2025 was a milestone year for Choose Columbus, the city’s new economic development organization created to grow jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the regional economy. Launched in early 2025, Choose Columbus was formed to bring a clear and focused approach to business recruitment, expansion, and retention. The organization works closely with local, state, and international partners to help companies invest and grow in Columbus and the surrounding region.
Strong Leadership and Clear Direction
Choose Columbus is led by Missy Kendrick, who officially became President and CEO in May 2025. Kendrick brings more than 30 years of experience in economic development and has helped create thousands of jobs across Georgia during her career.
Under her leadership, Choose Columbus quickly became the central organization guiding Columbus’ economic development strategy, working alongside the City of Columbus, the Development Authority of Columbus, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and Georgia Power.
Major Business Wins in 2025
In its first year, Choose Columbus helped secure several major investments that brought new jobs and long-term growth to the region:
- JS Link America Inc. announced a $223 million investment to build a rare-earth permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Columbus, creating more than 520 new jobs.
- J.M. Smucker Co. committed $120 million to expand its Columbus bakery, adding 48 new jobs while retaining more than 350 existing positions.
- Sigma Stretch Film of Georgia revealed plans to invest $39 million in a new manufacturing operation, creating 100 new jobs in Columbus.
- BioTouch announced a $12.5 million expansion, creating 480 new jobs over the next four years.
Together, these announcements represent hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment and more than 1,000 announced jobs, marking 2025 as one of the most successful economic development years in Columbus history.
JS Link Korea Site Visit Strengthens Global Partnership
A key moment in 2025 came when Mayor Skip Henderson, Missy Kendrick, and Andy Hilmes traveled to South Korea to visit JS Link’s Yesan Magnet Plant. The visit followed JS Link’s announcement of its major investment in Columbus and demonstrated the strong commitment between the company and the city.
During the visit, Columbus leaders toured JS Link’s advanced manufacturing facility and met directly with the company’s executive leadership, including CEO Jun Y. Lee. The delegation reviewed the full magnet production process, from raw materials to finished products, gaining a firsthand understanding of the technology that will be replicated at the future Columbus facility.
JS Link leaders shared their vision to help build a secure North American supply chain for rare-earth permanent magnets — a critical component used in electric vehicles, renewable energy, robotics, and defense systems. Company executives emphasized that Columbus’ workforce, training institutions, and strong state and local support played a major role in their decision to invest in Georgia.
CEO Jun Y. Lee described his goal of making Columbus the “Permanent Magnet Capital of America,” positioning the city as a national hub for advanced manufacturing and clean-energy technology.
City leaders said the visit reinforced the strength of the partnership and helped ensure the Columbus facility will match the same high standards, innovation, and production capabilities seen at the Korean operation.
Investing in Workforce and Education
Choose Columbus also supported workforce development initiatives to prepare residents for new career opportunities. In partnership with the Development Authority of Columbus, the organization helped support a $100,000 donation to Columbus Technical College for the new VECTR Workforce Development Center, which will serve veterans, military families, and South Columbus residents.
Growing International Partnerships
Beyond business investment, Choose Columbus played a role in strengthening global relationships. In 2025, the organization participated in a sister city agreement between Columbus and Jinju, South Korea, creating new opportunities for cooperation in education, business, and cultural exchange.
Columbus leaders also took part in the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship International Forum, where they shared Columbus’ story and highlighted the city’s strengths to an international audience.
A City on the Rise
Columbus’ progress was reinforced by national recognition in 2025, when the city was named one of the Top 20 Best-Run Cities in America by WalletHub. The ranking highlighted strong financial management, public safety, infrastructure, and service delivery — all important factors for business growth.
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-run-cities/22869
Looking Ahead
As 2025 comes to a close, Choose Columbus has built a strong foundation for future success. With major investments secured, global partnerships strengthened, and workforce development underway, the organization is helping shape a stronger and more competitive future for Columbus and the surrounding region.
