IBM Global Services Aids Toledo-Based Regional Growth Partnership With Economic Development

IBM Global Services Aids Toledo-Based Regional Growth Partnership With Economic Development

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP), the lead economic development agency for Northwest Ohio, has appointed IBM management consultants to advise the agency with its strategies to attract inward investment and economic development to the region.

“For a long time we’ve focused on successfully attracting and expanding high quality business activity, but as the world globalizes and attracting investment becomes more competitive, we need to stay ahead of the game,” said Steve Weathers, president of the Regional Growth Partnership. “This is about continuing to be smart. We have to understand what skills are needed in this new economy and where Toledo and Northwest Ohio must invest to remain competitive in the areas of innovation and technology, so our economic development plan is effective as possible.”

IBM’s global location strategy consultants will work with the RGP to help ensure that the region’s economic development plan to attract new business is based upon meeting the current and future needs of potential investors. This includes assessing Toledo and Northwest Ohio’s skills and competitive position in core business sectors against those of similar regions. This is to help ensure investment decisions are based on sectors of strength and market demand.

As a further area of focus, IBM will help the RGP team with understanding in-depth the needs, demands and strategies of international and domestic corporate location decision makers. Additionally, the team will also focus on the collaborative strengths and expertise that area colleges and universities can provide to investors.

Read the complete Press Release