Cluster-Based Economic Development
Dr. Michael Carroll is working with Dr. Neil Reid, Associate Professor of the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toledo (UT), and Sue West, Research Associate with the Urban Affairs Center at UT on a project on cluster-based economic development.
Clusters are geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, local suppliers, infrastructure providers, educational institutions, and other relevant agencies that work closely with each other for mutual and regional benefit. Through clusters, companies (and their region) can realize higher levels of competitiveness by looking beyond the limited capacity of one single company. By strategically partnering with other companies and support institutions, the companies can address challenges and solve problems that it would be less able to address alone. Cluster-based approaches to economic development also help companies identify new market opportunities, become aware of best practices, and become more innovative.
The research team seeks to identify clusters in the Toledo area and analyze how these clusters function in the community, as well as identify potential clusters and make policy recommendations to enhance cluster growth and economic development.
BGSU's Impact on Ohio's Economy
Dr. Michael Carroll conducted a study to identify and measure the significant economic impact that Bowling Green State University has on the Ohio economy. The study incorporates all financial activity conducted by BGSU, and includes estimates of the economic impact of BGSU's student, employee, and visitor spending. The study will assist university administration in numerous ways as it seeks to enhance and maintain its status as a valuable asset for students, employees, the region and the state. View report (PDF)
Economic Impact of Greenhouse Nursery Industry
A study by Dr. Michael C. Carroll (CRD) and Dr. Mark K. Kasoff (Canadian Studies) examined the ways in which the greenhouse industry impacts the economic region of NW Ohio and Southern Ontario. Economic impact in this case is the total economic value of the industry's output; the employment in the greenhouse and related industries, salaries and wages of the greenhouse and auxiliary employment, and the value added to a product or material at each stage of its manufacture or distribution (value added). The research team anticipates that the greenhouse industry will emerge as a significant component of the Ohio economy. Other agencies involved in the research project included the University of Toledo, the Ohio State University, and the Toledo Botanical Garden. The study incorporated issues such as technology, management practices, business costs, and evaluation of sales opportunities. By establishing researchable needs of the local industry, the study can improve competitiveness, increase revenues or reduce costs through improved production technology.
FAVOR Program
Farmworker Access to Vocational Rehabilitation (FAVOR) is a program conducted by Rural Opportunities, Incorporated (ROI) in order to increase access to services for disabled farmworkers and their families. CRD faculty member Dr. Karen D. Johnson-Webb is evaluating the program's progress and making recommendations for the future. The initial report, created in the fall of 2003, addressed the first three program years. Subsequent reports for years four and five are scheduled for completion each fall.
Johnson-Webb evaluated the FAVOR program based on the progress made in achieving its seven program goals and expectations for program outcomes. She examined case and program files, and interviewed clients and program staff. Johnson-Webb concluded that there is evidence of progress in achieving the program's goals and expected outcomes. The first report also included recommendations for accelerated progress and enhanced outputs. For more information, contact Johnson-Webb at CRD.
The Ohio Latino/Hispanic Health Coalition Statewide Latino Health Needs Survey
Dr. Karen D. Johnson-Webb is working with the Ohio Latino/Hispanic Health Coalition to evaluate the data collected from a statewide survey on Latino Health Needs. The survey is the first of its kind in Ohio and the first across the nation to be conducted by a Latino group. The data collected will help to provide information about the health needs and expectations of Latinos/Hispanics in Ohio.
The survey collected data about medical issues, insurance, and access to health information. The coalition plans to use the information to highlight health disparities between Latinos and other ethnic groups. The U.S. Latino population historically has had a high incidence of diabetes, cancer and heart disease, according to national health studies. In addition, the study will provide base line health data on Ohio Latinos, which will allow us to develop a better sense of the direction of future trends.
This study is funded by the Ohio Commission on Minority Health.
Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP Grant)
CRD conducted an evaluation of the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The LTAP program is designed to help communities solve specific economic development problems; respond to development opportunities; and build and expand local organizational capacity in distressed areas throughout the country. Center staff employed a three-pronged approach to the evaluation (project file examination, case studies, and grant recipient surveys). The final report is available on the EDA website.
Study of Put-in-Bay Area
CRD conducted a study of governance options for the Village of Put-in-Bay and Put-in-Bay Township (Lake Erieıs Bass Islands) to assist the communities with future decisions about their way of life. Commissioned in November 2000, by the Put-in-Bay Property Owners Association, Inc., the study is a virtual tool box of governance options. The report identifies the necessary procedures for the various options and alternatives, and addresses potential opportunities as well as consequences.
Wood County Nursing Home
Wood County Commissioners and the County Administrator approached CRD to help devise a means of inviting public comment and discussion intended to examine the role of Wood County in the provision of long-term nursing care. In response the Center facilitated a public meeting to discuss the future of the county's government-operated Nursing Home. On March 22, the Wood County Commissioners hosted an open forum in the Commissionersı Hearing Room. The meeting was open to the public and was attended by more than 50 community leaders, nursing home professionals, and interested citizens. Center staff moderated a fruitful 2-hour discussion designed to allow Wood County Commissioners to view the nursing home from various perspectives.
Drought Study of Northwest Ohio
Professor Bob Vincent (Geology), a CRD Faculty Research Associate, led a team of geology, geography, public policy, and public health faculty and a research assistant who used National Environmental Satellite, Data, & Information Service (NESDIS) remote sensing data to identify the drought susceptibility of areas in Northwest Ohio. By correlating the occurrence of drought with admissions to local hospitals for treatment of asthma, this project was aimed at informing policy for the purpose of reducing health care costs. For example, the research can help policymakers determine the most appropriate sites for targeting drought relief and public health interventions in years with spotty drought patterns.
Lunken Municipal Airport Project
The City of Cincinnati and the Lunken Municipal Airport benefited from a study conducted by Stephen M. Quilty, CRD Faculty Research Associate and associate professor in the Technology Systems Department. Professor Quilty was contracted by the City of Cincinnati to conduct a study that would provide guidance to the City in obtaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. Professor Quilty, an Accredited Airport Executive, is recognized nationally and internationally for his experience and knowledge in the field of airport management, technical operations, and training. The study assessed Lunken Airportıs operations and performance in areas such as pavement condition, airfield marking and lighting, aircraft rescue and firefighting, airport self-inspection, navigation obstructions, emergency response, and airport security.
WCEDC Focus on the Future-Phase I
The Center facilitated the first phase of strategic planning for the Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC) in 1999, which included a membership survey and a formal discussion at a WCEDC board meeting. CRD prepared a report which documented these strategic planning activities; WCEDC used the report to continue into their next planning phase.
Swan Creek Hydrologic Study
CRD and the Geology Department at Bowling Green State University provided support and personnel for a study of the Swan Creek watershed. This study was part of the Greater Swan Creek Remedial Action Plan (RAP) designed and headed by the Toledo Area Metropolitan Council of Governments (TMACOG).
Study of the Organizational Disbanding of Ohio Police Departments
CRD awarded funding to Dr. William King (Criminal Justice, BGSU) for a research project to explore the disbanding of local police departments in Ohio. Dr. William King explored the causes for the organizational disbanding of 37 departments between 1990 and 1999. There are numerous policy implications surrounding these organizational deaths, including the role of counties in assuming functions that were performed by the local police. Also participating in the research were John Gaines, Graduate Research Assistant (Sociology), and Professors Bryant Hudson (Management) and K.V. Rao (Sociology).
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