Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases For Immediate Release: GOVERNOR, PATT- MCDANIEL ANNOUNCE COLUMBUS – Ohio businesses and communities will receive more than $1.4 million in economic development grants to aid business growth. The State Controlling Board today approved grants administered by the Ohio Department of Development that are expected to create 130 new jobs and retain 823 positions. “We are investing limited resources to assist businesses and communities with job creation and retention,” said Governor Ted Strickland. “As the economy starts to rebound, our support is encouraging companies to reinvest in Ohio.” “Ohio businesses, communities, and regions, benefit from our state’s strategic investment strategy, which focuses on creating good paying jobs for Ohioans,” said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “From family-owned businesses to projects that will transform neighborhoods, Ohio’s skilled workforce and abundance of business-resources make our state a great place to invest in the future.” Flats East Development LLC will receive a $1 million Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with building construction in support of the company’s redevelopment project in the City of Cleveland (Cuyahoga County). Flats East Development was created in 2005 to lead the redevelopment of 23 acres along the East bank of the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland. This $250 million project is expected to retain 625 positions. Roppe Corporation will receive a $25,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s project in the City of Fostoria (Seneca County). Founded in 1955, Roppe is a family-owned manufacturer and distributor of rubber flooring products. This $3.4 million project is expected to create 33 positions. AIM Pharmakon, Inc. will receive a $50,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s project in the City of Cleveland (Cuyahoga County). AIM offers an array of niche marketing, branding, and sales consulting services for facilitating pharmaceutical commerce. This $1 million project is expected to create 40 jobs. The Dow Chemical Company will receive a $50,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for the costs associated with acquisition of machinery and equipment in support of the company’s project in Allen Township (Hancock County). Dow is a diversified chemical company delivering a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries. This $8 million project is expected to create 21 jobs and retain 70 positions. The City of Sharonville (Hamilton County) will receive a $300,000 Roadwork Development Grant for the costs associated with the completion of public roadwork improvements in support of Kutol Products Company, Inc.’s project. Public roadwork improvements will allow Kutol to build a new facility to house its manufacturing, research and development, distribution, and corporate headquarters operations. The project is expected to assist in the creation of 36 new jobs and retention of 128 positions. 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
November 2, 2009
SUPPORT FOR EXPANSION PROJECTS
Projects Invigorate Regional Economies, Generate Jobs for Ohioans
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609