Whether recruiting new business to Independence or working to retain existing businesses, it is critical to build on the existing strengths of the community and on the City’s competitive advantages. Such advantages have been identified as the City’s location and transportation accessibility, supportive local government and opportunities for collaboration, high-quality City services, low property tax rate, and safety and security. It is also important to understand how a City’s competitive advantages can strengthen its marketing for certain industries and build on the “agglomeration effect,” which stimulates employment growth through the creation of industry clusters.
The City of Independence recently completed a target industry analysis as part of developing an Economic Development Strategic Plan. The target industry analysis identified key sectors and industries for recruitment and retention in Independence based on the City’s relative competitiveness for these industries, their propensity to generate high-wage employment, regional and national growth prospects, opportunities provided for diversification in the local economy, and consistency with lifestyle attributes for Independence. Each target industry sector is listed with its corresponding NAICS (North American Industrial Classification System) code. Independence’s industry clusters include:
- Administrative Services (561)
- Information Services (51)
- Health Care Services (62)
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (54)
- Tourism & Accommodation Services (72)
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing (311, 312)
- Education Services (61)
For more detailed information on Independence’s competitive advantages and industry targets, please refer to the Economic Development Strategic Plan or contact:
Jessica A. Hyser
Economic Development Director
City Hall: 216-524-4131 (x2246)
Direct: 216-524-3853
Email: HyserJ@IndependenceOhio.org