I understand and empathize if you or your associates have been run out of town as a result of a non-compete. We are probably on the same side in a discussion about non-competes. Thank you for the references, the TC piece in particular. I wasn't aware of that part of CA law.

The Midwest in general, and Ohio in particular, has some great institutions that attract great talent from around the world, i.e. The Cleveland Clinic. The region/Ohio also educates some of the top talent.

While I'm not convinced they will be a viable competitor to Silicon Valley, it is possible. The region's ability to retain talent is the most critical component. Non-competes can make that more difficult. I don't think non-competes alone preclude the region from competing with SV.

I'm from Ohio, I live in California, and I would put a higher priority on weather than non-competes.