JOHNSON ANNOUNCES PARTICIPATION AT HANNOVER INDUSTRY FAIR
State Marketing Ohio at World’s Largest Industrial Trade Show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that Ohio Department of Development is participating in the 2005 Hannover Industry Fair, which begins today in Hannover, Germany. Assistant State Development Director Tom Carton and a team of business and government representatives from across the state will market Ohio and encourage business investment and expansion in the state.

“To ensure growth for Ohio’s economy, it’s important that we are proactive in marketing the many benefits of our state to the world community,” said Johnson, who also serves as state development director. “The Hannover Fair is an important venue in which to connect with European business leaders in an effort to attract new business to Ohio, which will result in the creation of jobs.”

The Hannover Fair is the largest industrial trade show in the world with more than 6,000 exhibitors from 65 countries. Last year, the Fair attracted more than 180,000 visitors representing 85 nations. Assistant Director Carton and Ohio representatives are scheduled to meet with at least 110 European companies interested in the U.S. market, and will pursue meetings with approximately 250 more during the five-day trade fair. The State of Ohio has secured a prime location in the USA Total Automation Pavilion in the Factory Automation Hall, which will showcase Ohio’s attributes to the largest audience.

State representation at the Hannover Fair is the result of a private/public partnership between the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) and the Ohio Department of Development. This year marks the 12th year in which the ODOD and the OEDA have exhibited at the Hannover Fair. The OEDA consists of financial institutions, utility companies, chambers of commerce and other local development agencies.

The team of nearly 20 Ohio business development professionals participating in the trade fair includes representatives from the following organizations: the City of Akron; the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce; Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce; Columbus Chamber of Commerce (including Fairfield County); Fifth Third Bank; FirstEnergy Corporation; NEOTEC; Toledo Regional Growth Partnership; EMTEC; Allen County Economic Development Group; and the Dayton Regional Coalition.