Ohio Resource Page
By Mali R. Schantz-Feld (Aug/Sep 08)
Ohio’s strategic plan focuses on key industries such as automotive, advanced logistics, biomedical and bio-based products, and sectors that can benefit from its agricultural and industrial heritage.
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By Steve Stackhouse (Aug/Sep 08)
The high cost of fuel is leading to fundamental changes in intermodal transportation, putting more emphasis on water and rail. And that’s driving the creation of more intermodal facilities.
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By Mark Crawford (Jun/Jul 08)
Area Development’s Gold & Silver Shovel awards honor states that have
generated top job-creation and investment projects across the nation.
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By Mali R. Schantz-Feld (Oct/Nov 07)
Despite recent challenges, automakers and suppliers continue to exhibit confidence in the United States and Canada by announcing new projects and expansions and employing thousands of skilled workers.
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By Mali R. Schantz-Feld (Aug/Sep 07)
“Diversity is a great thing. We have our big cities represented by the three Cs — Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland — and see in the Corn Belt the birth and maturation of the ethanol industry, which has been moving to the east and has come to Ohio in a big way. Currently, we have 25 ethanol projects with five under construction.”
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By Jennifer LeClaire (Apr/May 07)
Ted Strickland has enjoyed a multifaceted
professional career — from ordained minister to psychologist to professor to congressional representative. Now, Strickland serves as Ohio’s newest Governor — and he has plans to make dramatic changes in the state economy. Strickland’s congressional track record hints at success. He’s brought millions in investments home to the state for roads, technology, economic development, and health initiatives.
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State Contacts
Utility Contact
Buckeye Power offers you a single source of economic development information and services covering 77 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
Dennis Mingyar, Dev. Dir.

Ohio Elect Co-op
6677 Busch Blvd.
P.O. Box 26036
Columbus, OH 43226-0036
800-282-6962
614-846-5757
Fax: 614-846-7108
Utility Contact
FirstEnergy offers special arrangements for economic development, with facts you need when choosing an industrial location.
Patrick J. Kelly

76 South Main Street
Akron, OH 44308
330-384-5822
Fax: 330-384-3747
Local Contact
Akron is strategically located within 500 miles of 55 percent of the nation's manufacturing plants and most of Canada's manufacturing centers. Our industries are a model of modern wealth creation: metalworking and machine building, automotive, advanced materials, software, biomedical and industrial controls and sensors. Individuals are drawn to this area by flourishing businesses, world-class education facilities, excellent hospitals, diverse neighborhoods, and offerings of arts, recreation, and a National Park. Akron. Right here. Right now. The possibilities are unbounded.
Robert Bowman,
Dep. Mayor, Econ. Dev.

166 S. High St., Rm. 202
Akron, OH 44308
330-375-2133
Fax: 330-375-2335
Local Contact
Greater Akron provides highly skilled workers and university/research resources for companies wishing to relocate or expand.
Rick Rebadow, V.P., Econ. Dev.

1 Cascade Plaza, 17th Fl.
Akron, OH 44308
800-621-8001
Fax: 330-379-3164
Local Contact
Take your business to the next level in Mercer County, Ohio. The Mercer County Community Development Department can help you find industrial land, buildings, and incentives all in one convenient stop. It will be the smartest move you ever made.
Larry Stelzer, Dir.
Mercer Cty. Courthouse
101 N. Main St.
Celina, OH 45822
419-586-4209
Fax: 419-586-1714
Local Contact
Defiance County is a regional center for industrial & commercial services, offering abundant fresh water & electricity supply.
Jerry Hayes, Exec. Dir.
1300 E. 2nd St., Ste. 201
Defiance, OH 43512
419-784-4471
Fax: 419-784-4157
Local Contact
The Columbiana River Port is the largest river port in the state of Ohio. Amenities include a foreign–trade zone, international access via Port of New Orleans–Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, a location 30 minutes from Pittsburgh Airport, 1,000,000 square feet under one roof, 3 industrial parks, access to the Norfolk Southern Railroad and the center of Cleveland–Pittsburgh Industrial Corridor.
Tracy Drake, CEO

1250 Saint George St.
East Liverpool, OH 43920
330-386-9051
Fax: 330-386-1122
Local Contact
Northeast Ohio is the smart business move, with multimodal logistics, educational resources, and the benefits of Foreign-Trade Zone 181.
Ron De Barr, Pres., CEO

P. O. Box 5190
Kent, OH 44242-0001
800-793-0912
330-672-4080
Fax: 330-672-2259
Local Contact
Richland County has it all: an excellent location, a pro-business attitude, and so much more!
Michael Greene, Pres.
24 W. Third St., Ste. 204
Mansfield, OH 44902
419-522-7332
Fax: 419-522-7356
Local Contact
The City of Piqua, Ohio is located on the I-75 corridor just north of I-70. Piqua offers a quiet quality of life that’s just minutes away from metropolitan attractions. Economic development is welcome in the City of Piqua, Ohio, and there are many pluses for starting or expanding your business in Piqua: low municipal electric rates; more than 1,000 acres of industrial-zoned, available land; all industrial sites are eligible for local tax incentives; a pro-business city government; outstanding highway, rail and air accessibility; new housing developments to fit every lifestyle; competitive state tax structure; available and skilled work force; modern and leading-edge community college; high-quality career and technical programs provided by local vocational school.
Harry Bumgarner, Exec.
Dir.
326 North Main St.
Piqua, OH 45356
800-251-1742
Fax: 937-778-0809
Local Contact
Youngstown–Warren, Ohio, is a hub for advanced manufacturing, distribution, and back-office operations. It uniquely positioned — providing the most effective overnight ground access to both New York City and Chicago. Youngstown-Warren is within 500 Just in Time miles of 55 percent of all U.S. manufacturing, 50 percentof the U.S. population, and 40 percent of the Canadian population. It is also at the center of the Cleveland–Pittsburgh business corridor — situated within 75 Just in Time miles of 6.8 million people. To learn more, contact the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. Our Economic Development Action Team provides comprehensive economic development information and assistance.
Walter M. Good, Dir., Econ. Dev. Action Team
The Reg. Chamber Bldg.
197 W. Market St., 7th Fl.
Warren, OH 44481-1024
330-392-6140 ext. 22
Fax: 330-746-0330
Local Contact
Learn why Wayne County's economic performance is best among Midwestern micropolitan areas. We’re a comfortably growing agurban area where you can experience the advantages of sophisticated small-town living that blends the best of urban and agricultural lifestyles. Wayne County is home four institutions of higher learning and the largest agboiscience research facility in the U.S. Local companies appreciate our experienced and skilled work force grounded in an agricultural and Amish heritage. We’re a particularly good location for technology-based agribusiness; advanced metals, polymer and mining manufacturing; and renewable fuels. We offer outstanding access to markets with available sites and buildings. Visit our website today!
Rodney Crider, Pres. CEcD, CCE
377 Liberty St.
Wooster, OH 44691
888-WAYNEOH
330-264-2411
Fax: 330-262-5745
Local Contact
The Xenia Economic Growth Corporation (XEGC), a hybrid public–private nonprofit corporation, has been designated as the economic development agency for the City of Xenia, Ohio. In this capacity, XEGC has the responsibility of initiating, developing, and administering the various elements of the Xenia Economic Development Program, including retention and expansion; attraction activities; community incentives and promotion; educational, technical, and financial assistance as applicable; and community communication and image enhancement activities and partnerships.
Steve Brodsky, Exec. Dir.

181 W. Main St.
Xenia, OH 45385
800-GO-XENIA
937-372-6389
Fax: 937-372-3509