TAFT APPLAUDS INDUSTRY SUCCESSES AT OHIO POLYMER SUMMIT
Sixth Biennial Summit Focuses on New Technologies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2004

Columbus, OH -- Governor Bob Taft today addressed Ohio’s polymer industry leaders and educators attending the sixth biennial Ohio Polymer Summit, held at the Columbus Athenaeum.

“Our polymer industry is a core strength in Ohio’s knowledge economy,” Taft said. “The State of Ohio is committed to ensuring that Ohio’s polymer firms are well-positioned for future growth and the development of new, innovative technologies that will continue to strengthen the industry and create jobs for Ohioans.”

The focus of this year’s Summit centered on issues facing the state’s polymer industry, and how to enhance Ohio’s position as a center of excellence for polymers.

Ohio has 2,800 polymer-related firms, and is home to much of the historical growth in the plastics industry. The state is a national leader in plastics jobs, employing more than 130,000 workers. Ohio is also well known for fostering breakthroughs in new polymer technologies.

“Since it began in 1994, the Ohio Polymer Summit has become the premier forum for the polymer industry,” State Development Director Bruce Johnson said. “Polymers play an integral role in Ohio’s economy. This Summit provides opportunities for participants, educators and Ohio’s leadership to work together to build upon and strengthen Ohio’s polymer industry.”

The State of Ohio works closely with the polymer 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.

For more information about Ohio’s polymer industry, visit www.odod.state.oh.us/research.