Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases For Immediate Release FISHER ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES COLUMBUS – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that $1.8 million in economic development grants have been awarded to aid in the growth of businesses and the creation and retention of jobs in Ohio. The grants, administered by the Ohio Department of Development, were approved today by the State Controlling Board and could create 150 positions and retain 550 jobs for Ohioans. The University of Akron, (Summit County), will receive a $676,000 Ohio Third Frontier Research and Development Fund grant in support of the Orthopedic Research Cluster of Northeast Ohio through the Ohio Research Scholars Program. A joint effort between the Ohio Department of Development and the Ohio Board of Regents, the Ohio Research Scholars program provides grants to strengthen and increase the number of research clusters led by Ohio’s academic institutions that support regional economic priorities. MAGNET, Inc., (Cuyahoga County), will receive a $250,000 Thomas Edison Program grant to provide Edison Technology and Industry Center Services in concert with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program in the City of Cleveland. MAGNET is a nonprofit that assists local manufacturing companies improve efficiency to remain competitive in a global marketplace. The Thomas Edison Program was created to provide grants to foster research and development or technology transfer efforts involving enterprises and educational institutions. TechSolve, Inc., (Hamilton County), will receive a $250,000 Thomas Edison Program grant to provide Edison Technology and Industry Center Services in concert with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program in the City of Cincinnati. TechSolve is a nonprofit that assists local manufacturing companies improve efficiency to remain competitive in a global marketplace. The Thomas Edison Program was created to provide grants to foster research and development or technology transfer efforts involving enterprises and educational institutions. Zanesville/Muskingum County Port Authority, (Muskingum County) will receive a $250,000 Roadwork Development Grant to complete public roadwork improvements in support of Dollar General’s growth in the Eastpointe Business Park in the City of Zanesville. This transportation improvement will enhance safety, access, and future growth for all of the tenants of the business park. H.J. Heinz Company L.P. dba Portion Pac, Inc., (Warren County), will receive a $50,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment at the company’s facility in the City of Mason. Portion Pac is the leading producer of portion control products in the country. The company has been packaging condiments, jams, and sauces for more than 30 years. This $844,000 project is expected to create 50 positions and retain 380 jobs. Brush Wellman, Inc., (Ottawa County), will receive a $100,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment at the company’s facility in the Village of Elmore. Brush Wellman is a manufacturer of specific beryllium products with applications in the aerospace, automotive, defense, telecommunications, electronics, and high performance automation industries. This $23 million project is expected to create 25 positions and retain 118 jobs. GXS, Inc., (Cuyahoga County) will receive a $250,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s expansion in the City of Brook Park. GXS is a leading provider of business-to-business electronic data interchange and supply chain integration, synchronization, and collaboration solutions. The company employs more than 1,800 people in 25 countries, with approximately 750 working in the United States. This $500,000 project is expected to create 75 positions and retain 52 jobs. Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit 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. The Ohio Third Frontier was initiated in February 2002. This project is the state's largest-ever commitment to expanding Ohio's high-tech research capabilities and promoting innovation and company formation that will create high-paying jobs for generations to come. The 10-year, $1.6 billion initiative is designed to: build world-class research capacity; support early stage capital formation and the development of new products; and finance advanced manufacturing technologies to help existing industries become more productive. Through the Ohio Third Frontier additional federal and private sector support can boost the total investment to more than $6 billion. The Rapid Outreach Grant (412) is a grant program to assist companies and communities that are creating or retaining jobs in Ohio. The Roadwork Development Account (629) provides grant assistance to communities for highway and road projects related to job creation and retention. The 629 Program is funded with gas tax dollars and is restricted to public road projects only. The Thomas Edison Grant Program is designed to foster the advancement of applied research and development with the long-term objective of increased competitiveness and for Ohio technology companies at both the existing and start-up stages. ### Media contacts: Robert Grevey at (614) 466-6619 or
January 12, 2008
Projects Invigorate Regional Economies, Generate Jobs for Ohioans
“Ohio’s talented workforce is leading the way with innovation and technology in concert with our world-class education and research institutions,” said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Our state’s portfolio of diverse economic stakeholders is enhanced by our commitment to a strong manufacturing base and an expanding services sector.”
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609