FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2008

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that Allen County has been awarded a $200,000 grant to assist Bobcat of Lima with machinery and equipment acquisitions related to their expansion. The funds will be awarded through the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. The $2.7 million project will create six jobs and retain nine.

"These funds will enable Allen County and Bobcat of Lima to create new economic opportunities while utilizing existing infrastructure," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Economic development programs like our Small Cities Block Grants empower communities to achieve economic success through partnerships and collaborations with local businesses."

Bobcat of Lima will acquire the assets of the Lima Flack Company for the continued operation of a full service Bobcat equipment dealership. Bobcat of Lima will introduce a line of compact utility trailers and expand the service department.

Allen County also recently received support from the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program with a $305,000 grant toward the expansion efforts of Alpha Incorporated. This $11.4 million expansion project will create 50 jobs.

The Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development and provides funding for economic development projects that create and/or retain permanent, private-sector job opportunities. The grants enable local governments to make public improvements directly related to business development and provide financial assistance to private entities for economic development projects. Jobs created through this program must benefit primarily low- and moderate-income Ohioans.

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Media Contacts: Nikki Jaworski (614) 466-9161 or Kelly Schlissberg (614) 466-4133.