Ohio Named CNBC’s No. 1 State for Business — What It Means for the Greater Lima Region

Ohio just made national headlines, and Allen County has every reason to celebrate the news. On July 9, 2026, CNBC named Ohio America’s Top State for Business for 2026, marking the first time the state has claimed the number one spot. It’s a milestone worth noting for the whole state, and it’s especially meaningful for communities like ours that are actively growing, developing, and welcoming new business.

A Steady Climb to the Top

Ohio’s journey to No. 1 didn’t happen overnight. The state ranked 34th in 2010 and has climbed steadily since, placing 15th in 2022, 12th in 2023, 7th in 2024, 5th in 2025, and now 1st in 2026. CNBC’s rankings are based on a comprehensive review, evaluating all 50 states across 138 metrics in 10 categories of competitiveness, and the network pointed to Ohio’s low business costs, strong infrastructure, broad market access, abundant electrical power, and deep inventory of shovel-ready sites as key factors. Ohio’s affordable housing costs were also highlighted as a standout strength.

Why This Matters for the Greater Lima Region

Every one of those statewide strengths shows up locally here in Allen County. Our shovel-ready sites, like Gateway Shawnee Industrial Park, our access to major transportation corridors, including I-75 and US-30, our award-winning schools, and our affordable housing all reflect the same qualities that helped earn Ohio this recognition.

At AEDG, we see this ranking as validation of the work happening every day across the Greater Lima Region: local leaders, business owners, and state partners working together to create an environment where companies can grow, and residents can thrive. It reinforces the message we’ve long shared with businesses and site selectors considering our region: Allen County offers big-city advantages with a close-knit, welcoming community feel.

“The #1 ranking reinforces that Allen County is well-positioned to compete for new business investment, especially in the industry sectors we are known for, such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and logistics. This ranking was supported by businesses and projects in Allen County, including Procter & Gamble, Google, Amazon, and Ohio Logistics,” said Tim Fitzpatrick, Business Development and Regional Workforce Development at AEDG.

A Workforce Ready for What’s Next

Part of what earned Ohio this recognition is its focus on building a skilled, future-ready workforce. The state’s newest initiative, WorkOhio, connects job seekers with local employers, training programs, and career resources, and it complements the kind of workforce partnerships already at work here in Allen County. Between our region’s universities and trade schools, growing career-technical education opportunities, and organizations like Ohio Means Jobs Allen County, the Greater Lima Region is nurturing the talent pipeline that local employers depend on. Strong schools mean strong communities, and a strong workforce is what turns business investment into long-term growth.

Site-Ready and Incentive-Ready

Businesses considering a move to Ohio, or an expansion within it, aren’t just looking at rankings; they’re looking for sites, competitive incentive programs, and a team that can guide them through the process from first visit to grand opening. That’s exactly the role AEDG plays in Allen County. Whether it’s touring available properties, connecting a company with state and local incentive programs, or coordinating with partners like JobsOhio, our team works to make Allen County an easy choice for businesses ready to grow. If Ohio is the best state in America for business, we want the Greater Lima Region to be the best place to land in it.

“Allen County is part of the conversation among businesses and site selectors. The State’s #1 ranking complements Lima/Allen County’s #4 ranking in the nation among Tier 3 Metropolitans for business growth and investment, giving us credibility when working with prospective companies and reinforcing that we offer the advantages businesses seek when committing to the long-term growth of our community,” said Cindy Leis, AEDG President and CEO.

Building on Statewide Momentum

Ohio’s rise reflects a simple truth: companies are choosing Ohio, and the Greater Lima Region is ready to capture more of that momentum. With strong workforce partnerships, competitive incentive programs, and a growing pipeline of shovel-ready sites, Allen County offers everything a growing business needs to plant roots and thrive.

“Ohio’s number one business climate starts with communities like the Greater Lima Region. If you’re looking to grow, the Greater Lima Region is ready to grow with you,” said Tim Fitzpatrick.

Your next big opportunity is here. Contact AEDG today to learn how we can help your business grow in the Greater Lima Region.