REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 2004 OHIO POLYMER SUMMIT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson today announced that plans are underway for the 2004 Ohio Polymer Summit. The biennial summit will focus on issues facing the state’s polymer industry, and how to enhance Ohio’s position as a center of excellence for polymers. The Summit will take place at the Columbus Athenaeum on April 28, 2004.

“Ohio has a strong history in polymers and we are working diligently to ensure polymers have a strong future here as well,” said Johnson. “I encourage those in Ohio’s polymer industry to participate in this summit and help us ensure that Ohio companies and Ohio jobs continue to thrive in the competitive global marketplace.”

Ohio has 1,300 polymer-related firms, and is home to much of the historical growth in the plastics industry. The state is one of the nation’s leaders in plastics jobs, employing more than 98,200 workers. Ohio is also well known for fostering breakthroughs in new polymer technologies.

The State of Ohio works closely with the plastics industry and was the first state in the nation to organize a statewide summit for plastics industry leaders, government officials and educators to explore opportunities and discuss issues facing the industry.

Interested participants may register online at www.polymerohio.org. For more information about Ohio’s polymer industry, visit www.odod.state.oh.us/research.