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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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<em>Business Leaders Express Optimism and Are Implementing Strategies to Stay Agile and Adaptive</em>

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To gauge perceptions of the state of the economy and business in Columbus, including its commercial real estate (CRE) industry, <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com">Thompson Hine</a> partnered for a third year with <em>Columbus Business First</em> to survey local business owners and executives. Insights from 201 business leaders in a wide range of industries are compiled in Thompson Hine’s newly released report, <a href="https://admin.thompsonhine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Thompson-Hine-Bright-Horizons-2025.pdf">“Bright Horizons: An Optimistic Business Outlook.”</a>

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Despite ongoing concerns about the U.S. and local economies, corporate leaders are optimistic about the future.

Just under half (fewer than last year) believe their business is in a somewhat or much better position now compared to one year ago, but two-thirds (more than last year) anticipate their business will be in somewhat or much better shape a year from now.

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Fewer respondents have concerns about the U.S. economy this year, and significantly more business leaders (53%, up from 19% last year) expect improvements over the next 6-12 months.

While more are concerned about the local economy this year (44%, compared to 35% last year), half of leaders surveyed anticipate positive near-term change (more than last year).

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In Columbus business leaders’ view, the local CRE industry appears in decline for a third year in a row, and many don’t expect an improvement anytime soon. At the same time, survey results reveal upticks in office redesigns/upgrades, moves into mixed-use spaces and purchases of new commercial spaces.

When it comes to work models, while survey respondents shared both pros and cons, at least partial flexibility seems here to stay.

Slightly less than half are currently using hybrid work schedules

60% say a hybrid/remote model will remain part of their core strategy

“Although some concerns remain, the business leaders we polled this year seem to be more optimistic about the future, especially when it comes to their own companies,” stated <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/professionals/michael-v-wible/">Michael Wible</a>, partner in charge of Thompson Hine’s Columbus office. “In last year’s survey report, we emphasized that innovating and adapting to change are keys to success, and based on this year’s data, that message resonated with business leaders. As they embrace workplace changes such as offering flexible work models and incorporating AI technologies, we expect the positive momentum to continue.” Industries represented in this year’s survey included consulting, construction, nonprofit, architecture/engineering, health care, insurance, manufacturing, commercial real estate and technology, among numerous others. Most respondents held top-level management positions, with business owners comprising the largest category. Annual revenues ranged from less than $500,000 to $1 billion or more

https://admin.thompsonhine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Thompson-Hine-Report-Assesses-Economic-Business-and-Commercial-Real-Estate-Sentiments-in-Columbus.pdf

Thompson Hine Report Assesses Economic, Business, and Commercial Real Estate Sentiments in Columbus

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