Business and community leaders gathered last week at Denison University for Grow Licking County's annual Investor and Partner Luncheon, celebrating another year of economic growth and discussing the opportunities and challenges that accompany Licking County's continued success.

The event opened with remarks from luncheon sponsor and Denison University Chief Financial Officer David English, who shared several milestones for the university. Denison was recently recognized as one of the most innovative colleges in the nation and ranked No. 4 among more than 200 liberal arts colleges in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. English also noted that Denison received more than 12,000 applications this year and welcomed its largest incoming class ever with approximately 700 new students enrolling this fall.

Grow Licking County Executive Director Cameron Garczyk provided an update on the region's economic development activity, highlighting 11 projects announced over the past year that are expected to create more than 1,100 new jobs. He noted that Licking County is currently Ohio's sixth-fastest growing county and continues to emerge as one of the state's most important economic engines.

Among the notable developments highlighted were expansions and investments from Kansai Helios, Perma-Pipe, Cologix and the new PCA headquarters project. Garczyk also shared that Licking County is now among the top locations in Ohio for data center investment and ranks as the state's leading industrial submarket.

The program concluded with a fireside chat featuring Ohio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Stivers. During the discussion, Stivers highlighted CNBC's recent recognition of Ohio as the No. 1 state for business in America and discussed several key issues shaping Ohio's economic future.

Among those topics were the growing need for additional housing in fast-growing communities such as Licking County and the importance of addressing childcare availability as a workforce challenge. Stivers shared that state leaders continue to explore innovative solutions, including employer-supported childcare models and public-private funding partnerships.

Stivers also addressed misconceptions surrounding data centers, noting that many facilities provide their own electric generation and transmission infrastructure and that a growing number utilize air-cooling technologies rather than water-based systems.

The luncheon underscored the significant opportunities ahead for Licking County as public, private and educational partners continue working together to support sustainable growth and economic prosperity throughout the region.