TAFT ANNOUNCES ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES
State Assistance Will Help Create 115 Jobs for Ohioans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Governor Bob Taft today announced that $540,000 in state assistance has been awarded to aid in the growth and development of Ohio businesses and the creation and retention of jobs in Ohio. The grants, administered by the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) and approved by the State Controlling Board today, are expected to create 115 jobs and retain 48 positions.

SUNPRO, Inc., located in North Canton (Stark County), will receive $500,000 in 166 Direct Loan funds at an interest rate of three percent for a fifteen-year term to acquire a 31,000 square-foot facility for expansion of its company headquarters and regional operations. SUNPRO is an environmental and electrical field services company that provides clean up services, building decontamination, soil evacuation, ground water and bio remediation and a variety of electrical services. The $1.2 million project is expected to allow for the retention of 27 jobs and the creation of 15 new positions within three years.

Chasm Industries Ohio, Inc. will receive a $40,000 Business Development Grant (412) for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment. Chasm will relocate its electronic waste recycling operations to a leased 156,641 square-foot building in Columbus (Franklin County). The company is expected to maintain 21 full-time positions and create 100 new full-time positions. Chasm is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois and Ohio was in competition with Mississippi for this project.

The Business Development Account (412) is a grant program to assist companies and communities that are creating or retaining jobs in Ohio. The 166 Direct Loan program provides loans for land and building acquisition, expansion or renovation, and equipment purchase.