This year marked a shift for the Aerozone Alliance. We moved from organizing ideas to organizing action, from convening conversations to advancing real work across talent, infrastructure, and business growth. The focus was not on doing more, but on doing the right things with greater clarity and discipline.
And it showed.
In activity. In partnerships. In momentum.
The Get Stuff Done (GSD) Team and Organizational Strength
One of the most meaningful developments this year was the growth of the GSD team. More people stepped forward to contribute their expertise, not as observers, but as active builders committed to strengthening the region. This expanding bench of problem solvers brought new capacity, sharper thinking, and faster execution across multiple initiatives.
At the same time, we invested in the organization itself. We refined our board structure, clarified roles, and strengthened internal operations so decisions could move faster and with greater alignment.
And we moved into our own office.
A physical space. A shared home. A signal that this work is built to last.
Talent as a Core Strategy
Talent remained central to everything we did this year. Through our Advanced Talent Pathways efforts, we deepened partnerships across workforce organizations, education providers, and employers to better align people with opportunity. The emphasis stayed grounded and practical, focused on connecting residents to real jobs and employers to real talent.
We launched a new jobs platform in partnership with Greater Cleveland Works and hosted three job fairs to support direct connections between people and employers.
Not theory. Connection. Real jobs. Real prosperity for our local families.
Business Engagement and Growth
This was a strong year for business engagement. We prioritized listening to companies, understanding their needs, and identifying where targeted support could make a difference. That approach translated into more than one hundred business visits, active expansion projects, and jobs retained and created across the region.
We also strengthened the future pipeline. New attraction conversations are now underway, supported by a clearer understanding of site readiness, infrastructure, and industry needs.
Momentum is building. Quietly. Steadily.
Infrastructure and Policy Progress
Some of the most important work this year focused on long-term foundations. We advanced transportation planning tied directly to economic development, launched a federally supported aerospace business attraction study, and engaged in state-level advocacy to unlock new infrastructure tools.
These efforts are not immediate wins. They are the groundwork that allows growth to happen responsibly and at scale.
This is patient work. And necessary work.
Convening and Regional Alignment
Convening emerged as a core strength this year. We brought partners together around energy, real estate, aerospace, and infrastructure through a series of regional summits and roundtables. These gatherings were designed to move beyond updates and toward alignment and action.
We also launched two important firsts: our inaugural Elected Officials Breakfast and our debut Aerozone Conference. Alongside these milestones, monthly virtual calls and networking events kept relationships active and ideas moving.
The rooms got bigger. The trust got deeper.
Telling the Aerozone Story
As the work matured, we became more intentional about telling the Aerozone story. Through billboards, opinion editorials, newsletters, social media, and invited speaking engagements, we began reaching new audiences with a clearer message about what this region is building together.
Not marketing. Alignment. Shared understanding.
Support Followed Progress
As momentum became visible, corporate and philanthropic partners stepped up to support the work. Expanded funding strengthened the organization and created capacity to move from planning into implementation.
Progress earns confidence. Confidence fuels growth.
Looking Ahead
This year reinforced a simple truth. When people align around shared goals, build trust, and commit to action, progress follows. We enter the next year with stronger partnerships, clearer priorities, and a growing belief in what this region can accomplish together.
The work continues. The energy is real. And the best is still ahead.
Hrishue Mahalaha
Executive Director
Aerozone Alliance
