Drayage Brokersin Columbus, OH

Special to The Columbus Dispatch

As Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” cut out and the stage lights dimmed, a montage of trippy graphics were displayed on giant screens as instrumental snippets of the Chicks' songs played. Jett’s 1980 hit was a fitting prelude for the show. In their almost three decades as a band, Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer have had their reputations torn down and trampled on. But if Wednesday night’s show at Nationwide Arena was any sign, the band has successfully risen from the ashes of its past.

The Chicks opened with the title track from their critically acclaimed 2020 album, “Gaslighter.” The song is a fiery anthem on an album full of them, and it was made for live shows. The Chicks then took it back to 1999 with the bluegrass-tinged sleeper hit “Sin Wagon.” Sisters and original members Maguire and Strayer showed off their impressive skills on the fiddle and banjo, respectively, and gave the six-piece backing band time to jam out and shine.

Photos:The Chicks, Ben Harper in concert at Nationwide Arena in Columbus

Although there were more walks down memory lane throughout the night, this tour − the band’s first headliner since 2017 – is primarily a “Gashlighter” affair. Pop art graphics of cowboys in various stages of undress played across the screens during “Texas Man,” a delightful romp of a song. Things slowed down with “Juliana Calm Down,” as Maines sang the somber opening verse while her bandmates stood in the shadows.

Maines took a break from the band’s setlist to tell the crowd it was Strayer’s birthday, which of course, leads to a stadium-wide rendition of “Happy Birthday.” After that, it was time for another look back, this time with “The Long Way Around” from the Chicks’ 2006 album (and the band’s last album as the Dixie Chicks), “Taking the Long Way.”

Review:Carrie Underwood wows Columbus with show-stopping performance of 'Cry Pretty'

Back to “Gaslighter.” The album was heavily influenced by Maines’ 2019 divorce. “When I started getting a divorce, I had a lot to say, so that kind of sparked me being ready [to make new music],” Maines said in a 2019 episode of the podcast “Spiritualgasm.” And boy, does she have a lot to say. In “My Best Friend’s Weddings,” Maines forlornly sings about meeting her now ex-husband at Strayer’s first wedding, hence the song title. On “Sleep at Night,” she sings about moving on, getting better and the awkwardness that comes with meeting a former spouse’s new partner. “Remember you brought her to our show at the Hollywood Bowl / She said, ‘I love you, I'm such a fan,’” Maines sings, defiant middle fingers up.

Those who weren’t already on their feet quickly jumped to attention as the band launched into “Ready to Run,” followed by the Chicks’ popular cover of Bruce Robison’s “Travelin’ Soldier,” before ending with the commercial juggernaut that is “Wide Open Spaces.”

Halfway through the set, the stage was adjusted. A drum set was pushed forward, and large acrylic benches were brought out for the Chicks and their backing band to sit on. With the stage lights brought in close, it created an intimate setting as the trio played “Cowboy Take Me Away.” Maines took a beat to introduce her son Jackson, who plays guitar in the backing band, before going into “Landslide.” The Chicks famously covered the Fleetwood Mac song on their 2002 album, “Home.” Although it was originally written by Stevie Nicks in the ’70s, for a generation of music fans, “Landslide” is a quintessential Chicks song.

Q&A:Martina McBride talks country radio's gender gap, charity work ahead of Columbus show

Opener Ben Harper joined the band onstage for two songs, a cover of Patty Griffin’s “Don’t Let Me Die in Florida” and “March March” from “Gaslighter.” The crowd’s response to the politically charged “March March,” which was paired with visuals from recent protests and stats about mass shootings, was mixed and noticeably more subdued than previous numbers. While there is, no doubt, some Chicks fans who would prefer the band just shut up and sing, the reaction to “March March,” however tepid, is still proof of progress.

Twenty years ago, people burned copies of the band’s albums, and radios refused to play Chicks songs when Maines criticized then-President George Bush and the war in Iraq. Although everyone in the crowd wasn’t ready to join the march with the Chicks, the trio no longer feels at risk of being publicly shamed for sharing their progressive views.

This may be a “Gaslighter” tour, but the Chicks still know what the fans want. The band began to wrap things up with “Not Ready to Make Nice,” which still remains an anthem for the outspoken 17 years later. The Chicks signed off with “Goodbye Earl,” an infamous song with an insanely catchy chorus.

Earl may be dead, but the Chicks are alive and thriving.

There’s a heat wave hitting Columbus again next week, and lucky for us, the website Stacker used data from Yelp to compile a list of the “Highest-rated ice cream shops” to help cool us down. The rankings factor in how many reviewed the shop and how highly people rated it.

While Jeni’s Ice Cream locations dominated the list, I was pleasantly surprised by the top 2. One thing is apparent, as well: Columbus loves Mexican Ice Cream shops. Did your favorite spot make it on the rundown?

#17. Dulce Vida 1127 N High St Columbus, OH 43201

#16. Kilwins662 North High St Columbus, OH 43215

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

#15. Graeter’s Ice Cream1534 W Lane Ave Columbus, OH 43221

#14. S’wich Social869 N Fourth St Columbus, OH 43201

#13. Handel’s Ice Cream-Columbus5665 Feder Rd Columbus, OH 43228

#12. Whit’s Frozen Custard3339 N High St Columbus, OH 43202

#11. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams900 Mohawk St Columbus, OH 43206

#10. Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream1947 Hard Rd Columbus, OH 43235

#9. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams59 Spruce St Columbus, OH 43215#8. Laguna Mexican Street Food & Ice Cream1980 Hard Rd Columbus, OH 43235

#7. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams4247 N High St Columbus, OH 43214#6. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams714 N High St Columbus, OH 43215#5. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams1281 Grandview Ave Columbus, OH 43212#4. Diamonds Ice Cream5461 Bethel Sawmill Ctr Columbus, OH 43235

#3. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams160 S High St Columbus, OH 43215#2. Double Happy1280 Brown Rd Columbus, OH 43223

#1. Chilljoy Frozen Treatery (uses Johnson’s Ice Cream)Locations vary

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new August issue here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Nestled within the vibrant cityscape of Columbus, Ohio, a realm of luxury living awaits. From charming historic neighborhoods to modern and contemporary homes, Columbus sets the stage for those seeking the epitome of refined living. Whether you’re ready to buy a home in Columbus or you’re still considering your options – this Redfin article unveils the luxury features that define the city’s housing market. Let’s get started.

1. Butler’s pantry

One hallmark of luxury living in Columbus is the presence of a well-appointed butler’s pantry. A butler’s pantry is a large and practical space located between the kitchen and dining room. This special feature gives homeowners a separate space for preparing and storing meals, away from the main kitchen counter.

Butler’s pantries in luxury homes add sophistication and attention to detail, improving the gourmet experience for residents.

Interested in moving to the area?

Luxury living in Columbus extends to the realm of entertainment, where dedicated spaces for leisure activities make a significant impact. High-end Columbus homes often feature entertainment areas that go beyond the typical living room setup. Residents can enjoy different activities like pool, board games, video games, and more. These spaces foster an immersive and enjoyable experience, promoting bonding and relaxation within the confines of one’s luxury abode.

3. Theater room

Among the most sought-after luxury features in Columbus homes is the dedicated theater room. These special areas have modern sound and video equipment, giving a real movie theater experience without having to leave home.

Luxury homeowners can relish in private screenings of their favorite films, sporting events, or shows with family and friends. These theater rooms are luxurious and advanced, setting a high standard for home entertainment with comfortable seating and modern technology.

4. Smart house technology

High-tech luxury homes in Columbus have advanced smart house technology that improves daily living in every way. This integration of technology extends throughout the property’s interior and exterior, ensuring a seamless and sophisticated living experience.

Automated lighting systems create ambiance and energy efficiency, while smart climate control optimizes comfort and cost savings. High-tech security systems with remote monitoring give homeowners peace of mind, and voice-controlled devices offer unmatched convenience.

5. Ample parking and storage

In Columbus’ luxury real estate market, having three or more parking spaces, extra storage, and high ceilings is a premium feature. These well-designed garages meet the needs of wealthy homeowners, providing ample room for multiple vehicles, outdoor gear, and belongings.

The spacious parking areas, combined with added storage, ensure homeowners can maintain an organized and tidy living space. Fancy houses in Columbus, Ohio, are unique in the housing market because they combine luxury, usefulness, and advanced technology.

These houses stand out due to their exceptional features and amenities. They offer a blend of opulence, utility, and cutting-edge technology. This combination sets them apart from other properties in the area.

Top neighborhoods with luxury home features in Columbus

In places like Worthington Hills and Bexley, where the typical home sells for around $567,000 and $530,000 respectively as of June 2023, luxury homes equipped with these fantastic top five features are incredibly popular and come with a higher price tag. This is especially noticeable when you compare them to other homes in Columbus, which usually go for about $290,000.”

A final note on luxury home features in Columbus, OH

These top five Columbus luxury home features are redefining modern luxury for homeowners. They are also reshaping the city’s upscale residential landscape, taking living to new heights.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

JobsOhio has sued Olive AI Inc., seeking repayment for the organization's talent-hunting services because the struggling health IT company did not create enough jobs in return.

Olive missed hiring targets by 35 jobs and more than $100,000 in payroll at 99 E. Main St. in Columbus under its April 2020 talent acquisition services agreement with the state's private economic development arm, according to the complaint filed this month in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

Under the agreement, JobsOhio had agreed to spend up to $645,000 on services to help fill those jobs, which included advertising openings online and in social media, sponsorship events, a coding bootcamp and recruiting.

At the time, Olive had a total of 225 employees nationwide, and in the thick of the pandemic adopted a distributed workforce model coast-to-coast so that it could expand faster, Columbus Business First has reported. The tech company received a state tax credit toward the job growth in 2019, with the same targets as the JobsOhio agreement. The Ohio Department of Development in 2022 extended the credit to 12 years and increased the percentage.

Olive co-founder and CEO Sean Lane did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. State development officials were not immediately available to provide data on how Olive performed under the 2019 incentive.

JobsOhio and Olive amended their agreement after one month, the complaint said, but a copy of the agreement was not included in the filing because it contained "confidential and/or competitive and/or trade secret information."

Both versions, however, emphasized that meeting both headcount and payroll metrics "are each essential terms to this agreement," the lawsuit said, and that failing to meet them would mean JobsOhio could demand repayment.

JobsOhio said Olive pledged to create 100 new jobs with a payroll of at least $10 million and retain 75 jobs with a payroll of at least $6.4 million at the office, and meet those goals by Dec. 21, 2021. But the company reported to JobsOhio that it had created just 65 new jobs with total payroll of $9.9 million as of that date.

The suit alleges that JobsOhio performed its obligations under the agreement, and seeks repayment of $598,420 in costs to deliver the talent attraction services per the terms of the agreement. It also asks the court to award interest, attorney fees and "other such relief the court may deem appropriate."

The lawsuit was filed after Olive failed to to pay that amount by July 15, a deadline JobsOhio set in a June 15 letter.

Olive, which makes software to automate many hospital administrative tasks, started a meteoric rise shortly after entering the agreement. It surpassed 1,000 employees nationwide in September 2021. However, the distributed model it adopted about the same time as the JobsOhio agreement meant that not all were in Columbus as originally envisioned.

In December 2020 the company hit unicorn status with a valuation of $1.5 billion in a $225.5 million venture capital round. Seven months later, a $400 million round valued it at $4 billion, the highest ever for a venture-backed tech company in the state. Olive also exceeded targets under an earlier 2016 city job creation incentive that expired in 2020.

Olive overall raised a cumulative $848 million in venture capital since its 2013 founding.

Trouble started in 2022, when it had a hiring freeze in June. That July, Olive cut 450 jobs, then another 215 this February. The company has sold off business units and this year canceled a planned move to the former Anthem building in Worthington.

As of this month Olive has 858 LinkedIn profiles identifying the company as their current employer.

Also this month JobsOhio filed a similar lawsuit against Nexient, a software development firm based in Silicon Valley, under its talent acquisition agreement from July 2019, when the company planned to open a Dublin office with 200 jobs. The company was acquired and renamed in 2021. It is not clear if the office opened.

JobsOhio is a private nonprofit that operates the state liquor franchise, using the profits to fund statewide efforts to attract and expand employers.

Since 2018 the organization has sued 27 companies to claw back grants or other assistance, the largest being a $4.3 million loan to a Pennsylvania energy company that built a pipeline in northeast Ohio, according to a Business First analysis of Franklin County and U.S. District Court records. Besides a 2022 ruling that the energy company still must repay that loan with interest, JobsOhio has won $1.8 million in judgments or settlements, with some cases settled for undisclosed terms.

JobsOhio first tries to help companies find ways to overcome business challenges when they miss goals set in agreements, the organization said in a statement.

“However, we take the stewardship of our dollars very seriously because they go to supporting jobs and investment to Ohioans," it said. "If companies fail to meet their agreed commitments and we’ve exhausted all options to help them grow in Ohio, we will claw back our dollars so they can be used for future economic development projects."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Columbus Regional Airport Authority is in the early stages of designing and preparing for the possibility of an entirely new terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport before the end of the decade.

Rather than renovate the existing terminal, a fact sheet released by John Glenn International outlines the authority’s intention to start fresh and construct a terminal at the current location of the cell phone and blue long-term parking lots, across from the new rental car center. Under the proposal, a parking garage would be constructed on the site of the McDonald’s next to the rental car center.

Although the terminal has been renovated before, the “core” of the terminal and some of its assets and systems “are nearing the end of useful life,” according to the fact sheet.

It cites central Ohio’s likely growth as more reason to pursue the project.

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has previously projected that the 15-county region is on track for a population of around 3.15 million by 2050, adding hundreds of thousands of residents in the next decade. This new terminal could accommodate that level of growth, according to John Glenn International.

Renderings of the terminal construction project show a modern, curving exterior and an interior where natural light streams in.

If all goes according to plan, under the current timeline, construction could start in late 2024 and the terminal could open to the public in late 2028 or early 2029. The current terminal will serve travelers until the new terminal is finished, and then the current proposal calls for demolition of the current terminal, Columbus Regional Airport Authority spokesperson Sarah McQuaide said.

Funding for the pre-construction phase has been greenlit by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority Board, but each future phase of the project will require additional votes, according to McQuaide. The port authority plans to fund the project in a mix of ways, from airlines to passenger user fees to parking and concessions to federal grants.

Although the terminal itself won’t close during construction, McQuaide said there is a good chance some access roads could see closures. She recommended travelers to and from Columbus continue to check the airport’s social media accounts as the project progresses.