Licking County’s Rise as a Hub for Emerging Industries and Economic Growth
Licking County and the Central Ohio region have experienced significant growth in various emerging and expanding industries. We are seeing growth trends in a diverse range of businesses and investment in sectors such as food manufacturing, semiconductor production, renewable energy, data centers, and the automotive industry, including electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing.
In October 2024, Microsoft announced a $1 billion investment in the Columbus Region for data center facilities in New Albany, Heath, and Hebron. Together, the three campuses will play a critical role in expanding Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure to support rapid global growth in digital services.
Also in 2024, Licking County saw the location of Black & Decker at The Cubes speculative building located in Etna, Ohio. The distribution facility will contribute to western Licking County’s growing warehousing and distribution corridor.
Many of the companies who chose to locate in Licking County cited a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and strategic location as deciding factors. With a commitment to ensuring the ongoing success of both new and established businesses, GROW Licking County plays a vital role in supporting the local economy by fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. The organization provides proactive support by addressing workforce challenges and offering resources for business expansion to promote long-term economic stability in the region. This approach has made Licking County an attractive area not only for business investment but also for sustained community growth.
To support workforce development, GROW Licking County helps advocate for issues facing businesses and employees. One of the most significant challenges identified has been the limited availability and high cost of childcare. To better understand the local childcare landscape and its impact on the workforce, GROW Licking County conducted a comprehensive community survey. This survey gathered valuable insights into the affordability, accessibility, and quality of childcare options within Licking County, helping to clarify how these factors influence parents’ ability to fully participate in the workforce. Investments in early childhood also maximize outcomes for the future workforce. These results provided local statistics to be used for future solutions.
