FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2008

Columbus, OH -- A broad-based regional task force spearheaded by Wilmington Mayor David Raizk, at the request of Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, has begun work to preserve jobs and craft economically feasible solutions for the future. The urgent need for action stems from the potential effects of a possible direct job loss of 8,200 — with significantly more indirect job losses — in Wilmington, the region, and throughout the State of Ohio.

"DHL's May 28th announcement of its intention to pursue negotiation with UPS to handle its U.S. airlift operation has sent a shockwave through the region and across the state," said Mayor Raizk. "We are committed to developing a solution that is workable to DHL so that its decision can be revisited and reshaped to include the DHL hub in Wilmington."

"The State of Ohio stands ready to marshal the necessary resources to ensure a strong presence at the Wilmington Air Park," said Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We believe that Wilmington, the Greater Clinton County area, and the State of Ohio have enjoyed a strong partnership with DHL, and we are determined to maintain operations and employment at the site."

The task force, comprised of federal, state, county, and local representatives, in addition to business and community leaders and ABX Air and ASTAR representatives, is focused primarily on the retention of the thousands of direct and indirect jobs associated with DHL's operations at the Wilmington Air Park and increasing the strategic competitive advantages of the Air Park. However, the task force is also considering scenarios that might require assistance for displaced workers and job replacement.

"The economic impact of a possible loss of at least 8,200 jobs is a significant and real fear for the community, and it merits an all-hands-on-deck approach," said Clinton County Commissioner Randy Riley.

Based upon 2006 data, the air park is the largest employer in the six-county area, including Clinton, Fayette, Highland, Brown, Ross, and Adams counties. In Ohio as a whole, air park employees are from 45 of Ohio's 88 counties. An economic impact study is underway to quantify the impact, but the losses may include employee wages, tax and revenues to local business, Wilmington Public Schools, Clinton and surrounding counties, and Wilmington itself.

"Across America, you hear stories like this," said Highland County Commissioner Mike Rector. "What's different about this announcement is that the loss, if it comes to pass, would hit this area hard. The growth of the facility has provided jobs, employment and benefit for the entire area. We've worked hard to make it successful, and losing it would be devastating."

"Every child at Wilmington's schools is either the child of an air park employee, or a friend's dad or mom is there," said Ron Sexton, superintendent of Wilmington schools. "I've been here for 28 years and have seen this town go through things like this before. I offer our commitment that our schools will always partner with the community and work to make sure our students are prepared for the future."

"There are a lot of numbers and the impact is huge, but in the end it's about people," said Mayor Raizk. "These aren't numbers, they are real people that could be facing a real crisis. The true story is how we avert this crisis, and protect real people."

Ohio is a U.S. logistics leader, and DHL is the cornerstone of Ohio's logistics industry cluster. DHL's national sort facility in Wilmington is a key player in our logistics management network that encompasses the entire spectrum of the industry. Ohio's central location and transportation strengths, including DHL, means that companies located in Ohio are within one day's drive of 62 percent of U.S. manufacturing facilities and within 500 miles of 59.5 percent of the U.S. population. DHL is crucial to Ohio maintaining our edge in the logistics industry.

- ### -

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