FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2008

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the State of Ohio has been awarded a Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine for its 2007 accomplishments in attracting new business opportunities and supporting company expansions that create jobs. Ohio was a winner among states with populations of more than 10 million and the June/July edition of the magazine highlights the award.

"This recognition highlights the work we are doing in coordination with our partners across the state to help drive Ohio's economy," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We had many important achievements in 2007 in the areas of business and industry attraction, community and urban development, and innovation and technology. The hard-work of our community and business partners is crucial to our economic growth and is what makes Ohio a state of great strength and promise."

Area Development magazine's Annual Shovel Awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions that attract new employers and investments in expanded facilities. Both Ohio and Pennsylvania were winners in the over 10 million population group. Alabama, Indiana, and Maryland and Oklahoma (tied) were awarded Silver Shovels in the three to 10 million population category, and Arkansas, Utah, and Kansas were honored in the under three million population category.

The magazine highlights several of Ohio's 2007 business successes, including Amylin Pharmaceuticals' expansion of its manufacturing operation in West Chester (Butler County); PCC Airfoils' new manufacturing facility for aircraft engine turbines in Painesville (Lake County); and Avon Products' new $115 million distribution center in Washington Township (Muskingum County) that will handle distribution for 50 percent of its U.S. sales. The three projects combined are expected to create 1,150 jobs.

Ohio also won a Project of the Year Award for General Dynamics in Lima (Allen County), which makes military armored vehicles. The Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, a government-owned facility, is operated by General Dynamics Land Systems and has increased employment and remained off the Base Closure and Realignment Commission list.

Additional information about the award is available at the Area Development magazine Web site at www.areadevelopment.com

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Media contacts: Eileen Turner at (614) 728-6674 or Kelly Schlissberg at (614) 466-4133