Louisville had a fire-breathing pony. New York had 3-D printers and makerbots galore. Cincinnati Maker Faire Founder Jason Langdon looks forward to seeing what the local science, DIY and art community has to offer in the city's first all-ages, all-genres celebration of maker culture this October in Washington Park.

With help from incubators, venture capitalists and nonprofits, Ohio's smaller cities -- including Dayton, Youngstown and Athens -- are fast becoming centers for new ideas and innovation outside of the big 3C cities.

The pessimism that permeates news reports about Ohio's auto industry bewilders Eric Burkland. Yes, there's a lot of pain right now, he says. But given the right strategies, Ohio's auto industry is positioned to rebound as a global leader.