Toledo Ohio Economic News offers a bright spot according to ABC News:

See Video: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6484425

Commentary:

Toledo Ohio is recognized today by ABC news for escaping declining fate of auto industry and establishing itself as part of the new “Solar Valley”. This Solar Valley is said to be an area stretching from Toledo to Cleveland that aims to repeat the success of California’s “Silicon Valley” by concentrating suppliers, labor, and specialized intellectual talent in one area. In this case the technology is Solar Energy instead of computers and programs.

The Toledo area is already a hotbed of startup companies creating world class breakthroughs in Solar Technology. Why? How? The area is building on several strengths.

First, we have a reputation as the most productive labor pool in the world (a distinction that came from a study of Auto Industry Labor Productivity. The winner of recognition as the most productive work force was the GM Hydromatic Plant in Toledo).

A second factor its that Toledo has a concentration of world leading Glass Product Manufacturers. Glass is an important part of many solar energy producing products. This strength leaves Toledo uniquely positioned to succeed in leading the world in the next technology revolution.

The most valuable resources in any manufacturing revolution are raw materials, labor, and cheap transportation. In a technology revolution, one has to consider the value of an educated work force. In a post petroleum world, access to low cost Energy may be added to the list.

In every age and society, from the bronze age to this day, technology development and implementation is accelerated and production costs are reduced by simple matters of geographical concentration.

Companies who participate in the Solar Valley revolution plan to reap many benefits available more or less by “osmosis” when similar companies share a collectively valuable supply of vendors, labor, and management intellect.

I am encouraged to think of the ramifications on our Real Estate Market. Toledo can become a shining star in the growth of the solar energy revolution. This will help us solve our local “Brain Drain” reputation and cut a historic dependence on the auto industry. We already have a great concentration of art and culture to offer future residents. Now we can attract the best and the brightest in scientific, management and labor.

Hooray For Toledo!

Copyright December 19, 2008 Lonn Dugan