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 $200,000 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 150 positions and retain 90 jobs for Ohioans. ### Media contacts: Robert Grevey at (614) 466-6619 or
March 9, 2009
Projects Invigorate Regional Economies, Generate Jobs for Ohioans
“Our state’s diverse portfolio of industries, quality of life, and unparalleled inventory of attractive business sites makes Ohio a preferred destination for private investment,” Barbash said. “Businesses continue to discover that the advantages of Ohio’s public and private teamwork create a perfect balance between economic assets and quality of life.”
Kettle Creations, LLC will receive a $175,000 Roadwork Development Grant to complete public roadwork improvements to accommodate increased traffic at the Gateway Commerce Business Park in the City of Lima (Allen County). Kettle Creations is a new food processing company that will manufacture refrigerated mashed potato products and sell the product to private label distributors, restaurants, and grocery stores. This more-than $21 million project is expected to create 100 positions.
Engauge will receive a $25,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s expansion at its location in the City of Columbus (Franklin County). Engauge is a privately owned company that operates in the areas of marketing, advertising, brand communication, and interactive services. This $300,000 project is expected to create 50 positions and retain 90 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 is a grant program to assist companies and communities that are creating or retaining jobs in Ohio. The Roadwork Development Account provides grant assistance to communities for highway and road projects related to job creation and retention. The Roadwork Development Account is funded with gas tax dollars and is restricted to public road projects only.
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609