In what is now an annual tradition, Columbus Business First is identifying the 100 people making the most impact on Central Ohio during a time of tremendous upheaval as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is never an easy task and this year was no different.
This is the third edition of the Power 100 and many prominent community and business leaders have made the list each year. You’ll see in the write ups in the attached gallery, however, that no one has remained on the list by virtue of their positions. They have been actively shaping the Columbus region through their business leadership and community involvement.
And that leadership has never been needed more. The schisms exposed by the pandemic’s upheaval are stark reminders that we have a long way to go to become a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to take part in the progress.
One area in particular that has taken on heightened importance for many companies is their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives – a renewed emphasis mirrored throughout the community. We made some changes to the Power 100 lineup for 2021 to include some of the people driving that conversation.
You’ll also find many talented business leaders who are helping the economy thrive, which we obviously need to make solutions more achievable.
We should not forget that while the Columbus region faces many challenges, we remain the beacon of progress for the rest of Ohio. That’s due largely to our expanding economy, which is creating jobs for newcomers moving here
The leaders we’re highlighting also are building on the work of generations of leaders before us who have built Central Ohio into a great place to live and work. We still have work to do to take advantage of the region’s strengths and fix its weaknesses, but the future is bright, thanks to the efforts of all 100 leaders included here.
