Ohio has officially been named CNBC’s No. 1 state for business, a recognition that reflects years of deliberate policymaking and the hard work of our employers, workers, educators and communities.

This ranking isn’t about bragging rights. It’s proof that Ohio is creating an environment where businesses can invest with confidence, manufacturers can expand, entrepreneurs can innovate, and families can build their futures.

We’ve earned this distinction by focusing on the fundamentals: maintaining fiscal responsibility, improving our infrastructure, investing in workforce development, expanding career technical education, modernizing regulations and creating a climate that welcomes job creators instead of driving them away.

This success also reflects the extraordinary work of JobsOhio, our regional economic development organizations and countless local partners that work every day to recruit new investment and help existing employers grow.

Here in the Lake to River region, Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties, Lake to River Economic Development has been instrumental in marketing our communities, building relationships with site selectors and employers and showcasing why our region is one of the best places in America to invest. Their efforts, alongside our local economic development professionals, chambers of commerce, port authorities, educational institutions and community leaders, have helped turn opportunity into real jobs and lasting economic growth.

For everyday Ohioans, this recognition is about far more than economic rankings. It means better-paying jobs, stronger communities and more opportunities for our children to build successful futures without having to leave the state they call home. When businesses choose Ohio, families benefit through expanded career opportunities, stronger local tax bases that support schools and infrastructure and a growing economy.

For the Lake to River Region, this recognition is especially meaningful because it demonstrates just how far we have come. For decades, too many people viewed Ohio through the outdated lens of the Rust Belt — a place defined by plant closures, population loss and economic decline. That narrative no longer reflects who we are. Today, Ohio is proving that its manufacturing heritage is not a weakness but a foundation for innovation, advanced technology and the industries that will drive America’s future.

This success also reflects the extraordinary work of JobsOhio, our regional economic development organizations and countless local partners who work every day to recruit new investment and help existing employers grow.

The transformation didn’t happen overnight. Twenty years ago, Ohio was often viewed as struggling to compete for new investment and jobs. Through disciplined fiscal policies, strategic investments in workforce development, infrastructure improvements, regulatory modernization and a renewed focus on economic competitiveness, our state has steadily climbed the ranks. Becoming CNBC’s No. 1 state for business is the result of decades of intentional work by leaders in the public and private sectors who refused to accept decline in Ohio.

The Lake to River Region helped build America’s industrial strength, and today we are helping shape its future. From advanced manufacturing and additive manufacturing to defense, aerospace, logistics, and energy innovation, the Lake to River region is becoming a destination for investment once again. Organizations like America Makes, Youngstown State University, Kent State University at Ashtabula, our career technical centers, our skilled workforce and our economic development partners are proving that the next chapter of Ohio’s economy will be written right here.

But becoming No. 1 is only half the challenge; staying there is the hard part.

This means continuing to invest in workforce development, strengthening our infrastructure, supporting small businesses, streamlining government and ensuring every corner of Ohio shares in our success. We cannot allow complacency to replace the determination that brought us here.

As a member of the Ohio House, I’m proud to support policies that make Ohio more competitive, and position our state to win the industries of tomorrow. Whether it’s strengthening career pathways, expanding manufacturing opportunities or helping Ohio compete for more defense and aerospace investment, our work is far from finished.

Ohio’s ranking should not be viewed as the finish line; it should be our new standard.

If we continue to prioritize innovation, fiscal responsibility, and economic opportunity, we won’t just be the best state for business today, we’ll remain the best place to live, work, raise a family and build a future for generations to come.

State Rep. Nick Santucci is serving his second term representing the 64th Ohio House District.