Press Room >> 2010 Press Releases
For Immediate Release
April 28, 2010
STRICKLAND, PATT-MCDANIEL ANNOUNCE CERTIFICATIONS
FOR JOB READY SITES
COLUMBUS – Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel today announced the Ohio Job Ready Sites Program has approved the first two communities for site certification. These approved sites will assist in business attraction and expansion efforts by accommodating investment and job creation in Ohio. Certification in the Ohio Job Ready Sites Program ensures future investors that the property exceeds site selection standards and includes the necessary attributes demanded by today's leading corporations.
"These properties are committed to attracting job-creating investments," Strickland said. "I commend these cities for their efforts to grow and strengthen their communities."
The Ohio Job Ready Sites Program was created to bolster Ohio's portfolio of commercial and industrial developable sites. Properties in this program are strategically chosen for their ability to provide optimal infrastructure capabilities and attract economy-shifting investment. Funds from the Ohio Job Ready Sites Program help offset costs traditionally incurred in speculative commercial and industrial development to accelerate investment decisions and to maximize the development potential of each property.
"The Job Ready Site certification requirements have heightened standards, making Ohio an attractive choice for leading industries to relocate for job expansion and company growth," Patt-McDaniel said. "Ohio is fortunate to have the essential attributes readily available for the demands of leading corporations."
The two Certified Ohio Job Ready Sites include:
The City of Middletown (Butler County) has been awarded Job Ready Site Certification for the Smart Offices at East Pointe Centre. East Pointe 200, the first building constructed on the Job Ready Site, is a 50,000-square-foot Smart Office building that has achieved a Gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The East Pointe 200 building currently has 14,665 square-feet available for lease. In addition, future development is available on the business campus to construct two additional buildings that can each accommodate expansion up to 90,000 square feet. This project has already created 114 jobs.
The City of Springfield (Clark County) has been awarded Job Ready Site Certification for the Nextedge Applied Research and Technology Park. The first building constructed on the Job Ready Site, Nextedge 1, is a 55,572-square-foot Technical Center and Research Laboratory building, which provides the necessary amenities needed to conduct intensive research and development. Future development is available within the research and technology park to construct two additional buildings which combined can accommodate up to 111,144 square feet. The project has already created 62 new jobs on the site.
Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the nonprofit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, deal-making, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio's future.
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