LORAIN, OHIO — Even though Lorain failed to secure Intel’s $28 billion chip manufacturing facility, it gained a model for competing on the largest stage of economic development and a strong desire to win bids.
One local councilwoman’s audacious outreach turned into a statewide campaign that eventually led to Intel’s relocation to New Albany, close to Columbus. Lorain County is already constructing its own site in preparation for the next major project after learning what it takes to attract mega projects.
The strategy behind the audacious maneuvers and unselfish handoffs that helped bring Intel to Ohio and set up Lorain County for future victories is examined here.
This is an adaptation of a story that appeared in The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com on Sunday. To read the entire story, click here.)
Locate a straight path to the summit.
Lorain Councilwoman Mary Springowski went directly to the CEO of Intel in 2021, bypassing the customary channels. She marketed Lorain as the perfect location for the internet giant’s planned facility after buying a list of business emails online. By the next morning, Intel had replied. The communication prompted a rush across Ohio to acquire a suitable location, even though Lorain lacked the single-owner, shovel-ready 1,000-acre site Intel wanted.
Consider more than just your zip code.
As soon as Springowski and local officials realized the city couldn’t match Intel’s strict standards, they got in touch with Team NEO, a preeminent regional economic development organization. Team NEO’s Christine Nelson found a viable location close to Columbus, presented it to Intel, and brought in JobsOhio to seal the deal.
Advance inside your boundaries.
Despite the plant’s relocation to New Albany, Lorain County did not consider the endeavor a failure. Rather, leaders inquired about how they could get ready for the next opportunity. A 1,000-acre megasite close to Lorain County Regional Airport is the solution. In order to attract transformative employers, the location will get $67.4 million from Ohio’s All Ohio Future Fund, which will be used for utility upgrades, an expanded runway, and maybe a new wastewater treatment plant.
Strive for progress that is transformative.
For Springowski, small-scale development is not the aim. The goal is to draw in projects that will result in long-term economic transformation and well-paying jobs. She declared, “I want significant economic development.” The kind that actually has an impact.
