Episode Details

What's driving Cincinnati's rise as one of the Midwest's most dynamic economic engines?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Kimm Lauterbach, CEO of REDI Cincinnati, about the region's rapid growth and the strategies positioning it as a national leader in innovation, investment, and industry.

Kimm shares how Cincinnati has built momentum through a combination of regional collaboration, strong industry clusters, and a commitment to workforce development. The conversation highlights how partnerships across state lines are helping the region compete more effectively for investment and talent.

A major focus is Cincinnati's growing strength in life sciences and biopharma, where companies such as Medpace and CTI have helped establish the region as a recognized hub for research, innovation, and commercialization.

The discussion also explores the region's leadership in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and food innovation—industries that continue to drive economic growth while creating opportunities for workforce development and business expansion.

Looking ahead, Kimm discusses the role of innovation districts, research partnerships, and international investment in shaping Cincinnati's future and sustaining long-term competitiveness.

A key takeaway? Cincinnati's success is built on collaboration, industry specialization, and a clear vision for regional growth.

Key Takeaways

• Cincinnati is experiencing strong economic growth across multiple industries

• Regional collaboration strengthens competitiveness and investment attraction

• Life sciences and biopharma have become major economic drivers

• Aerospace and advanced manufacturing remain key regional strengths

• Workforce development supports long-term industry growth

• Innovation districts and research partnerships are fueling future opportunities

• Foreign direct investment continues to play an important role in expansion

Key Topics Covered

• Cincinnati's economic growth and recognition

• Foreign direct investment and international companies

• Regional multi-state collaboration strategies

• Life sciences and biopharma development

• Workforce development and training programs

• Aerospace and advanced manufacturing

• Food and beverage innovation

• Innovation districts and research partnerships

Sound Bites

• "Success stories like Medpace and CTI."

• "Overindexing in aerospace engineering."