STATE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES THAT CITY OF CELINA TO RECEIVE GRANT MONEY FOR PLANNED EXPANSION PROJECT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson today announced that the City of Celina, in Mercer County, will receive a $47,500 grant to provide infrastructure improvements to assist Celina Tent, Inc. with a planned expansion project. The $172,000 project is expected to create 13 jobs.

“This grant will enable the City of Celina to provide Celina Tent the infrastructure improvements needed so it can remain economically competitive,” said Johnson. “The Department of Development is committed to helping Ohio companies prosper so that they create and retain jobs throughout the state.”

The grant 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).

Celina Tent, located on State Route 29 West, manufactures tents, awnings and tarps. The CDBG funds will be used to extend sewer lines to the company's property, which will enable the company to construct a 7,200 square-foot building for storage and manufacturing.

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.