Ohio Local Business Directory

Ohio's centralized location helped to spur its growth in its critical early years. Bordered by the Appalachian Mountains on the east and Lake Erie on the north, the Ohio Valley enjoys moderate rainfall, hot summers and cold winters. The word Ohio is derived from an Iroquois word that means Great River, a likely reference to the Ohio River that marks the southern border of the state. French fur traders were among the first European visitors to the Ohio Valley and engaged in trade with the Iroquois who lived in this fertile region. Ohio achieved statehood in 1803 and was a key element in the Union supply chain during the Civil War. Generals William Tecumseh Sherman, Ulysses S. Grant and Philip Sheridan were all native Ohioans who played critical roles in the Union victory over the Confederacy.

The state of Ohio is known as the Mother of Presidents because eight U.S. Presidents were elected while residing in the state. German and Irish immigrants played an important part in the development of the Ohio Valley for agricultural purposes and cleared large areas of land for planting and settlements. Over time, the economy of Ohio evolved to incorporate industrial techniques and manufacturing plants as well as agricultural businesses.

Today, Ohio residents can find employment opportunities in the financial services sector, the manufacturing field and in bioscience research and development. Trade and transportation companies comprise the largest employers in the state. Procter & Gamble, Goodyear, Wendy's and Abercrombie & Fitch maintain their headquarters in the state of Ohio.