New Albany shows data centers can make us efficient, healthier, smarter | Opinion

Brad Griffith, founder and president of Buckeye Innovation, an New Albany-based software engineering and design team, posits that New Albany, Ohio, exemplifies how communities can successfully balance tech sector expansion, particularly with data centers and chip plants, with local priorities such as sustainability. Griffith, a recipient of the 2026 Columbus Chamber of Commerce Small Business Leader Award, views the region's growth as a testament to strategic planning, strong infrastructure, and a steady talent pipeline from institutions like Ohio State University. He emphasizes that major tech investments bring jobs, strengthen supply chains, attract new startups, and generate tax revenue crucial for funding local schools, emergency services, and infrastructure upgrades. Griffith acknowledges the public's unease with rapid technological advancement, noting that some Ohio communities are considering restrictions on new data centers. However, he respectfully disagrees with this approach, advocating for technology's potential to enhance community efficiency, health, intelligence, and compassion. New Albany's leadership is lauded for its proactive approach to growth and its commitment to sustainability, which Griffith observes firsthand through his daughter's involvement with the New Albany Sustainability Advisory Board. He concludes that New Albany demonstrates that with the right combination of talent, tools, and trust, significant growth can occur in the heart of Ohio, proving that careful planning allows global brands and local businesses to thrive side by side.