Key Industries

The manufacturing industry is still strong. In fact, if it were its own country, the U.S. manufacturing sector would be the seventh-largest economy in the world. The American Growth Project states that the upper Midwest remains a manufacturing powerhouse, with manufacturers providing the greatest wages of any industry category in the county, according to MAGNET’s 2019 NEO Manufacturing Survey. And Stark County is not alone in relying upon manufacturing for business expansion; a 2022 McKinsey report shows it to be the primary source of jobs in more than 500 U.S. counties.

It’s not uncommon that many carry an erroneous impression that the manufacturing industry is ebbing in the United States. Instead, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reports that manufacturers added $2.93 trillion to the economy in the third quarter of 2024, up from $2.91 trillion in the previous quarter and accounting for 10% of the U.S. gross domestic product during that period.

The manufacturing sector stands as a key targeted industry for Stark County business expansion because it creates stable, well-paying jobs, supports local businesses, and fosters innovation. Manufacturing companies invest in local talent for a skilled workforce, while driving productivity and innovation through increased research and development.

For every dollar spent on manufacturing, it creates nearly $2.70 in total economic activity, resulting in one of the largest ripple impacts of any sector. Closer to home, Stark County is at the heart of manufacturing in Northeast Ohio, accounting for more than 45% of our economy — as 550 manufacturers employ 26K people for $5.34 billion in GDP. Every single manufacturing job in Stark County creates 3.6 other jobs.

Supplying one of life’s essentials for humans and animals, food processing is always a valuable industry and a perennial target industry for Stark County business expansion. Creating jobs and stimulating economic growth, food processing provides stable and reliable incomes.

In 2022, there were 1.7 million jobs in food manufacturing across the US, while the industry was growing faster than the economy as a whole (6.6% vs. 3.8% for all sectors). Perhaps more impressive is that U.S. food manufacturing generates over $4.00 of additional value to the economy for each dollar generated by the food industry itself, as well as 5 additional jobs for every industry job.

Largely this is because of its impressive supply chain system. Supplying industries such as farming, livestock, transportation, container and pallet manufacturing, and more are required for the food processing industry, which in turn supports buying industries like wholesalers, stores, restaurants and hotels, schools, hospitals, transportation (again), and many more.

Intuitively, you can see how Stark County benefits from this ripple effect. In addition to farmers, this key industry supports our wrap-around industries that deliver, sell, and market food products to consumers. As the Agriculture Institute explains, the food processing industry is remarkable because, “unlike many manufacturing sectors that focus on a single type of product, food processing encompasses everything from turning wheat into bread to converting milk into cheese, from preserving fruits to creating complex ready-to-eat meals.” This economic diversity has the strength to weather market fluctuations and shifts in consumer preferences.

Stark County is already a strong player in this key industry, with over 370 food manufacturing businesses, which account for over 23K jobs. Locally, our region supports nearly 2,500 producers and 1,431 farms, with $124.6 million in annual market value for agricultural products.

Tourism remains a key target industry for Stark County business expansion, generating revenue, supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities, improving infrastructure, and revitalizing communities. With important area partners, we will continue to make our county a destination for tourists, conventions, and events.

The U.S. Travel Association reports that the tourism industry, comprised of the domestic leisure, domestic transient business, domestic group, and international segments, grows the U.S. economy by $2.6 trillion. The travel industry directly employs 8 million Americans, supports nearly 15 million jobs, and creates nearly one-quarter of all jobs. It also strengthens communities, generating $84 billion in state and local tax revenue.

As an economic development organization, we obviously care most about these financial gains as they translate to Stark County. However, there are ancillary benefits that strengthen our quality of life. For instance, 78% of Americans agree that travel plays a significant role in keeping strong connections and fostering healthy relationships with family and friends; 86% believe it’s an important way to educate children on the history, nature, and culture of other places; and 74% say that travel is an important component to a healthy, productive, and happy life.

Stark County enjoys a strong tourism industry and we aim to make it even better. Tourism spending amounts to $1.37 billion in Stark County, providing a total $2.2 billion economic impact for the community and $860 million in GDP. While the number of overnight stays is about 1.5 million, we also benefit from those who do not stay overnight. Ohio figures show that an overnight visitor spends $400, compared to an estimated $124 for day trip visitors.

Consumers now spend more time and money on entertainment than they did thirty years ago, and this increases the demand for entertainment in local markets like Stark County, with most of this growth attributed to entertainment services, which are inherently more “local” than entertainment goods. After all, art and entertainment events can draw people from outside our area who normally would not visit and increase economic activity in a variety of business categories.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the entertainment industry contributes $1.02 trillion and 4.9 million jobs, 4.4% of the nation’s economy, which outpaces sectors such as construction, transportation, and agriculture. The entertainment industry is a diverse one, with sectors ranging from film, music, television, advertising, broadcasting, and cable to casino and online wagering, publishing, performing arts, culture, toys and games, sports, and theme parks.

While many might associate the entertainment industry with LA and NY, any community can benefit economically. Think about a local play or a local jazz trio playing at a night club. Or a concert tour making a stop at one of our area venues, an art gallery opening, museum exhibition, anime festival, or book fair. ArtsinStark reports that the seven major arts organizations in Stark County (Canton Museum of Art, Massillon Museum, Canton Symphony Orchestra, Palace Theatre, Sing Stark, Bluecoats, Canton Ballet) garnered local attendance of more than 209,000 at exhibits, shows, and performances.

Stark County considers the entertainment industry a key business expansion target for its economic impact as well. Ohio’s creative industries directly produce $32.9 billion in yearly economic contributions, with arts and culture accounting for 3% of Ohio’s GDP, higher than both education or agriculture.

Furthermore, there are indirect economic benefits, as art event attendees also on average spend $38.46 with local merchants over and above the event’s admission cost. Tourism also benefits, as typically as much as 1/3 come from outside the county in which the event happens, spending an average of $60.57, which is double that of local attendees.