BGSU State of the Region: Collaboration driving economic growth in northwestern Ohio

The conference highlighted strong job gains and low unemployment 

The Bowling Green State University Center for Regional Development recently hosted its annual State of the Region conference, a premier economic development event aimed at finding innovative ways to further strengthen northwestern Ohio’s economy. 

The 23rd annual event brought together elected officials, economic developers, business leaders and regional stakeholders to work toward creating a collaborative regional ecosystem to support an inclusive economy.

As an anchor institution in northwestern Ohio, BGSU is committed to supporting and strengthening the regional economy through meaningful collaboration, partnerships and innovation.

“With the rapidly changing landscape in advanced technologies, we must not lose sight of how significant a role education plays in our economy and certainly in our state, not only in lifelong learning but in driving innovation,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers.

During the conference, Dr. Nichole Fifer, director of the Center for Regional Development, presented comprehensive data on regional and state job growth, noting a particularly impressive 17% growth in Wood County from 2022 to 2024.

Much of that growth, Fifer said, is in the manufacturing and professional services sectors, increasing 15% and 74% respectively. Additionally, unemployment rates remain low across northwestern Ohio, with the construction, manufacturing and healthcare industries driving job demand.

“Northwest Ohio is a region that believes in partnership and has grown in collaboration,” Fifer said. “Our collaboration as a region has made the progress and growth we’re seeing today possible. With collaboration, investment in people and a strategic regional approach, northwest Ohio can become a model of innovation and workforce transformation.”

Integral to the growth, BGSU continues to offer in-demand academic programs focused on meeting Ohio’s workforce needs, especially in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and healthcare, many of which experienced record enrollment in 2024.

The University also maintains critical partnerships with global and regional organizations, further driving innovation and economic vitality throughout Ohio.

Additional featured speakers and panelists throughout the conference included Dr. Donna Ennis, associate vice president of community-based engagement, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute; Keith Instone, director of community experience, OhioX trade association; Roger Smith, president and regional innovation officer, Northwest Ohio Innovation Consortium, and Sara Swisher, vice president of talent and workforce, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

To view a recording of the conference, visit BGSU.edu/2025StateoftheRegion