FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2008

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced the appointment of Philip Shotwell as Director of the Division of Minority Business Affairs within the Ohio Department of Development, which works to create a business environment in Ohio that assists in the growth and development of minority-owned firms.

"During Phil's 17 years with the Ohio Department of Development, he has made significant contributions to the growth and development of minority businesses throughout our State," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "His experience has provided him with a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing minority business owners, and a great enthusiasm for supporting and expanding Ohio's minority business community."

As Director, Shotwell provides leadership and direction to the Minority Contractors Business Assistance Program Centers and the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, and works closely with minority, female, and small businesses to help them obtain financing, bonding, and contracts in the public and private sector. He also lends considerable time toward the development and implementation of conferences, workshops, and seminars that support Ohio's minority businesses.

Prior to his appointment, Shotwell served as Business Representative for the Division of Minority Business Affairs, where he provided management and technical services to start-up and existing businesses in the areas of financing, marketing, procurement, and business development planning. Shotwell has been with the Department of Development since 1990, serving in a number of roles, including Loan Officer and Executive Director for the Minority Development Financing Commission, as well as Supervisor of Management and Technical Assistance for the Division of Minority Business Affairs. Before joining the Department of Development, Shotwell was first a Loan Representative, then an Operations Manager for Huntington National Bank.

Shotwell serves on the Board of Trustees of the Northern Ohio Minority Business Council, a minority business advocacy organization that assists minority companies in Northern Ohio with procurement, education, training, and technical assistance; and the Commission on African American Males, which assists African American men in the areas of healthcare, education, employment, and criminal justice. Shotwell served as the Chairman of the Ohio Department of Development's Diversity Guidance Council where he assisted the Human Resources office with its diversity initiatives and employee programming.

Shotwell holds a BS in Marketing from The Ohio State University. He is also certified by the National Development Council as an Economic Development Specialist.

A photo of Philip Shotwell is available by clicking here.

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Media contacts: Kelly Schlissberg at (614) 466-4133 or Kimber Perfect at (614) 466-2609