11.20.2009: Governor, Patt-McDaniel Announce $28 Million in Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund Grants to Communities
11.19.2009: Award-Winning Lake Erie Photographs Now on Display at Ohio Statehouse
11.18.2009: Small Business Development Centers of Ohio Celebrate 25th Anniversary
11.16.2009: Ohio's Popular Deer-Gun Season Opens November 30
11.13.2009: 2010 Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio Winners Selected
11.12.2009: Supreme Court Releases Lawyer-Client Guide
11.12.2009: Winter is Coming
11.09.2009: Unemployment Benefits Extended for Ohioans
11.09.2009: Emergency Rule Adopted to Implement Health Insurance Open Enrollment Program
11.06.2009: Governor Strickland Orders Flags Lowered to Half Staff in Honor of Victims at Fort Hood
11.05.2009: Governor Strickland, GE Aviation CEO and Other Leaders Announce GE Aviation Expansion
11.05.2009: Governor Strickland, State Leaders Applaud Alcoa Cleveland Works $110 Million Investment
11.03.2009: Ohio Industrial Energy Efficiency Projects Receive More Than $30 Million in ARRA Awards
11.02.2009: Site Selection Magazine Ranks Ohio 4th in Nation for Business Climate
Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel today announced $28 million in Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grants to 16 brownfield clean-up projects throughout the state. The funding, approved at a Clean Ohio Council Round Seven award meeting, will allow for the reuse of idle commercial and industrial properties and is expected to assist in the creation and retention of more than 1,400 jobs.
"Too many of our workers and businesses are reeling from this global economic recession, which makes our partnerships with local communities and our efforts to improve Ohio's business climate even more important," Strickland said. "Clean Ohio investments encourage business development and job creation by revitalizing our communities and previously-used industrial properties."
The Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund program is a statewide competitive program that provides grants of up to $3 million to acquire property, demolish structures, conduct environmental cleanup, and improve infrastructure on or serving a brownfield property. Since its inception, 80 Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund projects have been awarded more than $185 million, leveraging more than $2 billion in private sector investment creating and/or retaining more than 10,000 jobs. The grants are contingent upon State Controlling Board approval.
"The Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grants are essential resources for improving the physical assets of our state's communities," said Patt-McDaniel, who also serves as Chair of the Clean Ohio Council. "We are pleased to offer these grants to assist in the redevelopment of brownfield properties that will help create jobs for local citizens."
Round Seven Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund award recipients are as follows:
City of Akron (Landmark Building) – The City of Akron will receive a $1.9 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation activities at the Landmark Building. The 12-story Landmark Building was constructed in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Upon completion of remediation, the City of Akron plans to turn the currently vacant property into loft apartments with retail space on the ground floor.
City of Cincinnati (Former NuTone Property) – The City of Cincinnati will receive a $3 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct demolition, infrastructure and remediation activities at the former NuTone property. In 1949, NuTone purchased the property and began manufacturing a wide range of residential products including range hoods, bath fans, intercom systems, and ceiling fans. In August 2007, NuTone decided to close the plant, eliminating all 414 jobs. Upon completion of remediation, the currently vacant property will be turned into the Development at Red Bank & Madison. Medpace, Inc., a drug research company currently located in Norwood, will relocate and expand their operations on the project property. Medpace will retain 535 jobs and create more than 800 new jobs in the move to the project property. The development plan also includes retail and mixed-use space.
Cuyahoga County (Ben Venue Laboratories Expansion) – Cuyahoga County will receive a $2.5 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation activities for the Ben Venue Laboratories Expansion project. The property has an industrial history dating back as early as 1903. Among many other industrial companies, McMyler Interstate Co. operated on the site from 1920-1950 manufacturing steel cranes. From approximately 1947 through 1982, American Steel Drum operated a drum cleaning facility on a portion of the property. Currently there are five buildings on the property with two in use. Upon completion of remediation, Ben Venue Laboratories, located on an adjacent property, will expand their operations onto the property. The Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant will allow Ben Venue to keep future expansion in Bedford.
City of Elyria (Garden Street Redevelopment) – The City of Elyria will receive a $1.9 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation and demolition activities at the Garden Street Redevelopment project property. In 1903, the Fox Furnace Company began manufacturing operations on the property. Various manufacturing and industrial users including the Tappan Company and Progressive Processing continued to operate on the site until the early 1990s when environmental assessment and cleanup activities began. The property is currently vacant with portions of the property used for storage. Upon completion of remediation, the current owner plans to expand onto part of the property. The remainder of the property will be marketed for commercial and industrial use.
City of Grandview Heights (Grandview Yard/Former Big Bear Warehouse Redevelopment) – The City of Grandview Heights will receive a $2 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation activities at the Grandview Yard/former Big Bear Warehouse Redevelopment project property. Once the nation's largest refrigerated warehouse, the former Big Bear Warehouse has been vacant since 2004. The property is currently owned by Nationwide Realty Investors, Ltd. Upon completion of remediation, the 17.6-acre property will become part of an 80 acre mixed-use development Grandview Yard. Development on the former Big Bear Warehouse property will include commercial and residential space.
City of Hamilton (550 North Third Street Redevelopment) – The City of Hamilton will receive a $2 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct demolition and remediation activities at the 550 North Third Street Redevelopment project site. The property has industrial uses dating back to 1887 when the Niles Tool Works' Pattern Warehouse/Lima-Hamilton Corporation operated on the site. Multiple other manufacturers used the property before it was bought by the City of Hamilton in 2007. Upon completion of remediation, the City of Hamilton plans to construct an alternative energy power generation facility that will include storage for biomass and other wastes used in energy generation. Vacant since 2007, the redevelopment of the property and the creation of an alternative energy facility are aligned with the goals of the City's Vision 2020 Plan.
Hocking County (Former General Clay Property) – Hocking County will receive a $620,000 Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation and demolition activities at the former General Clay Property site. After more than 100 years of brick manufacturing on the property, General Clay ceased operations in 1999. The property has remained vacant since operations ceased. Most of the buildings and foundations will be demolished, and one building will be refurbished for future use. Upon completion of remediation, Hocking County plans to use a portion of the property to relocate their salting facility from the current facility.
City of Lyndhurst (Penguin Cleaners) – The City of Lyndhurst will receive a $3 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct acquisition, infrastructure, remediation and demolition activities at the Penguin Cleaners project property. Constructed in the 1940's, the two buildings on the property have a long history of commercial use including a dry cleaning, coin-operated laundry facility, and a sewing machine and vacuum store. A dry cleaner and the sewing machine and vacuum store are still on the property. Upon competition of demolition and remediation, the property will be developed by the development partner, WXZ Development Inc, and turned into a Key Bank branch location creating 11 new jobs and retaining six jobs.
City of Marion (Linden Place) – The City of Marion will receive a $2 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation and demolition activities at the Linden Place project property. The currently vacant property was first developed for use as a manufactured gas plant that began operations in 1861. The plant closed in 1908, and most of the buildings were demolished. Eighteen homes were built on the site in 1912. In 2007, all 18 homes were purchased by Columbia Gas of Ohio and demolished down to the foundations due to contaminants on site. Upon completion of remediation, the property will be ready for development with the potential for mixed-use development.
City of Middletown (STM Redevelopment Project) – The City of Middletown will receive a $1.6 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation and demolition activities at the STM Redevelopment project property. In the early 1850's, the Sutphin Wrenn Union Paper Mill began industrial operations on the property. In 1979, STM Partnership took ownership of the property, and various industrial operations have occurred since then. Currently, four small storage and light manufacturing operations are on a portion of the property. Two parcels are vacant and owned by the City. Upon completion of remediation, the City and another owner plan to attract a commercial project to promote economic opportunities and growth for the City.
City of Newark (Former Newark Processing Company Property) – The City of Newark will receive a $2 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation and demolition activities at the former Newark Processing Company Property site. Beginning in 1980, the property was the home of the Newark Processing Company. The company operated an aluminum recycling facility on site that was used to process aluminum dross, the key source of contamination on the property. Upon completion of remediation, Newark plans to turn the site into an alternative energy production facility.
City of Norwalk (Norwalk Foundry Redevelopment Project) – The City of Norwalk will receive a $535,000 Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation and demolition activities at the Norwalk Foundry Redevelopment Project site. The property, owned by the City of Norwalk, has a long industrial history. Norwalk Foundry and Machine Company began operations on the site in 1893, helping make the site the first industrial park in Norwalk. The property has been vacant since Norwalk Foundry closed in the mid 90's. Upon completion of remediation, the City of Norwalk plans to market the site for commercial and industrial use.
City of Painesville (Lake East Hospital) – The City of Painesville will receive a $2 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation and demolition activities at the Lake East Hospital property site. Lake East Hospital is relocating to another suburban community in Lake County creating a large, vacant area in downtown Painesville. Upon completion of remediation and the demolition of the four buildings on the property, the 8.045-acre site in downtown Painesville will be redeveloped into an urban residential area as part of a larger mixed-use town center development. The redevelopment plans are in alignment with the Painesville Downtown Master Plan to revitalize the downtown area.
City of Steubenville (Former Cools Hoagie Property) – The City of Steubenville will receive a $297,000 Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation and demolition activities at the former Cools Hoagie Property site. The former Cools Hoagie Property has a long history of commercial use. The most recent occupants, a restaurant and a contracting company, closed in 2007 leaving the property vacant. In 2008, a fire damaged the property and the previous owner deeded the property to the City. The City plans to demolish the building to create green space and make the property available to adjacent businesses wanting to expand onto the property.
Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority (Port Authority Industrial Park at Beazer) – The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority will receive a $2 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct demolition and remediation activities at the Port Authority Industrial Park at Beazer site. Formerly the Toledo Coke Corporation Plant, the 32.08-acre site has been owned by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority since 2004. Upon completion of remediation, the Port Authority plans to attract manufacturing and marine companies to the property with its prime location on the Maumee River. End users on the property will have the opportunity to combine manufacturing and shipping as they will have easy water access to national and international markets from its location via the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.
City of Youngstown (Former YS&T Office Building) – The City of Youngstown will receive a $630,000 Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant to conduct remediation and demolition activities at the former YS&T Office Building site. The property has been used for industrial purposes since 1920 when Youngstown Sheet and Tube (YS&T) began operations. Since YS&T ceased operations in 1974, the building has been used for storage. Upon completion of remediation, the City plans to secure a commitment from a local company to expand their operations onto the property. The redevelopment of this property is in alignment with the Youngstown 2010 City Wide Plan and would create approximately 500 new jobs.
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Toledo, Ohio – Winning images from a competition that challenged photographers to capture the essence of Lake Erie life are on display at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. They provide snapshots of one of Ohio's most valuable and dynamic natural features, Lake Erie.
Thirteen images that portray sustainable use, development and protection of Ohio's Lake Erie coastal resources received top honors for the 2009 Life on Lake Erie amateur photography contest. The photos incorporate shoreline landscapes, wildlife, plants and people enjoying various coastal activities. The works by the following Ohioans are on display at the Statehouse through January 4, 2010: Dale L. Sadowsky, Sandusky; Gabor Balazs, Toledo; Dena Kraft, Oregon; Maggi Dandar, Curtice (winning twice); Tom Greene, Tipp City; Therese Ryan Russell, Bay Village; Monnie Ryan, Niles; John K. Spears, Oregon; Jimmy Trares, Maumee; Candice Vlcek, Parma; Devin A. Ward, Jefferson and Lorie A. Wilber, Oberlin.
The Ohio Statehouse is one stop for the touring photo gallery during November and December. In 2010, the images will appear at prime Ohio shoreline locations throughout the year, including January 15-24 at the IX Center's Cleveland Boat Show; remainder of January and February in Sandusky at the ODNR Office of Coastal Management; March and April in Huron at the Huron Public Library; May and June at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Oak Harbor; July and August 2010 at the Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Center in Port Clinton; September and October (to be announced) and November and December at One Maritime Plaza in Toledo.
These outstanding images are also used to promote Lake Erie through environmental, informational and educational programs and publications, and can also be viewed in an online photo gallery.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Ohio Network is celebrating 25 years of service to Ohio's entrepreneurs and small business community.
"Small businesses drive our nation's economy by providing jobs for more than half of the private workforce, their contribution is key to our state's economic growth," said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We are grateful for our partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration which has allowed the Small Business Development Centers to offer a variety of services to Ohio's small business owners and entrepreneurs helping them sustain their operations in today's competitive market."
Established in 1985, the Network of 39 centers across Ohio foster a strong climate for small business growth with many local community partners including colleges and universities, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and other community organizations. Highly trained, Certified Business Advisors ® at each center provide free, confidential, in-depth one-on-one counseling; e-counseling; training; quality-based assessments; technical assistance; information on federal, state, and local regulations and programs; and guidance in loan packaging.
"Our partnership with the State of Ohio and the SBDC Network is an essential ingredient in helping the SBA deliver our mission of economic development and job creation by providing training and counseling to the small businesses of Ohio, "said Gilbert Goldberg, District Director of U.S. Small Business Administration Cleveland District Office. "In our present economy any business, whether new or existing, should utilize the SBDC service centers as a source for developing a business model to confront the new realities of our economy."
In addition, the SBDC Network facilitates access to basic start-up information and various government forms through its Web-based program, the 1st Stop Business Connection. The 1st Stop Business Connection offers entrepreneurs free, comprehensive, and customized business start-up kits that include licensing and permit information for more than 270 different business types. Kits can be sent via email, U.S. mail, or downloaded at development.ohio.gov/edd/1ststop/onestop/. To date, more than 900,000 business kits have been distributed to Ohio's entrepreneurs.
Since its inception, Ohio's Small Business Development Centers, International Technical Assistance Centers (ITACs), and Manufacturing and Technology Small Business Development Centers (MTSBDCs) have helped Ohio's small businesses:
In 2008, the SBDC's business advisors counseled 9,158 clients and conducted 872 training classes across Ohio, attended by more than 12,985 small business owners. Through the SBDC's training and counseling, more than 49,000 jobs were created and retained, resulting in a total impact of more than $22 billion on Ohio's economy.
Also in 2008, the first Latino SBDC was established in collaboration with the Ohio Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs and the Columbus Hispanic Chamber to assist Central Ohio's growing Hispanic community. In Wilmington, the SBDC of Ohio Network opened the Wilmington Business Resource Center in collaboration with the Governor's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives to provide one-on-one entrepreneurial assistance to residents that may have affected by the closing and downsizing of local businesses.
As the Small Business Development Center of Ohio Network celebrates 25 years of helping small firms grow, it pledges to continue adapting to the diverse needs of its clients and having a positive impact on Ohio's small businesses. For more information about services offered by the SBDC Network or to locate a Small Business Development Center near you call 614.466.2718, or visit development.ohio.gov/Entrepreneurship/.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio's popular deer-gun season opens statewide on Monday, November 30, offering hunters a full week to harvest a whitetail. The upcoming season will again include an extra weekend of gun hunting on December 19-20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Deer can be hunted with a legal muzzleloader, handgun or shotgun from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset through December 6 and December 19-20. With a pre-hunting season population estimate of 650,000 white-tailed deer, the ODNR Division of Wildlife anticipates 115,000 to 125,000 deer will be killed during the nine-day season. Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year's season, including many out-of-state hunters.
The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry.Each year, hunting has a $859 millioneconomic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.
Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. Beginning on the opening day of gun season and continuing through December 6 a limit of one deer may be taken in Zone A (20 counties) andtwo deer in Zone B (30 counties). A total of six deer may be harvested in eastern and southeastern Ohio's Zone C (38 counties) through the week long gun season. The antlerless deer permit will be valid for deer-gun week only in Zone C.
Beginning on December 7, the bag limit is three deer in Zone C and antlerless deer permits are no longer valid.Any time a hunter is allowed to take more than one deer, they must purchase an additional permit.
Those hunting in urban units and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer will not count against the hunter's zone bag limit. Antlerless deer permits can be used for the entire season in urban deer units or Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts. Antlerless deer permits must be purchased by November 29.
Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license.
Hunters are encouraged to kill more does this season using the reduced-priced antlerless deer permit and donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The Division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor. Counties being served by this program can be found online at fhfh.org.
Additional hunting regulations and maps of the state's deer zones are contained in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations. This free publication is available wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.
The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper.Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.
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Columbus, Ohio – Six winners were chosen for the 2010 Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio. Winners were selected from 79 nominations submitted by individuals and organizations throughout Ohio. Awards will be presented at a luncheon ceremony honoring winners and members of the Ohio Legislature hosted by the Ohio Arts Council and Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation at noon on April 21, 2010 at the Columbus Athenaeum in downtown Columbus. Winners will receive an original work of art by Cleveland photographer Larry Kasperek.
Award categories and recipients include: Arts Administration, Kevin Moore and Marsha Hanna, Human Race Theatre, (Dayton); Arts Education, Sylvia Easley (Cleveland Heights); Arts Patron, Jim and Enid Goubeaux (Greenville); Business Support of the Arts, American Electric Power (statewide); Community Development & Participation, Donna Sue Groves (Manchester); and Individual Artist, Andrew Hudgins, poet (Columbus).
For complete descriptions of each winner's accomplishments please read the Winner Biographies. The 2010 Governor's Awards Committee, consisting of Ohio Arts Council Board members, included committee chair Sheila Markley Black (Canton), Martha Burton (Worthington), Sharon Howard (Dayton), Charlotte Kessler (New Albany), Mary Lazarus (Columbus), Jeff Rich (Columbus) and Susan Saxbe (Columbus).
More information about the Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio and Arts Day Luncheon, including a full list of past winners, is available on the Ohio Arts Council Web site at www.oac.state.oh.us/events/GovAwards.
The 2010 Governor's Awards ceremony and luncheon will be held in conjunction with Arts Day, Wednesday, April 21, 2009. This daylong event demonstrating public value and support for the arts is sponsored by Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation. Arts Day will include an arts advocacy briefing, legislative visits, Statehouse tours and student exhibitions and performances.
Arts Day was created to foster a greater awareness of the value of the arts in Ohio. Citizens are encouraged to participate in Arts Day by visiting with state legislators and communicating the need for public support of the arts and arts education. Each year on Arts Day, Columbus is filled with arts supporters who share the importance of the arts in their communities. For more information or to learn how to participate contact Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation at www.ohiocitizensforthearts.org or 614/221-4064.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Supreme Court of Ohio today released a publication that provides practical information about the lawyer-client relationship for Ohioans considering hiring an attorney.
A joint project of the Supreme Court's Clients' Security Fund and Commission on Professionalism, the guide is intended to promote the public's confidence in the integrity of the legal profession in Ohio.
It is hoped that Ohioans use this guide with its easy-to-understand terms for help in finding a lawyer, what to expect after hiring a lawyer, how to avoid problems in the lawyer-client relationship, and what steps to take if problems do occur. The guide also contains a glossary of common legal terms and their definitions.
"Hiring an attorney can present many challenges to someone unfamiliar with the legal system," said Janet Green Marbley, administrator of the Clients' Security Fund. "The tips included in this consumer guide should go a long way toward establishing a comfort level when the need arises to hire an attorney."
Lori Keating, secretary to the Commission on Professionalism, said other aspects of the guide speak to the duties that the attorney and the client have when working together. "Appreciating the roles each person plays and how one's actions affect the other should reduce misunderstandings and lead to more successful attorney-client relationships."
The guide will be distributed through multiple channels to reach Ohio consumers, including judges, clerks of court, legal aid offices and public defender offices. Attorneys should contact the Clients' Security Fund or Commission on Professionalism for free copies to distribute to their clients.
A Consumer's Practical Guide to Managing a Relationship With a Lawyer PDF
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Columbus, Ohio – Even though Ohio has experienced unseasonably warm temperatures over the last few days, the calendar still reads 'November.' Winter is still coming. Take advantage of the weather to modify your emergency preparedness kits, update your emergency plans and winterize your vehicles.
In a coordinated effort with the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA), Governor Ted Strickland has proclaimed the week of November 15-21 as Ohio's Winter Safety Awareness Week to help encourage households, schools, businesses and organizations to prepare now for severe winter weather.
"Ohio has a history of crippling snow storms and winter weather that has caused long-term power outages and other severe damage," said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Cathy Collins-Taylor. "It is never too early to prepare for winter weather emergencies. Update your disaster supply kit to ensure it has blankets and fresh supplies for winter weather. Everyone, regardless of age, should be prepared for a disaster whether it's winter, spring, summer or fall."
To help prepare for the upcoming winter months, OCSWA recommends the following:
Update your disaster preparedness plans. Every home, school, business and organization should have written plans for the different types of disasters that can occur. Review the plans with the entire family or staff. Everyone should know what to do in the event of a snow or ice storm, a prolonged power outage, a flood or fire. Post contact information for your local emergency management agency. Prepare and practice drills that require sheltering in place and evacuation. Update your emergency contact list and establish a meeting place outside of the home, school or business, where others will know where to find or meet you.
Prepare winter disaster kits for the home and vehicle. Refresh your nonperishable foods and bottled water stored in your disaster kits. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and radios. Winter emergency kits should include warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, new batteries, coats, hats, gloves, a battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, first aid kit, and enough nonperishable food and water (one gallon per person, per day) to sustain each family member for at least three days. Have stored food and bottled water and supplies for your pets as well. Ensure that vehicles have annual tune ups and maintenance checks and try to maintain a least a half tank of fuel in vehicles to reduce the chance of fuel-line freeze up.
Invest in a NOAA Public Alert/Weather Radio. Every home, school and business should have a tone-alert weather radio with a battery back-up. Weather and public alert radios are programmed to automatically sound an alert during public safety and severe weather events. Attachments such as vibrating pager devices and bed shakers are available at electronics stores for people with hearing impairment. Click on www.weather.gov/nwr/ for additional information.
Mitigate your home for winter. Cut and remove low-hanging and dead tree branches. Ice, snow and strong winds can cause tree limbs to break and fall. Have your gutters cleaned. Snow and ice can build up quickly if gutters are clogged with debris. Have auxiliary heaters, furnaces and fireplaces maintenance checked or serviced before using. If using a portable generator, read instructions thoroughly to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Review your homeowner's insurance policy; invest in flood insurance.
The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness is an advocate for family emergency preparedness and is comprised of representatives from American Red Cross; Emergency Management Association of Ohio; National Weather Service; Ohio Citizen Corps/FirstLink; Ohio Emergency Management Agency, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety; Ohio Insurance Institute: Ohio News Network; Ohio Department of Commerce - State Fire Marshal; and the Ohio Departments of Aging, Education, Health, Insurance and Natural Resources.
For additional information on winter weather safety and severe weather preparedness, visit OCSWA's site at www.weathersafety.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – On Friday, President Obama signed a law extending unemployment compensation benefits so that eligible jobless Ohioans may receive up to an additional 20 weeks of benefits. This new law will offer relief to the more than 26,000 jobless Ohioans who have exhausted all other available extended unemployment compensation programs.
"The current economic conditions remain extremely challenging for thousands of Ohioans," said Douglas Lumpkin, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). "We are pleased Congress and the president recognize that many are still struggling, and that they have taken this step to help."
The new legislation authorizes up to 14 additional weeks of extended unemployment benefits for claimants in all states, and another 6 weeks of extended benefits for claimants in states such as Ohio with high unemployment rates. Ohio is one of 27 states that qualify for the additional six weeks of benefits. In September, the state's unemployment rate was 10.1 percent.
Within the next few weeks, Ohioans who may be eligible for this extension will be notified of how to apply. ODJFS has begun the necessary system reprogramming so that these benefits can be delivered as quickly as possible. Eligible claimants will receive payments retroactive to the week of November 8.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson today announced the adoption of a rule that outlines the requirements insurance companies are to follow to inform Ohioans of the new rate-cap changes in the Open Enrollment Health Insurance Program. The next open enrollment period begins January 1, 2010 for the state-mandated program that allows all Ohioans who cannot otherwise obtain health insurance to get basic coverage through private insurers.
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed an executive order implementing the Open Enrollment Program rule, which will allow Ohioans to retrieve the information needed to make timely, informed decisions about their health care coverage.
Following a phased-in approach, a cap on rates will eventually be 1 1/2 times the lowest rate charged to a person of similar age and gender. This change is eventually expected to reduce open enrollment premiums by at least 50 percent.
Insurers will be limited in how much they can charge people with diabetes, cancer and other pre-existing or chronic conditions who purchase individual health policies through open enrollment.
Open enrollment was one of several health coverage reform measures contained in the state's recently enacted state budget bill. The new requirements could help 109,000 now uninsured adult Ohioans obtain coverage, including an estimated 52,000 Ohioans now likely able to purchase health insurance through open enrollment.
"The new open enrollment program will expand coverage options to Ohioans who are currently unable to obtain coverage because of pre-existing conditions," Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson said.
The Ohio Revised Code authorizes the Governor, on request of an agency, to suspend the normal rule-making procedures with respect to a specific rule when an emergency exists necessitating the immediate adoption, amendment or rescission of the rule. When such a determination is made, the agency may immediately adopt, amend, or rescind a rule, but the rule is valid only for 90 days. The Open Enrollment Emergency Rule (3901-8-12) was filed on October 20, 2009.
More information about the state's health reform efforts is available on the Department's web site at http://www.insurance.ohio.gov/Consumer/Pages/HealthCareReformProvisions.aspx. People with questions about insurance can call the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Geological Survey will join a coalition of 40 state geological surveys in a national search for renewable geothermal energy.
On October 29, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Stephen Chu announced awards totaling $338 million for geothermal energy exploration across the country, including the population of a comprehensive geothermal resource data system by state geological surveys to help identify and assess new fields of geothermal technology.
The Association of American State Geologists (AASG) organized a coalition of 40 state geological surveys, including Ohio's, to populate a new National Geothermal Data System with relevant state-specific geothermal data. The project will receive $17.79 million from the Department of Energy (DOE) over three years and includes the U.S. Geological Survey, Microsoft Research, and Energistics, Inc., a petroleum industry consortium, as partners.
As a member of the geothermal coalition, the ODNR Division of Geological Survey will be collecting data from across the state that will aid industry in the identification and development of geothermal energy and integrating the data into the National Geothermal Data System.
"New low-temperature technologies now make geothermal power generation in Ohio plausible, but more research is needed," said Senior Geologist Erik Venteris. "It's exciting to be part of this national effort among all the state geological surveys to address such a critical energy need for the state and the country."
Compiling state-specific geothermal data in an integrated, distributed and searchable data system should drive renewed efforts to identify, assess and utilize geothermal energy resources across the United States. The national collaboration of state and federal agencies, universities and industry has the potential to reshape the country's energy landscape, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and leverage non-renewable petroleum resources well into the twenty-first century.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has issued the following statement in honor of the victims of the Fort Hood tragedy and has ordered all state flags at public buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.
Ohio grieves for the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood. The prayers of our people seek comfort for the families of those who were lost, recovery for those who were injured, and solace for all whose lives were affected by this senseless violence.
In sympathy for the victims of this tragic act and in respect for those who put their lives on the line every day to protect our safety, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio, in coordination with the order of President Barack Obama, I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio upon receipt of this notice until sunset on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut, and regional and local leaders today joined GE Aviation President and CEO David Joyce for an announcement of a $161 million investment at the company's global headquarters in Evendale near Cincinnati.
The project will revitalize the headquarters and is expected to retain more than 5,000 Ohio jobs.
"GE Aviation is one of the most innovative and successful companies in the aerospace industry, as well as an important part of Ohio's economy," said Governor Strickland. "Today's expansion announcement is the result of a valuable collaboration among company leaders and officials at the state and local level. In partnership with GE, this strategic investment will help retain 5,000 jobs and position Ohio as a premier location for growth in aviation and aerospace."
The State of Ohio has partnered with GE Aviation, Hamilton County, the Village of Evendale, the University of Cincinnati, and the local community on a plan to revitalize GE Aviation's global headquarters. The plan involves an investment of more than $161 million in improvements to the company's Evendale complex over the next several years, which is aided by a 15-year Job Retention Tax Credit worth up to $120 million and other incentives that are pending approvals.
"Ohio is home to some of the best and brightest talent in the aerospace industry, and our plans for our Evendale headquarters complement the state's goal of continuing its leadership position in the aerospace industry," said David Joyce, president and CEO of GE Aviation. "We are very gratified by the growing partnership between Ohio and GE Aviation."
"I would like to commend the University of Cincinnati for their role in GE Aviation's decision to expand their headquarters in Cincinnati," Chancellor Fingerhut said. "This enhanced partnership will make a significant impact on the region and state's aerospace economy and is another example of how businesses and schools are working together to keep resources in the state. I look forward to working with GE Aviation and the University of Cincinnati on continuing to expand this partnership."
Governor Strickland joined officials from GE Aviation, Hamilton County, the Village of Evendale, the University of Cincinnati, the Ohio Board of Regents and Department of Development at its Evendale campus to commence the reinvestment. The Evendale revitalization greatly enhances GE Aviation's competitive position, and includes modernizing engine test and production facilities, razing older, inefficient buildings, and acquiring new equipment for long-term stability and growth.
"Ohio businesses, communities, and an entire region will see the benefits of this transformative project for many years," Director Patt-McDaniel said. "We are pleased to partner with GE Aviation on their commitment to the greater-Cincinnati community, and we look forward to continually developing a highly skilled aerospace workforce in Ohio."
GE Aviation is also Adams County's largest employer. The company made a $90 million investment in its Peebles Test Operation in 2006, which made the facility one of the world's most advanced jet engine test centers.
Ohio leads the nation in advanced propulsion and power technology, with a world-class research environment including two dedicated federal aerospace laboratories, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton and NASA Glenn in Cleveland.
Ohio's two federal laboratories, 10 universities with dedicated doctoral level programs in aerospace-related disciplines, and more than 450 manufacturers and suppliers play a collaborative role in GE Aviation's work.
"Having a global powerhouse like GE commit to Ohio for the long run is a major boost to our economic future and long-term competitiveness," said Hamilton County Commission President David Pepper. "I look forward to continuing this vital partnership."
GE Aviation, the world's leading producer of jet engines, employs more than 7,000 people in southern Ohio and northern Kentucky, with a payroll exceeding $600 million. The company is a leading exporter in Ohio, and commands a growing global reach. More than half of GE Aviation's revenues are derived from customers outside of the United States.
"It is exciting for the Village to be part of an opportunity that allows GE Aviation to revitalize their Evendale headquarters, continuing the partnership we have had for over 60 years," said Evendale Mayor Donald J. Apking. "This revitalization would not have been possible without the leadership of the State of Ohio and the willingness of GE Aviation to allow us to partner with them and to help identify ways we could help."
GE Aviation's Evendale operation is set on 400 acres and comprises 10 major buildings. In addition to global headquarters activities, Evendale is engaged in jet engine design and assembly, component manufacturing, and development engine assembly and test. The world's most popular commercial jet engine, the CFM56, is assembled in Evendale.
"UC is very enthusiastic about the possibilities and tremendous potential for a new and ground-breaking university-industry-state collaboration involving UC, GE and the State of Ohio," said University of Cincinnati President Gregory Williams.
To learn more about Ohio's aerospace industry, please visit www.OhioMeansBusiness.com.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel today applauded Alcoa's plans to invest more than $110 million at its Cleveland Works location, including refurbishing a 50,000-ton forging press vital to the production of the F35 Joint Strike Fighter.
"Ohio's partnership with Alcoa is helping to keep good jobs in Cleveland and position Ohio as a strong competitor in the global aerospace industry," Strickland said. "This investment will make the Cleveland Works facility a premier producer of aerospace and industrial components. I am grateful for the support from local leaders, including close collaboration from the United Auto Workers Local 1050, that has helped renew Alcoa's commitment to Northeast Ohio."
The State of Ohio has awarded Alcoa business incentives that could total more than $20 million, including a job retention tax credit, a loan and grant assistance.
"We are thrilled that Alcoa has committed to investing in Northeast Ohio," said Lieutenant Governor Fisher. "The successful restoration of Alcoa's 50,000-ton press is critical to the lasting stability of this plant and the security of the jobs in our community. This venture will once again allow Alcoa to contribute to and underscore our state's manufacturing and aerospace strengths."
"Ohio's history of innovation continues to place our state at the forefront of the aerospace industry," Director Patt-McDaniel said. "Targeting investments that support our state's unique capabilities, such as those found at Alcoa Cleveland Works, creates market-based demand for Ohio's aerospace and defense industries."
Alcoa's press refurbishments will be completed by the end of 2011 and will involve the complete disassembly and renovation of the 50,000-ton press, a 92-foot structure, which began production in 1955. In August of 2008, cracks were discovered in the press. Alcoa idled the press to assess the situation and, after consulting with world experts, elected to pursue a complete refurbishment.
Alcoa Cleveland Works is the home of two large forging presses – the 50,000-ton press under renovation and a 35,000-ton press – with production capabilities including large forgings for aerospace applications, such as the aluminum bulkheads for the Joint Strike Fighter.
To learn more about Ohio's aerospace industry, please visit www.OhioMeansBusiness.com.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today applauded three Ohio industrial energy efficiency projects that received more than $30 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, including the Ohio Energy Office, which was awarded funding to provide energy efficiency assistance to manufacturers across the state.
"By investing in energy efficient technologies, we enable Ohio businesses to save money and strengthen Ohio's position as a global clean energy leader," Strickland said. "The state plays a key role in ensuring our manufacturers have the resources and support they need to incorporate energy efficient practices into their business plans. We are grateful to the Obama administration and Ohio's congressional delegation for supporting the Recovery Act."
The projects were part of more than $155 million in funding announcements under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to 41 industrial energy efficiency projects across the country. The awards include funding for industrial combined heat and power systems, district energy systems for industrial facilities, and grants to support technical and financial assistance to local industries.
The Ohio projects include:
Ohio will also benefit from U.S. Department of Energy funding announced last week to explore and develop new geothermal fields and research into advanced geothermal technologies. These projects are part of $338 million in Recovery Act funding that will support 123 projects in 39 states.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio rose to fourth in Site Selection magazine's annual state business climate rankings this year, up from seventh in 2008, and leads the Midwest in rankings taken from new plant construction data and a survey of site selectors. Ohio's jump in the ranking reflects the state's efforts to improve its business environment and create jobs for Ohioans.
"The global recession hit Ohio hard," Ohio Governor Ted Strickland said, "but we refuse to let our challenges define us. We are holding the line on taxes and cutting red tape so that our businesses can be competitive and create jobs. And we are reducing the size of state government to direct limited resources in ways that help Ohioans attain the education and skills needed to land good jobs."
Site Selection's annual business climate rankings are determined by performance in Conway Data's New Plant Database, which tracks new and expanded business facility activity, and by a national survey of corporate selectors. Ohio's performance in the executive survey helped the state jump from 17th in 2008 to eighth in 2009.
"Improving a state's business climate in the current economic context is no small feat, but Ohio has done just that," Mark Arend, Site Selection's editor in chief, said. "This accomplishment, along with Ohio's three consecutive Governor's Cups in 2007, 2008 and 2009, means the state's economic development strategy is on target and delivering tangible results — capital investment and jobs."
According to the Site Selection surveys, state's transportation infrastructure and access, existing workforce skills, and state and local tax environment were the heaviest influences on executive polling.
"Business executives continue to discover that Ohio is a great place for capital investment," said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Ohio's improved rank in this Site Selection poll demonstrates our commitment to an economic development strategy that makes our state the best place in the nation to do business."
Please visit www.ohiomeansbusiness.com for more information about Ohio's business environment.
Below are the rankings as released by Site Selection magazine: