Rick Platt

This column is a regular sharing of the family, work, and community perspective of Rick Platt, President and CEO of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority.

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Three Thoughts: Data Center Backlash

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Nationally, data center bashing is a bipartisan issue. The backlash is not going away either. The first time I heard about a data cent...

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Three Thoughts: Watching Foreign Investment, Energy, and Reindustrialization

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It’s my job to keep my ear to the ground in industrial development. Columbus and Central Ohio are at the heart of one of the best places t...

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Three Thoughts: Taxing Squirrels? Tax What You Don’t Want. Exempt What You Do.

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Ohio once had a squirrel tax. No kidding. The legislature made a quota for every property owner. To reduce the out of control squirrel pop...

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Blackhand Gorge: My Vehicle For Instilling History with Local Relevance

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Why do I like this place so much? Blackhand Gorge's paved path just re-opened. Thanks to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for ...

Thursday, November 27, 2025

'Tis the Season for STEM Learning

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Thanksgiving family gatherings are a time to reflect on the year behind us and the year ahead. Join me in putting our holiday gatherings...

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About the Columnist

Rick Platt: Licking County, Ohio, United States; Dad of 4, Port Authority CEO, champion for manufacturing, STEM learning advocate, and avid promoter of all things Ohio.

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