Aventi Attends Record-Breaking ED411 Gathering to Shape Central Ohio’s Economic Future

Friday, December 5, 2025 | Columbus, Ohio

Aventi joined more than 750 economic development leaders from across Central Ohio at the record-setting ED411 convening, an annual event that continues to grow in influence as the region cements its position as one of the nation’s most dynamic economic engines. With keynote remarks from Ted Carter, President of The Ohio State University, alongside leadership from JobsOhio, One Columbus, and other regional partners, the session delivered critical insights on the direction of Ohio’s economy and the work ahead.

Business at the Center of Economic Development

Speakers emphasized that economic development thrives when businesses thrive. Growth in Central Ohio is being driven by employers that are expanding operations, investing in new technologies, and creating high-quality jobs. The strength of that activity is reflected in the region’s impressive performance: payrolls and job numbers have increased by 59% over the past decade, placing Columbus among the fastest-advancing economies in the Midwest.

Economic development organizations at the event reaffirmed their shared commitment to building an environment where businesses of all sizes can scale, compete, and innovate, ultimately strengthening the entire region.

Ohio’s Ambition: National Leadership in Economic Competitiveness

JobsOhio outlined a bold aspiration: to position Ohio as the #1 economic development state in the Midwest, and among the top five states in the country. Achieving this requires coordinated investment in business attraction, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and, most critically, people.

President Carter highlighted the essential role higher education plays in preparing talent for tomorrow’s opportunities, reinforcing that workforce development is not a parallel effort to economic development but a foundational component of it.

AI: A Transformational Tool for Business and Workforce Growth

The conversation also turned to artificial intelligence and its growing impact on regional competitiveness. Leaders stressed that AI is reshaping every industry, from logistics to healthcare to manufacturing, and businesses that adopt these tools responsibly will gain measurable advantages.

The workforce, too, must be prepared. Training employees to use AI to automate tasks, enhance productivity, and support decision-making will be essential to sustaining economic momentum. Rather than replacing workers, AI was framed as a catalyst that can expand capacity and drive new innovation if the right training and support are in place.

A Region Positioned for Continued Momentum

This year’s ED411 gathering made one point unmistakably clear: Central Ohio is rising, and its success is the result of intentional collaboration among business, education, and economic development partners. With record attendance, ambitious goals, and a shared commitment to building the workforce and industries of the future, the Columbus Region is well-positioned for another decade of strong economic growth.

Aventi is proud to stand alongside organizations across Central Ohio as we work collectively to advance opportunities for businesses, strengthen the supplier ecosystem, and support a competitive regional economy.