FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today applauded an announcement by Total Quality Logistics (TQL) that it will locate a new sales and customer service center in Union Township (Clermont County). The $14.6 million project will bring 586 jobs to Ohio.

"TQL had many options in deciding where to locate its operation," said Johnson, who also serves as state development director. "The company's decision demonstrates that it recognizes Ohio's many assets and the opportunities being made possible through the state's recent tax reform. TQL's commitment to Ohio and its workforce is excellent news for Clermont County and the entire southwestern region of the state. By earning the confidence of companies such as TQL, we continue to show the world that 'Ohio Means Business.'"

Headquartered in Cincinnati, TQL is a third-party logistics provider that works with companies nationwide to facilitate their truckload freight movements. By locating trucks, monitoring shipments and communicating progress to its customers, TQL relieves the burden of finding dependable carriers and handling the many obstacles that occur in transit. To accommodate its rapid growth, TQL will construct a 100,000 square-foot facility that will be used for sales and customer service operations.

"We have been very impressed with the efforts of state, county and local officials in making the Union Township site an attractive option for us. TQL is excited to have found a long term solution that will accommodate our need for space as we continue to grow," said TQL executive vice president Kerry Byrne.

Byrne cited Ohio's recent tax reform as one factor in the company's location decision. The reform is eliminating the tax on tangible personal property, eliminating Ohio's corporate franchise tax and reducing personal income tax by 21%. It also makes Ohio an ideal location from which to reach the North American marketplace by exempting sales to locations outside Ohio from the state's commercial activities tax.

According to Johnson, the Ohio Department of Development provided assistance toward the project, which includes a 75 percent Job Creation Tax Credit, valued at $4.6 million, for a 10-year term. Ohio was in competition with Kentucky for this project.