JOHNSON ANNOUNCES AWARDS FOR EDISON AFFILIATES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that $150,000 has been awarded to three Thomas Edison Incubators, one Thomas Edison Center and one affiliate to assist in meeting many of the business needs of technology-oriented firms and organizations. The funds, recommended by the Industrial Technology and Enterprise Advisory Council (ITEAC), were approved today by the State Controlling Board. The Thomas Edison Program funded entities include:

EISC, Inc. – Center for Innovative Food Technology, an Edison Center located in Toledo (Lucas County), has been awarded $50,000 to work with food processors, livestock operations and others to develop, enhance and accelerate the use of energy production from biomass, specifically from organic waste materials.

Braintree, an Edison Incubator located in Mansfield (Richland County), has been awarded $25,000 for facility improvements to accommodate additional technology start-up companies and coordinate the formation of an alliance to enhance the IT infrastructure of North Central Ohio.

JumpStart, Inc., an Edison Incubator located in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded $25,000 to support an outreach event in Northeast Ohio that is expected to attract 400 entrepreneurs. As a result of the event, JumpStart expects to generate 25 or more additional business investment and assistance opportunities.

Business Technology Center (BTC), an Edison Incubator located in Columbus (Franklin County), has been awarded $25,000 for tenant/client recruitment in Central Ohio.

Additionally, PolymerOhio, Inc., located in Westerville (Franklin County), has been awarded $25,000 from the Thomas Edison Fund to provide additional business services to Ohio polymer companies and provide firms with professional resources for business development.

Edison Technology Incubators and Centers assist entrepreneurs in concentrating their limited resources on the development of their product/service by drawing upon the proven expertise and support of the incubator. Assistance can include access to technologies, use of specialized equipment, student help, and personnel who may provide professional and technical assistance.