TWO OHIO COMMUNITIES TO SHARE NEARLY $600,000 FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson today announced two grants totaling $596,600 to assist with economic development projects. The grants will be awarded through the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Development Program, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD).

“Ohio is committed to assisting communities and supporting businesses interested in expanding operations," said Johnson. "The Economic Development Program continues to be an excellent resource for stimulating investment and employment opportunities throughout the state.”

Auglaize County will receive a $500,000 grant to assist Globus Printing and Package with the purchase of machinery and equipment. The $1.1 million project is expected to create 27 jobs. Globus Printing and Package prints textbooks, catalogs, workbooks and other specialty products. The company is located in Minster.

The City of Delphos, in Allen County, will receive a $96,600 grant to help Vancrest Health Care Centers to install 2,458 linear feet of flood and drainage infrastructure. Vancrest Health Care Centers owns and operates Vancrest Nursing Home. As a result of the infrastructure improvements, the company will expand the nursing home by 8,300 square feet to accommodate 14 additional beds. The $1.2 million project is expected to create 19 jobs.

The CDBG Economic Development Program provides funding for economic development projects that create and/or retain permanent, private-sector job opportunities. The grants enable local governments to provide public improvements directly related to business development and financial assistance to private entities for economic development projects. Jobs created through the program must benefit primarily low- and moderate-income Ohioans.