Akron Reporter

In 2024, Lt. Governor Jon Husted helped announce the launch of three new Innovation Hubs across Ohio, designed to enhance the state's existing industries, including glass, polymers, and digital transformation technologies. 

These hubs are part of a broader strategy to attract investment and strengthen Ohio’s industrial foundation. Husted expressed confidence that these innovation efforts would make Ohio’s industrial products stronger, lighter, more adaptable, and energy-efficient, providing a competitive edge globally.

“We've got to be world-class if we want to continue to attract investment. And we've been doing that with innovation strategy in Ohio,” Husted said. “The work begins today at achieving the greatness that we aspire to.”

In early October, Husted attended a Manufacturing Appreciation Luncheon in Guernsey County to emphasize the importance of robotics, automation, and advanced sensors in boosting the state's manufacturing output. The event, organized by the Cambridge-Guernsey County Improvement Corporation for Manufacturing Month, underscored Ohio's $114 billion annual manufacturing sector, which ranks third in the nation. Husted also visited Noble County, where he toured the new $4.8 million Caldwell East of I-77 Business Park, a development expected to attract light manufacturing and logistics projects.   

Ohio generates over $114 billion annually in manufactured goods and ranks third in the U.S., according to Whiz News.             

According to his official bio page, Jon Husted was adopted and raised in Northwest Ohio's Williams County. He grew up with a strong foundation in faith, family, and hard work. After excelling as an All-American defensive back and earning advanced degrees from the University of Dayton, Husted contributed to economic development as vice president at the Dayton-Area Chamber of Commerce.

Husted's tenure as Secretary of State was marked by significant improvements in business processes, including reducing start-up costs and eliminating office fees, saving taxpayers millions. As House Speaker, he championed Ohio’s most conservative budget in decades with a historic income tax cut. Elected Lt. Governor in 2018, Husted continues to balance his public service with his roles as a husband to his wife Tina and father to their three children.