Two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to organize and participate in a major business attraction effort. A company specializing in energy storage unit manufacturing and assembly was searching for a location to establish its North American headquarters—ideally near NASA Glenn Research Center. What I witnessed during this visit was nothing short of extraordinary: our region came together in a powerful, coordinated effort that felt like poetry in motion.
At Aerozone, we had the privilege of quarterbacking this visit, and what unfolded on the field was spectacular.
Every sector of our economy was represented:
- Our Local Government & Economic Development Leaders– (City of Cleveland, City of Brook Park, City of Middleburg Heights, and Cuyahoga County)
- Our Talent Partners – (Greater Cleveland Works, Global Cleveland, Cleveland State University, Baldwin Wallace University)
- Our Regional Economic Development Partners– (Greater Cleveland Partnership, TeamNEO, JumpStart)
- Our Key Aerozone Anchor– (NASA Glenn Research Center)
- Our Private Sector Partners– (A special shoutout to the law firm of Benesch, which graciously hosted a critical meeting at their Key Tower office.)
Over the course of just two days, I had a front-row seat to our region’s incredible economic strength and collaboration.
What I Learned:
- We Belong at the Adults’ Table.
Friends, let me tell you—we belong. We have the assets, resources, and expertiseto compete with any region in the world. - We Must Leverage Our Unique Anchors.
In this case, the company specifically sought proximity to NASA Glenn Research Centerto take advantage of its energy testing capabilities. Our ability to align these assets with industry needs is a major competitive advantage. - Real Estate Partners Are Critical.
If we want to attract businesses, we must deepen our partnerships with real estate stakeholders who are committed to unlocking higher economic value. Huge thanks to NAI Pleasant Valleyfor playing a pivotal role in making this visit a reality! - No matter what, we are a family.
We may be living in a time when the divisions between us feel deep and unbridgeable. Yet, from where I sit, I see something different—I see powerful, multi-jurisdictional, multi-organizational collaboration at a level I’ve never encountered before.
In Northeast Ohio, and perhaps even across our country, the challenges that divide us seem greater than ever. But amidst these fissures, I see something else—a glimmer of hope. The partnerships forming, the bridges being built, and the collective efforts to move forward remind me that, despite our differences, we are bound together. No matter what, we are a family.
What the Visiting Company Had to Say after the visit:
At the end of their visit, the CEO—who operates businesses across multiple continents, and their US team—shared a few words about our region. Here’s what stood out:
- “Efficient.”→ “You helped us get insights and answers fast!”
- “Cleveland?!”→ “Growing up in the South, I never imagined establishing a business in Cleveland, but… you changed our minds. We can very much see ourselves being part of this community. You tipped the scale.”
- “Warm.”→ Perhaps my favorite feedback. The visiting team described us as a warm and inviting community—a reminder of something we often feel but sometimes need an outsider to recognize.
Final Thoughts
This experience reaffirmed what we already know: Northeast Ohio is ready to compete on the global stage. When we align our strengths—our institutions, workforce, infrastructure, and industry anchors—we create an ecosystem where businesses not only want to locate, but thrive.
So I ask again: Are we ready to sit at the table with the adults?
Absolutely.
Best regards,
Hrishue Mahalaha
Executive Director
Aerozone Alliance
