the remainder of 2021.

See more at ... Progressive Insurance Plans to Hire 6,400 New Employees By Year’s End

2021 NASCO Reunion

OITA President Nick York will be a featured Speaker & Panelist at this year's "North American Strategy on Competitiveness" Conference- hosted by the NASCO Network in San Luis, Potosi, Mexico. Keynote speaker and Apple Co-Founder, Steve Wozniak, among many other top business, government and community leaders, will also be featured at the 3 day event!

To learn more about Nick York's work on innovation and technology at Transom Group, and check out NASCO and their mission to connect people, businesses, ideas, information, and organizations across North America here 2021 NASCO REUNION

Ohio's new CIO sets goals for post-pandemic IT

Katrina Flory spent a decade as Ohio’s No. 2 technology official, under a succession of governors and chief information officers. But when she was named statewide CIO earlier this month, it was after an effusive endorsement by her predecessor, Ervan Rodgers, who’d held the role since early 2019.

See more at ... Ohio's new CIO sets goals for post-pandemic IT