In Akron, OH we met with Marcel van den Bosch, Economic Research Coordinator in downtown. While working in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce in the Greater Akron area he said that things were much better than anticipated. Goodyear being the biggest anchor corporation in the Akron area, with an incredible history has been quite strong.

The lay-offs in Akron came during the last recession hit hard but it has completely rebounded. About half way thru the recession most of the buildings downtown were only 8% unoccupied which was better than any of the larger cities such as Seattle, Denver, LA, SF, Miami, Dallas, Houston, NYC or Boston.

Industrial space did not fair so well will many 100’s of thousands of square feet un-leased or accounted for, which is typical for a region, which had for the most part been manufacturer driven until recently as it moves to service based sector as the largest employment realm. But all in all the area is doing okay, and the suburbs especially near Fairlawn were really growing well. If you are looking for an area to start or expand a business Akron OH is not only strategically places, but it is a buzz with economic growth.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs