Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted took center stage at the Forbes Under 30 Summit, emphasizing the state's pivotal role in American manufacturing and innovation. During his remarks, Husted highlighted Ohio's contributions to industries ranging from food and transportation to advanced technologies like AI and semiconductors, reaffirming the state's position as “the heart of it all.”

“In Ohio, we make the things that people need to live and thrive,” Husted said. “From the food you eat to the cars you drive, to the trucks that deliver it all, to the airplanes that fly, to the cloud that connects us to our AI and the chips that power our devices and much, much, more. That's what Ohio is. That's Ohio. And we are the heart of it all.”

Husted went on to discuss the state's commitment to fostering innovation, mentioning the creation of world-class innovation districts in partnership with Jobs Ohio. He also praised Cincinnati Children's Hospital and hinted at an upcoming major investment by Cincinnati Children’s in the local innovation district, furthering the state's progress in research and business opportunities.

“You can't do ‘made in America’ without ‘made in Ohio,’” Husted said.

The Forbes Under 30 Summit is a dynamic, immersive event that brings together young leaders, founders, and creators from around the world. Attendees participated in a variety of activities, including networking opportunities, learning sessions, and teaching moments. The summit goes beyond the traditional conference format, offering experiences such as private concerts, industry-specific excursions, local culinary events, a bar crawl, community service activities, and speeches by prominent figures. It's designed to foster connections and inspire growth among the brightest young minds across different industries.

According to his official bio page, Jon Husted was adopted and raised in Northwest Ohio's Williams County. He grew up with a strong foundation in faith, family, and hard work. After excelling as an All-American defensive back and earning advanced degrees from the University of Dayton, Husted contributed to economic development as vice president at the Dayton-Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Husted's tenure as Secretary of State was marked by significant improvements in business processes, including reducing start-up costs and eliminating office fees, saving taxpayers millions. As House Speaker, he championed Ohio’s most conservative budget in decades with a historic income tax cut. Elected Lt. Governor in 2018, Husted continues to balance his public service with his roles as a husband to his wife Tina and father to their three children.