Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases For Immediate Release GOVERNOR, BARBASH ANNOUNCE GRANTS TO BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES The Rapid Outreach Grant is a grant program to assist companies and communities that are creating or retaining jobs in Ohio. ### Media contacts: Robert Grevey at (614) 466-6619 or
March 23, 2009
Projects Invigorate Regional Economies, Generate Jobs for Ohioans
COLUMBUS – Governor Ted Strickland and Mark Barbash, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development, today announced that $3.2 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 947 positions and retain 1,626 jobs for Ohioans.
“Ohio is committed to fostering a welcoming business environment through tax reforms, infrastructure improvements, and meaningful, targeted investments in sustainable and growing sectors of our economy,” Barbash said. “This strategic focus positions our state for long-term growth and continues to attract a diverse array of business interests from leading manufacturing companies to advanced energy applications.”
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company will receive a $2 million Job Ready Sites Grant as well as a $250,000 Rapid Outreach Grant in support of the company’s consolidation project, which includes infrastructure improvement, site preparation, and the acquisition of machinery and equipment at its site in the City of Findlay (Hancock County). Cooper Tire is a global company specializing in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of passenger car and light truck tires. Headquartered in Findlay, it has offices in 10 countries and is the ninth largest tire maker in the world. This more-than $37 million project is expected to retain 1,192 jobs.
Perrysburg Township will receive a $200,000 Roadwork Development Grant to complete public roadwork improvements in support of First Solar’s project in Perrysburg (Wood County). First Solar, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, manufactures photovoltaic thin-film solar products and has developed specific low-cost production techniques that make it one of the leading solar manufacturers in the world. This transportation improvement will accommodate for increased truck traffic at the facility, as well as upgrade water and sewer lines near the site. This $83.7 million project is expected to create 587 positions and retain 203 jobs.
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.
Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. will receive a $100,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s relocation and expansion project in the City of Xenia (Greene County). Cornerstone Research Group, founded in 1997, combines creative science and engineering to discover, develop, and deliver innovative materials-based solutions to customers. This $185,000 project is expected to create 130 positions and retain 75 jobs.
SelectTech Services Corporation will receive a $43,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s new operations in the City of Springfield (Clark County). SelectTech, which has an additional location in Centerville, has provided high-tech engineering support, test and evaluation, and information technology solutions services to aerospace and United States Department of Defense customers since 1982. This $3 million project is expected to create 100 positions.
Curwood, Inc. will receive a $40,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s expansion project in the City of Fremont (Sandusky County). Curwood is headquartered in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin, and is a supplier of innovative packaging materials and systems for food, beverage, household, industrial, and personal care industries. This $4 million project is expected to create 50 positions and retain 141 jobs.
A. Schulman, Inc. will receive a $100,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s expansion project in the City of Akron (Summit County). A. Schulman is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins, used as raw materials in a variety of specialty markets. This $8 million project is expected to create 80 positions and retain 15 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.
Approved by voters in November of 2005 as part of the “Jobs for Ohio Bond Initiative,” the Job Ready Sites program is designed to reduce costs incurred in the acquisition, construction, site building, infrastructural improvement, feasibility study phase, financing, or remediation of environmentally contaminated property.
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 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.
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609