not really an issue, yet. there are indeed labs creating gmo
chickens for various reasons, but they aren't available at retail hatcheries. so you can take that off your list of things to worry about for the time being.
on to what your criteria will be for choosing a breed or breeds. you mention that cold is an issue, so breeds with small combs that are less vulnerable to frost bite could be a good idea. one such breed that I'm familiar with is the Buckeye, which just so happens to originate in Ohio. a great breed for a lot of reasons.
you don't mention any other criteria, though, which makes recommendations difficult. are you just after maximum egg production? then go with a light weight egg breed like a leghorn or one of the sex-linked hybrid laying birds. are you just after fast growing meat birds? choose a hybrid meat breed. are you after birds that will incorporate well into a
permaculture arrangement? choose a dual-purpose breed that forages well and is adapted to your climate(hint: do this one). do you plan to breed your own birds and perhaps maintain a threatened heritage breed? choose one breed. no breeding? get a variety of breeds so you can find out which suits your style of husbandry the best.
