Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GOVERNOR, PATT- MCDANIEL ANNOUNCE GRANTS TO BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES COLUMBUS – Governor Ted Strickland and Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development, today announced that $2.5 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 810 positions and retain 2,974 jobs for Ohioans. “These projects represent our state’s commitment to keeping good jobs here in Ohio by supporting creative public-private collaboration at a local, regional, and statewide level,” Patt-McDaniel said. “Ohio’s targeted investment efforts enhance our partners’ ability to create transformative projects that increase competitiveness, expand Ohio’s global business portfolio, and increase quality of life in our state.” Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC will receive a $1.9 million Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment and renovation and infrastructure improvements in support of the company’s retention project in the City of Akron (Summit County). Bridgestone was founded in 1900 in Akron as The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. The company researches, develops, manufactures and markets more than 8,000 different types of tires and employs thousands of people in its seven U.S. manufacturing facilities. This $100 million project is expected to retain 1,000 jobs. Columbus Regional Airport Authority will receive a $661,000 Roadwork Development Grant to complete public roadwork improvements in support of Port Columbus International Airport’s expansion in the City of Columbus (Franklin County). The project will create more efficient traffic flow around the facility, as well as support improved access to planned development around the airport, including NetJets Inc.’s and Flight Safety International’s projects. This $2 million project will support the creation of 810 positions and the retention of 1,974 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. ### Media contacts: Robert Grevey at (614) 466-6619 or
June 1, 2009
Projects Invigorate Regional Economies, Generate Jobs for Ohioans
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609