Women Of Influence

Business growth, expansion and development is in full swing in Central Ohio. And making sure their cash flow adequately keeps pace with their needs is a daily concern for many commercial and industrial companies. Seeing an opportunity to add to their growing commercial real estate business in Central Ohio, First Commonwealth Bank recently expanded its presence here, acquiring First Community Bank last year...

For this week's podcast, we sat down with Alex Fischer, president and CEO of the Columbus Partnership, the influential organization representing leaders of the region's largest companies. The discussion included the Partnership's long-range goals for the Columbus region, its members'"curiosity tours" across the U.S...

To bridge this gap in our workforce, numerous local, regional and state organizations are innovating solutions to provide Ohio workers with the job skills needed to find work in a constantly changing market, and to ensure both new and established companies have access to a strong pool of talent. Columbus Business First’s Table of Experts roundtable series recently brought together leaders of some of those organizations, to discuss both the demands and possibilities for work in our region...

In the latest edition of The Kicker, we discussed funding in the state capital bill for COSI's dinosaur exhibit and a park next to COSI that's seen as a catalyst for development in Franklinton. We also talked about the rapid growth of pet supply chain PetPeople and why that's leading the chain to look for a new headquarters in Central Ohio, homing in on Dublin...

In the latest edition of The Kicker, we discuss nascent plans to redevelop the UDF site in the Short North as well as White Castle's headquarters site west of downtown near Grandview Yard. We also covered why L Brands is cutting 200 jobs at Victoria's Secret despite turning a $1...

Columbus Business First talks with Columbus' mayor about his neighborhood improvement initiative, the city's interest in the federal government's Smart City Challenge, regional cooperation for economic development in Central Ohio and more.

This week's podcast is all about restaurants. We talk with John Barker, CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association, about what's worrying the state's restaurateurs, including why most are against a minimum wage hike. We also touch on whether tipping should be banished, how fast-casual is shaking up dining, and advice for those looking to open their own restaurant (and why they maybe shouldn't do it).

Health care industry experts discussed the state of health care in the United States, reviewing what has occurred since the passing of the Affordable Care Act and what to expect moving forward. Topics included health care costs, the ACA’s impact on your business and employees, and how the insurance and health services landscape is evolving. Panelists included Sequent CEO William Hutter, CareSource Ohio Market President Steve Ringel and Blue & Co. Director Matt Dasta.

New initiatives to help struggling neighborhoods and low-income entrepreneurs that were unveiled by new Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther this week anchor our latest podcast. We discuss the $61 million that Ginther pledged for the Hilltop and Linden neighborhoods during his first State of the City speech, as well as plans to have nonprofit microlender Kiva set up in Columbus. We also covered how millennials are changing the housing market, and OhioHealth's decision to invest $33...

The state of the Central Ohio development scene and the prospects for future growth anchor this week's podcast. Reporter Evan Weese sat down with several of our speakers before this year's Commercial Developers Power Breakfast, one of our premier events with more than 900 attendees. In the podcast, you'll hear from Columbus 2020 President and Chief Economic Officer Kenny McDonald, Pizzuti Cos. President Joel Pizzuti, EMHT& President Sandy Doyle-Ahern and Ruscilli Construction Co...