STATE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES AGENDA FOR OHIO FUEL CELL COALITION 2004 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson today announced the agenda for the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition (OFCC) 2004 Annual Symposium. The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) is a founding member and supporter of the coalition, whose mission is to advance and promote the fuel cell industry in Ohio.

“This symposium will give participants an overview of ongoing efforts to advance and promote fuel cell technology in Ohio,” said Johnson. “It’s important that Ohio continues to be a leader in fuel cell innovations, funding and research.”

The event, taking place May 25 at the Conference Center at North Pointe in Columbus, will feature a keynote speech from Gov. Bob Taft, in addition to comments from Mark Maddox, Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy and speakers from Ford, Delphi and Frost & Sullivan.

The event will also include discussions on the National Research Council report on the Hydrogen Economy, updates on transportation and stationary fuel cell market developments from leading industry participants, a view of the overall Washington D.C. landscape for fuel cells from the U.S. Fuel Cell Council and financing options and opportunities for Ohio companies. In addition, the ODOD will be unveiling the Ohio Fuel Cell Road Map – the guidance document for the State of Ohio’s Fuel Cell Initiative for the next 2-5 years, and the announcement of the Third Frontier Action Fund Request for Proposal.

“This event is a great opportunity to hear from industry, academic and government leaders about the opportunities, initiatives and successes that are helping advance and promote the fuel cell industry in Ohio,” said Ken Alfred, executive director of the OFCC. “Participants will have a firm understanding about how Ohio is taking the lead in fuel cell technology.”

The OFCC is a consortium of industry, academic, and government leaders from throughout Ohio who are dedicated to developing and implementing a forward-looking plan to advance the fuel cell industry in the state. Its members work to ensure Ohio's presence both regionally and nationally through world-class research and development, an entrepreneurial environment that encourages innovation and supports commercialization, strategic advocacy to increase federal and state resources to create a globally-competitive industry in Ohio, and promoting the benefits and value of fuel cell technology.

The ODOD is a catalyst for growth and prosperity in Ohio and facilitates the well being of the State’s companies, communities and citizens through strategic investments and targeted services. Ohio is recognized globally as the innovative leader in developing a thriving economy and vibrant communities.

For more information of the symposium, log on to www.fuelcellsohio.org.