Regional Initiatives

Regional Initiatives: Trade, Aerospace, Logistics and Distribution

The Dayton Region is advancing strategic initiatives that strengthen global partnerships, fuel innovation, and support business growth. Our aerospace sector leads in research and development, backed by top talent and federal partnerships. With a central location and robust infrastructure, our logistics and distribution efforts help businesses move smarter and faster. Local manufacturers have an established history of innovating dating before the automobile’s self-starter that transitioned into the first bar code system and we are looking into the future for new advances. Together, these initiatives position the Dayton Region as a dynamic hub for opportunity and progress.
partners doing a business walk and photo with an air plane behind them and a BusinessFirst! banner

Food Manufacturing

The Dayton Region is quickly becoming a powerhouse in food production, combining deep agricultural roots with advanced manufacturing and logistical advantages. The region supports the entire food supply chain from sourcing raw materials to processing, packaging, and distribution, making it a strategic choice for food companies. BusinessFirst! helps companies grow through tailored support, workforce development, and streamlined services.
a food assembly line full of packaged juice

Aerospace In The Dayton Region

In the Dayton Region, the Aerospace Research and Development (R&D) Cluster is diverse and innovative, and its legacy changed the world! From the days of Wilbur and Orville to the development of full spectrum propulsion systems, fuels and propellants, advanced aerospace vehicles, leadership in aeronautical sciences, and space access. The advances achieved by our Aerospace R&D community gives ample evidence that the Air Force Research Laboratory and their hundreds of industry and university partners in our region have contributed technology to military and commercial systems and formed the preeminent aeronautical research and development center in the world.

Leading the Way in Aerospace: The Dayton Region Advantage

  • Access: Central hub of Ohio’s Aerospace Corridor with full access to workforce, research institutions, federal facilities and your customers
  • Opportunities: Take advantage of the nearly 2,000 students who graduate every year with an aerospace or STEM related degree.
  • Research & Development: Leader in Research, Development and Commercialization to advance your product and market:
    • Over $380 million per year is invested in Fuels, Combustion, Chem/Bio and Remote Sensing
    • Over $110 million per year is invested in Sensor Fusion/Data Management, Modeling and Simulation and RFID
    • Over $125 million per year is invested in Alternative Energy, Composites and Nano-materials
    • Over $100 million per year is invested in Human Performance and Human Factors
  • Commercialization: Numerous commercialization organizations help you take your aerospace innovation to market.
close up of an airplane wing engine

Dayton Region: A Strategic Hub for Logistics & Distribution

The Dayton Region is easily accessible by several means of transportation – ground, air, rail, and water. Interstate highways such as I-70 and I-75 allow for easy access to neighboring states as well as additional intrastate roads and highways. Four international airports located in Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis, are within a two hour drive.

Building on the Dayton Region’s success of attracting and growing companies of all sizes in Logistics & Distribution, Food Production and Manufacturing, the BusinessFirst! program local businesses have developed a Supply-Chain Strategy.

This initiative is intended to:
  • ASSIST companies in evaluating and improving existing supply chain challenges and opportunities
  • IMPROVE work force development skills
  • CONVENE supply chain leaders in Montgomery County and the region

The Dayton Region is within three hours of water ports in Cincinnati and Cleveland. Additionally, businesses may find access to CSX and Norfolk Southern convenient freight terminals to meet all their rail transportation needs.

a man in a suit and hard hat walking in a warehouse taking note of inventory

Defense Industry

The Dayton Region is a nationally recognized hub for defense innovation, anchored by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Research Laboratory. The region plays a critical role in advancing national security through cutting edge research in aerospace systems, sensor technologies, human performance, and advanced materials. Collaboration between military, academic, and industry partners supports the entire defense innovation ecosystem. With strong logistics infrastructure and a skilled workforce, the Dayton Region is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the defense sector.
a truck carrying a defense military tank