Greater Dayton

Business

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While the global pandemic, supply chain issues and rising inflation have all taken their toll on the Greater Dayton Miami Valley economy, the area is still very well positioned for growth in the months and years ahead. In the past year, the region set records for jobs committed as well as the number of new projects. Last year the region had its second-best year in terms of payroll and capital investment.

The Dayton Metro area also was named by Site Selection magazine as the best of its size for the publication’s annual Governor’s Cup rankings. It marked the 16th straight time the city has been ranked in the top 10 and the fifth time it has taken home the top spot.

“Our first-place finish represents not only the hard work of economic development professionals throughout our community, but how the Dayton region shapes its own future,” says Jeff Hoagland, president and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition. “We have the industry, education and talent to fuel growth. If you like great people, abundant resources, a central location and a winning game plan, come join us in Dayton.”

Site Selection ranks cities and states each year based on the number of economic development projects in their region. Projects factored into the rankings include those with any combination of state, regional and local incentives, as well as those that do not receive any type of assistance. This year’s results indicate a strong state and regional business climate, even as the region weathered a second year of a global pandemic.

In 2021, the Dayton region saw an increasing number of new companies establish operations in the region, as well as growth from existing companies, including Economy Linen, Royal Canin and Starwin Industries. Gabriel Brothers, Pak-Rite and Surati all committed to new facilities in the region. 

In addition to investing more than $854.8 million in the region, companies committed to create more than 4,264 new jobs and retain more than 3,298 jobs. Many of the projects this year were new companies establishing operations in the region, helping to further diversify the area’s economy. Those projects will generate more than $165.5 million in new payroll and $854.8 million in capital investment.

- Terry Troy