JOHNSON ANNOUNCES AGENDA FOR OHIO FUEL CELL COALITION 2005 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2005

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

"It's important that Ohio continues to be a leader in advancing the fuel cell industry through our investments in research and development,” said Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson, who also serves as state development director. “This symposium will provide participants with an overview of our ongoing efforts to advance and promote fuel cell technology in Ohio."

The event will be held May 10 at the Cleveland State University Gordon Conference Pavilion in the Wolstein Convocation Center and will feature a keynote address by Governor Bob Taft. Other speakers include: Rodger McKain, OFCC chairman; Trevor Jones, OFCC chairman emeritus; and representatives of EMTEC, Battelle, Rolls Royce Fuel Cell Systems, CeramPhysics and NASA Glenn Research Center.

The event will include updates on fuel cell market developments and manufacturing issues, Ohio Supply Chain Development initiatives and partnering opportunities, military and aerospace applications, progress of Ohio educational initiatives, and an overall funding outlook.

“This year’s event features an expanded exhibitor show and displays that will highlight the impressive range of research and industrial capability that can support Ohio’s objective to become the national leader in the manufacturing and development of fuel cell systems, components, and balance-of-plant equipment,” said Ken Alfred, executive director of the OFCC. “The development of this sector is all about collaboration, and Ohio offers the greatest opportunities for productive and innovative alliances serving entrepreneurs and established organizations alike.”

The Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition is a 70-plus member organization covering the entire value chain of the fuel cell and hydrogen supply sector. The Coalition is a consortium of industry, academic, and government leaders who work to ensure the state’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.

Symposium sponsors include Team Neo, EMTEC, CSA International, and Parker Hannifin. For more information of the symposium, log on to www.fuelcellsohio.org.