Cincinnati Ohio Economic Development

Japanese Investment

Japanese investment in Cincinnati USA comprises nearly 120 companies with close to 130 facilities and approximately 12,000 employees.

View the Japanese Investment Map and Companies

European Investment

European investment in Cincinnati USA comprises nearly 250 companies with more than 290 facilities, and close to 30,000 employees. These European coutries include:

View the European Investment Map and Companies

Japanese Investment

Japanese investment in Cincinnati USA comprises nearly 120 companies with close to 130 facilities and approximately 12,000 employees.

View the Japanese Investment Map and Companies

European Investment

European investment in Cincinnati USA comprises nearly 250 companies with more than 290 facilities, and close to 30,000 employees. These European coutries include:

View the European Investment Map and Companies

Life Sciences

The Cincinnati area has more than 220 businesses with involvement in the research, testing and production of pharmaceutical, medical and agricultural products including:

• Cincinnati Children's Medical Center
• P&G Pharmaceutical, Inc.
• Kendle International, Inc.

Information Technology

Cincinnati USA profits from a robust and diverse IT cluster that includes Fortune 1000 companies, a strong network of highly-rated academic institutions, a number of global IT service providers, world-class infrastructure, and passionate, engaged IT leadership. Many notable technology companies were born in Cincinnati, including Bluespring and Hyperquake, as well as technology-enabled businesses such as Paycor and Convergys.

Source: Cincinnati USA Partnership

Financial Services

Fifth Third Bancorp, Western Southern Financial Group and American Financial Group are headquartered in downtown Cincinnati. PNC and U.S. Bank also have a major presence downtown.

Source: Cincinnati USA Partnership

Consumer Products & Creative Services

Driving Cincinnati USA's strong consumer services industry and its burgeoning creative services is a strong core of global companies like Procter & Gamble, Kroger's, and Macy's. As importantly, smaller, fast-growing companies like dunnhumby USA and Lightborne Communications are helping tell the story of the region's creative power.

Source: Cincinnati USA Partnership

Chemistry & Plastics

As a leader in chemical and plastics employment, Cincinnati USA is home to almost 300 businesses involved in the manufacturing of basic and specialty chemicals; pharmaceuticals; soaps and cleaners; flavorings; printing inks; adhesives, paints, and coatings; and plastics and rubber products.

300 businesses involved in the manufacturing of basic and specialty chemicals call Cincinnati home including:

• Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Kao Brands
• Givaudan Flavors Corp.
• Sun Chemical

Source: Cincinnati USA Partnership

Automotive

Cincinnati is a key part of the supply chain for many companies in the automotive industry including Honda & Toyota. We are a leader in light vehicle production, with Ohio ranked second nationally (1.9 million vehicles annually), in 2004.

Aerospace

Aerospace firms have focused their attention on Cincinnati for over 100 years. From critical parts to the NASA space missions, to the world's leading manufacturer of large jet engines, Cincinnati boasts a skilled workforce, experienced professionals, and significant technology strengths.

Advanced Energy

Supported by a strong commitment at the federal and state levels, our region is poised to take advantage of the fast-growing alternative and renewable energy industry. From wind and solar to fuel cells and biofuels, Ohio and the region provide outstanding access to capital and talent for this emerging industry.

Source: Cincinnati USA Partnership

Uptown Consortium
Spirited shopping. - Eclectic dining. - Top-notch entertainment. - World-class education and health care. These reasons and more are why Uptown is Cincinnati's newest up-and-coming neighborhood! Undergoing a robust revitalization, Uptown offers a myriad of possibilities to those looking for something out of the ordinary.

629 Oak Street, Suite 306
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
Phone: 513.861.8726 x15
Contact: Tony Brown, President & CEO

Cincinnati USA Regional Partnership
The Partnership is responsible for attracting new business, jobs and investment to the 3-state, 15-county region at the intersection of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana in the Midwest region of the United States. This is achieved by marketing the region domestically and internationally, generating and managing prospects, identifying retention issues and opportunities and partnering with local communities to win projects.

441 Vine Street, Suite 300
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone: 513.579.3100
Contact: Doug Moormann, Vice President, Economic Development

Port of Greater Cincinnati
The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority partners with local communities to facilitate economic development within the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio. This important work enhances the use of the land resources throughout the area, resulting in the retention and generation of jobs and the generation of additional tax revenues.

1014 Vine Street, Suite 1440
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone: 513.621.3000
Contact: Kim Satzger, President

Ohio Department of Development
The Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and meaningful, targeted investments.

Fourth & Vine Tower
One West Fourth Street, Suite 425
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone: 513.852.2826
Contact: Quinten Harris, Governor's Regional Representative

Hamilton County Development Company
Hamilton County Development Co., Inc. (HCDC) commenced operations in 1983 as a private not-for-profit corporation, with one full-time employee and a volunteer board of directors. Today, HCDC ranks 48th out of the approximately 300 Certified Development Companies (CDC) across the country, and is the only such entity which includes three distinct programs to promote economic development

1776 Mentor Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45212
Phone: 513.631.8292
Contact: Harry Blanton, Vice President

Duke Energy
Duke Energy's Cincinnati USA Economic Development group is committed to enhancing the economic vitality of the communities we serve in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Our economic development activities focus on strengthening our local communities by providing a strong business climate and employment opportunities.

P.O. Box 960
Mail Drop EA503
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone: 513.419.5972
Contact: David Smith, Director, Ohio/Kentucky Economic Development

Downtown Cincinnati Incorporated
Downtown Cincinnati Inc. (DCI) is a non-profit business organization with a mission to build a dynamic metropolitan center valued as the heart of the region. The organization is funded by a Special Improvement District that includes all property within the boundaries of Eggleston Avenue on the east, Central Parkway on the north, Central Avenue on the west (including the Centennial buildings), and the river on the south (excluding the two stadiums). DCI provides leadership and advocacy for important issues that ensure long-term downtown vitality, and plays an important role in working with strong partners to improve the city.

617 Vine Street, Suite 1200
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513.421.4440
Contact: David Ginsburg, President & CEO

Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC)
The formation of 3CDC was recommended by a City of Cincinnati Economic Development Task Force. Its operations are funded privately, through business contributions as well as support from foundations and other philanthropic sources. 3CDC works collaboratively with its corporate partners as well as the City of Cincinnati and the state of Ohio.

1014 Vine Street, Suite 1420
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513.621.4400
Contact: Steve Leeper, President & CEO

Railroad

Cincinnati USA is a vital gateway both north/south and east/west. Four major railroad systems serve the region including:
Amtrak, CSX, Conrail, and Norfolk Southern

The Indiana and Ohio RR/RY serves Southeast Indiana and Southwest Ohio.

There are more than 175 miles of mainline trackage serving local industry

The Chessie System's Queensgate computerized yard is one of the most modern and efficient facilities serving the U.S.

CSX and Norfolk Southern provide long-haul freight service through the region. Both railroads have major classification and intermodal yards in Cincinnati. Rail America provides regional freight service while Amtrak provides passenger service to Chicago, Indianapolis, Washington, and New York.

Public Transportation

The Metro bus system links downtown with the surrounding suburbs of Cincinnati while TANK links downtown with northern Kentucky.

Port Facilities

The Port of Cincinnati is the 5th largest inland port; 52.3 million tons pass annually through Cincinnati and the Ohio River.

Source: Cincinnati USA Partnership

Passenger Rail Service

The Ohio Rail Development Commission is working to plan and build the “3C” passenger rail line, which will provide service from Cincinnati to Dayton, Columbus, and Cleveland. Amtrak estimates that the 3C line will serve more than 478,000 riders in its first year of operation, making it the 12th largest passenger generator in the nation. In late January, the federal government announced that it is providing $400 million in funding for the project through the American Relief and Recovery Act, which is nearly the entire cost. To learn more, visit the Ohio Department of Transportation page.

Interstate

All major markets are easily reached from Cincinnati USA via interstate; 20 major metro areas within 400 miles (644 km) are served by one-day truck driving time and 30 additional markets by second-day service.

• More than 900 interstate common motor frieght carriers service the region.
• Over 380 general freight trucking establishments, of which 255 are long distance hauler, are located in the Cincinnati MSA.
• More than 290 specialized freight trucking establishments in the Cincinnati MSA
• 44 Freight Forwarders

Cincinnati has 5 interstates that connect the region to the U.S.:

• I-71, Louisville to Cleveland
• I-75, Miami to Ontario, Canada
• I-74, Davenport, Iowa to Cincinnati
• I-471 and I-275 serve the regional market

Airport

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is located 15 minutes south of Downtown Cincinnati and is a hub for Delta Airlines. CVG has daily, non-stop service to more than 60 destinations, including service to the top 50 business centers in the United States. CVG also offers daily, non-stop service to Toronto and Paris. In addition to CVG, Cincinnati operates Lunken Airport (LUK), a general aviation airport providing services to corporate and personal aircraft.

Air Courier Services

Local courier hubs include FedEx and UPS.

Worker's Compensation

Ohio worker's compensation rates are calculated by the Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation (BWC).

The Ohio BWC classifies industries according to the National Council of Compensation Insurance. Each separate industry classification has its own basic premium rate.

The cost of claims in each industry classification determines rates. Base rates are calculated by estimating the cost of claims expected to occur in the next year using costs of past accidents and diseases in each industrial classification.

An employer's accident experience, fluctuations in payroll, medical costs, and worker's compensation benefit levels are primary factors in premium rates.

For more information or a quote, contact the Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation Customer Service Center at (800) OHIO-BWC

Unemployment Insurance

Employers must make contributions on the first $9,000 of each covered employee's wages. The contribution rate is 2.7%. For further information contact Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (614) 466-6282.

Sales Tax

The sales tax in Hamilton County is 6.5%.

Local Earnings Tax

• The local earnings tax in the city of Cincinnati is 2.1% on individual income and net profits.
• The City does not tax stock options.

Real Property Tax

Real property, or real estate, which includes land and improvements to land (buildings, etc.) is subject to property tax in Ohio. The taxable value of real estate is 35 percent of market value. The effective tax rate applied to the assessed value varies by school district.

The average effective tax rate for real property in 2006 in Ohio was 63 mills.

Real Property Tax Formula:
(Actual value) x (.35) = Assessed value

(Assessed value) x (local millage) = Real property tax

For additional information contact the Ohio Department of Taxation's Income Tax Division.

Personal Income Tax (for 2008, 2009 and 2010)

Reforms enacted in 2005 called for a gradual 21 percent across the board reduction in income tax rates. Tax rates have been reduced four times, and are now 16.8 percent lower than they were five years ago. A fifth rate cut is scheduled for 2011.

The Ohio rate schedule is as follows:

Commercial Activities Tax (CAT)

A tax imposed on the privilege of doing business in Ohio. The CAT is measured by Ohio gross receipts and paid by business located both in and outside of Ohio, that operate in Ohio.

The CAT is paid by any business with Ohio gross receipts of $150,000 or more in a calendar year. Businesses with annual Ohio gross receipts of $150,000 or less are not subject to the CAT. Annual Ohio gross receipts from $150,001-$1 million are subject to a minimum $150 tax.

For Ohio gross receipts exceeding $1 million the rate is .26%. Out-of-state gross receipts are exempt.

Replacement for the Ohio Corporate Franchise and tangible personal property taxes.

Water

Cincinnati enjoys an almost limitless supply of high quality potable water, at rates among the lowest in the country.

Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW), largest of several water works in the service area, has been a municipally-owned and operated utility since it was purchased by the City of Cincinnati in 1839.

GCWW has always taken the lead in water quality research and technology to protect public health.  It has been featured nationally for it's state-of-the-art water treatment and research. To ensure the highest quality drinking water, water is tested more than 300 times a day from the source through treatment and in the distribution system.

GCWW supplies more than 48 billion gallons of water a year through 3,000 miles of water mains to about 235,000 residential and commercial accounts. GCWW's service area has grown to include the entire City of Cincinnati, most of Hamilton County, and parts of Butler and Warren Counties in Ohio.  In 2003, GCWW started selling water to Boone County and Florence, Kentucky via a pipeline installed under the Ohio River.

GCWW uses the latest treatment techniques in its state-of-the-art facilities to remove harmful contaminants. Cincinnati has been recognized nationally for its excellent drinking water. GCWW has always met or exceeded all state and federal health standards for drinking water.

Telephone

Cincinnati Bell delivers powerful, fully integrated, state-of-the-art networks supported locally by thousands of experts. Cincinnati Bell provides dedicated local account teams, strategic customer
service resources, and partnerships with industry leaders like Avaya, Cisco, Nokia, Motorola, EMC, Citrix, Psion Teklogic, HP, Nortel, Sun Microsystems, and Microsoft.

In addition they provide:

• Local SS7 signaling with dual switches
• 87 switch locations and 99.9997 availability
• 3,500 route miles of fiber in the Greater Cincinnati region
• 640+ SONET self-healing fiber optic rings
• 24 7 local NOC monitoring and technical support
• 90+ NOC specialists
• 500+ install/repair technicians
• 3,000 employees based in Cincinnati
• 135 years of experience

Sewer

The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD, or MSD-GC) serves the wastewater removal and treatment needs of over 800,000 customers in Hamilton County, Ohio (USA). MSD is currently implementing a multi-million dollar overhaul of the entire sewer system.

Gas & Electric

Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power companies in the United States. They supply and deliver energy to approximately 4 million U.S. customers. They have approximately 36,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Midwest and the Carolinas, and natural gas distribution services in Ohio and Kentucky. In addition, they have more than 4,000 megawatts of electric generation in Latin America. They are also a joint-venture partner in a U.S. real estate company.

The company is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., and is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK.

District Energy - Cooling

Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS) was awarded an exclusive franchise to provide district energy service within the Central Business District (CBD) of Cincinnati, Ohio. Currently, a central plant and a satellite plant can produce 10,000+ tons of chilled water which is piped throughout the Cincinnati CBD to serve individual buildings with chilled water to meet respective air-conditioning needs. The customer base includes commercial office buildings, retail and hotel facilities, government buildings and institutional facilities. District energy services allow for lower construction and operating costs for new buildings, but they also allow older buildings to remain competitive by avoiding the expense of replacing aging cooling equipment, many of which utilize chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a substance banned from further production by the Clean Air Act.

• The higher efficiencies inherent in a centralized energy system result in substantial reduction of the air pollutant emissions caused by individual building cooling systems. This helps Cincinnati to improve its local environment as well as its business climate.
• Duke Energy Generation Services can also offer on-site energy or commercial power generation management. Contact them for more information: http://www.de-gs.com/degs-contact.asp