FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2008

Columbus, OH -- Small businesses play a vital role in Ohio's economy by creating most of the State's new jobs and providing a platform for the entrepreneurs of the future. As they adapt to an increasingly competitive global economy, small businesses remain the heart of Ohio's communities, and will continue to thrive in an economic environment supportive of their unique challenges and opportunities.

The small business economy will be the theme of the KeyBank Small Business Economic Forecast Presentation on May 30 in Warrensville Heights. Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher will be a special guest at the event for small business owners and stakeholders to discuss economic topics affecting their future in Ohio and nationally.

"Small businesses drive the State's economy, and our administration is committed to nurturing their growth with expanded financial literacy, access to capital, and entrepreneurial skill development and coaching," said Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "By bridging the gap between government and small business, Ohio's economy will continue to gain momentum."

Renowned economic forecaster and President of ClearView Economics, LLC, Dr. Ken Mayland, will be the featured speaker will give a presentation about the future of Ohio's and the nation's economy. Fisher will discuss Ohio's economy, the role that small business plays in our global economy, and the State's increased focus on fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in businesses throughout Ohio with the new Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division within the Ohio Department of Development.

The Small Business Economic Forecast Presentation is sponsored by KeyBank. The event is free; to register, e-mail economicforecast08@odod.state.oh.us by May 22. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Corporate College East, 440 Richmond Road, in Warrensville Heights.

The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division manages a variety of programs and initiatives that assist entrepreneurs and small businesses in growing and finding success in Ohio. The Division also hosts the Small Business Development Centers of Ohio program, which provides consulting and training assistance to small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, and improved management. The Centers are supported through a partnership among the Ohio Department of Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and several of Ohio's chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, and economic development agencies.

# # #

Media contacts: Melissa Vince at (614) 466-6619 or Kelly Schlissberg at (614) 466-4133