Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases For Immediate Release GOVERNOR, BARBASH ANNOUNCE GRANTS TO BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES COLUMBUS – Governor Ted Strickland and Mark Barbash, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development, today announced that $360,000 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 378 positions and retain 1,715 jobs for Ohioans. ### Media contacts: Robert Grevey at (614) 466-6619 or
February 23, 2009
Projects Invigorate Regional Economies, Generate Jobs for Ohioans
“Innovative manufacturing techniques hone our state’s productivity and efficiency, accelerating output and expanding industry in Ohio,” Barbash said. “Ohio’s strong workforce capabilities, proximity to markets, and depth of software skills are invaluable assets to companies seeking an expansion-friendly business environment.”
Diamondbeck, Inc. will receive a $20,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment at the company’s planned location in the Village of St. Henry (Mercer County). Incorporated in 2008, Diamondbeck will manufacture environmentally friendly and energy efficient roofing shingle products. This $900,000 project is expected to create 33 positions.
Whirlpool Corporation, Findlay Division will receive a $250,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment at the company’s location in the City of Findlay (Hancock County). Founded in 1906, Whirlpool is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of major household appliances and has operated its Findlay facility for more than 40 years. This $11 million project is expected to create 263 positions and retain 1,698 jobs.
Zinc and Iron Recycling of Ohio, Inc. (ZIRO) will receive a $65,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment at the company’s planned location in the York Township (Fulton County). ZIRO has developed a treatment for zinc oxide deposits that has enabled the recovery of zinc from secondary and waste materials derived from industrial processes. This $100 million project is expected to create 50 positions.
Worthpoint Corporation will receive a $25,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment at the company’s planned location in the City of Dublin (Franklin County). Worthpoint Corporation, founded in 2007, offers web-based data services tracking sales records for art, antiques, and collectibles. Worthpoint has combined with GoAntiques.com to expand its market presence into antiques and collectibles. This $400,000 project is expected to create 32 positions and retain 17 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, 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 Rapid Outreach Grant (412) is a grant program to assist companies and communities that are creating or retaining jobs in Ohio.
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609