Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases For immediate release GOVERNOR, LT. GOVERNOR ANNOUNCE SIGNIFICANT OHIO EXPORT GROWTH ### Media contacts: Robert Grevey at (614) 466-6619
February 13, 2009
Columbus – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that Ohio exports for 2008 grew by nearly 7 percent over the previous year. The numbers released this week by the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration rank Ohio as the seventh-largest exporting state in the nation with export growth of 6.87 percent in 2008, and the only state to increase exports every year since 1998. Ohio’s export total for 2008 grew to more than $45 billion.
“Opportunities beyond our state and national borders are key factors in Ohio’s continued success in the global economy,” said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Ohio’s export prominence speaks to our state’s manufacturing strengths, logistics capabilities, skilled workforce, and our competitive business environment.”
The Global Markets Division of the Ohio Department of Development helps Ohio companies explore global trade opportunities and expand into new international trade markets. The Global Markets Division manages a network of international offices in Asia, Australia, the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, India, North and South America, and Southern Africa.
“Connecting Ohio companies to a diverse set of markets gives our state’s world-class products the ability to compete in every corner of the globe,” said Deborah Scherer, director of the Global Markets Division at the Ohio Department of Development. “Establishing and nurturing international trade relationships expands horizons and strengthens Ohio’s economic portfolio.”
The Global Markets Division’s international trade offices are staffed by experienced business professionals whose goal is to promote Ohio exports and encourage capital investment in Ohio.
Services provided by Trade Managers of the Global Markets Division in Columbus include export counseling services, export finance resources, agent and distributor searches, foreign-direct investment attraction, Governor, Lt. Governor-and staff-led business missions.
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, 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.
or the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609