Cleveland Plus Business Advantage

• ACCESS TO MARKETS:  Quick, low-cost access to the heart of the North American economy
• TALENT + WORKFORCE PIPELINE:  2 million talented, loyal workers and 30 colleges & universities
• $170 BILLION ECONOMY AND GROWING:  Tranforming, diverse, international, growing
• GLOBAL PROMINENCE + AN ENVIRONMENT FOR GROWTH:  Advanced manufacturing; medical devices & imaging, polymers, financial and legal services
• LOW BUSINESS TAXES + AGGRESSIVE INCENTIVES:  Recent tax reforms make Ohio business taxes the lowest in the Midwest

Built on a strong foundation of 20th century innovation and leadership, today the Cleveland Plus region is transforming to a global hub for emerging technologies. Our rich history has given us the advantage to become the nation's leader in polymers, plastics and chemicals. Our innovative foundation has created world-renowned healthcare and bioscience research that is changing the world. Our capabilities make us the hub for emerging advanced energies and our foundation in financial and legal services enable businesses to thrive in the region. 

PLUS A TALENTED + DEDICATED CLEVELAND PLUS WORKFORCE

Among our greatest assets is the knowledge, work ethic and productivity of the more than 2 million strong Cleveland Plus labor force. Consider our fourth place rank in the nation for least number of days lost on the job combined with our high out productivity and gross regional product. Cleveland Plus is a force because we have a talented workforce driving our growth. Our universities award more than 26,000 degrees annually, and our community colleges and technical schools regularly enroll more than 50,000 students each year.

PLUS LOGISTICAL LOCATION

The Cleveland Plus region is consistently ranked at the top of many national logistics and transportation rankings. With a geographically central location, the Cleveland Plus region can be reached easily from anywhere in the country, or the world for that matter. Whether by land via our efficient highway system, by sea sailing Lake Erie or the Ohio River, or by air via Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) or Akron Canton Regional Airport (CAK), the Cleveland Plus region is the route to more efficient transportation. The infrastructure in place includes a strong intermodal system including a global air cargo center, a truck-to-train transfer facility, ongoing barge-to-truck projects and Foreign Trade Zones at key locations throughout the region. Foreign Trade Zone #181 ranks 8th in activity, solidifying our region as a leading location in this global economy. Learn More

PLUS OHIO TAX REFORM, INVESTMENT INCENTIVES + GRANTS

Helping to make the area even more attractive, Ohio has a commitment to eliminate a burdensome tax system. In 2005, the state implemented full-scale, sweeping Ohio tax reform that means a reduction in tax burden of up to 63 percent by 2010. Ohio and our region also offer numerous attractive incentives, grants and financing to help you succeed. Cleveland Plus is home to two very active Foreign Trade Zones, as well as numerous Enterprise Zones and Community Reinvestment Areas. It all adds up to an attractive place to do business. Learn More

PLUS ENTREPRENURIALISM + INNOVATION

Just like our traditional industries, entrepreneurialism has a rich and storied history in the Cleveland Plus region. Back in 1856, an entrepreneur named Jeptha Wade decided embrace a new technology called the telegraph and started a telegraph company called Western Union. That tradition continues today as Northeast Ohio is embracing that entrepreneurial spirit by embracing the innovation economy.

In 2006, the Cleveland Plus Region was named one of the hottest regions for entrepreneurs by Entrepreneur Magazine - higher than San Francisco, Boston, Seattle and New York. The Intelligent Community Forum listed Cleveland Plus as one of seven cities in the world (and the only city in the United Stated) as a "Top 7 Intelligent Community," meaning that we are a paragon for what the ICF calls "vibrant local economies and healthy societies."

PLUS A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE 

Cleveland Plus has diverse ethnic communities, a wide selection of recreational opportunities, world-class health care facilities and numerous educational and cultural institutions. With a cost of living ranging from 12-20% below the national average, our residents are provided a quality of life that is both dynamic and satisfying. The Cleveland Plus region offers attractions and amenities found in only the largest of cities: 3 major league sports teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 2nd largest U.S. theater district, the 3rd most visited national park in the U.S, miles of lakefront living and water activity, complemented by the historic charm of its many smaller communities, and an unspoiled countryside. Plus, with an average commute of 24 minutes, you can enjoy your life here. Northeast Ohio is truly a vibrant, yet comfortable, place to live.

PLUS A CLUSTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Cleveland Plus is a hub for research and cultural development. Fueling that are the varied institutions of higher education and the highly prized graduates they produce. Currently, there are 175,000 degree-seeking students attending 30 colleges and universities. And every year, about 26,000 receive their degrees-adding even more well-educated people into an already deep talent pool. In addition to our diverse colleges and universities, the Cleveland Plus region offers a variety of community, technical and vocational colleges. With the region featuring such a wide range of industries, the schools mirror that by offering programs to match.

PLUS WORLD CLASS HEALTH CARE

World class healthcare characterizes the Cleveland Plus region. Nationally ranked healthcare providers, such as the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Health System, Aultman Hospital Network and Summa Health System, drive the region's healthcare sector. Research institutions, like Case Western Reserve University, Northeast Ohio Colleges University of Medicine (NEOUCOM), the Cleveland Clinic and Lerner Research Institution, and Cleveland State University all contribute to the first rate healthcare in Northeast Ohio.