|
||||||||||
 |
|
| - Advantage Ohio - Brochures - Business Matching - Ohio, tops list of growing tech cities - Presentations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Site Map |
 |
|
Local economy index shows highest reading since August ‘08
November 30, 2009
An index measuring the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky economy in November recorded highest reading since just before the recession began.
The Cincinnati Purchasing Managers Index was 51.3 for November, which is recorded to be its best reading since August 2008. Any reading over 50 shows economic growth.
The local index rose in part because indicators in three key areas - production, employment and new orders - were not in negative territory for November. It was the first time all three have been positive since May 2008.
Columbus ranking rises
November 13, 2009
A report by the nonprofit organization Milken Institute, a research company that looks at ways to measure and improve economic growth, says that Columbus climbed 27 spots to 108th best among the 200 largest metro areas in the nation. The ranking is based on an analysis of data from the government and Moody's Economy.com.
As per the report, Columbus sets the pace for Ohio in job growth and economic development, and it’s ranking among U.S. metropolitan areas has improved in those areas.
Lead author of the report, Mr. Ross DeVol said that Columbus is lucky to have a strong base in stable industries such as health care and higher education, and is less dependent on manufacturing than many other midwestern cities.
 |
Grants to boost Ohio biomass industry
November 24, 2009
Two Ohio-based agricultural companies have received more than US$ 4.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to research and develop technologies to produce bio-fuels, bio-energy and high-value bio based products.
According to Ohio Governor Mr. Ted Strickland, "With agriculture and food processing as two of Ohio's largest industries, we have tremendous potential for creating energy out of natural, renewable resources. And growing Ohio's advanced and renewable energy industry is a cornerstone of our plan to create new Ohio jobs".
The awards were part of US$ 24.5 million in grant awards announced today through the U.S. departments of Agriculture and Energy.
Akron based FirstEnergy to generate power with compressed air and natural gas
November 23, 2009
Akron based FirstEnergy Corp. has initiated the development of a huge natural gas and compressed-air power plant, which is expected to be capable of generating as much electricity as three nuclear reactors.
The system could be combined with renewable energy technologies such as wind or solar to provide power even in conditions when the wind was not blowing or the sun not shining.
The Akron utility said its subsidiary, FirstEnergy Generation Corp., had purchased a 92-acre site from CAES Development Company, LLC. in nearby Norton for the project.
The company plans to develop the project in stages, building enough compression and gas turbine capacity initially to generate 268 megawatts -- and then adding generation capacity totaling up to 2,700 megawatts -- the output of about 20 gas turbines.
UDRI develops new rechargeable battery
November 20, 2009
University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) scientists say that they have developed a rechargeable lithium-air battery that, because it doesn’t contain liquid, can avoid the problems of conventional lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that can catch fire or rupture.
According to research engineer and leader of UDRI’s electrochemical power group, Mr. Binod Kumar, the university is looking for partners that could license this new technology for manufacturing of the batteries.
The batteries has been developed and tested in quarter-size forms suitable for experimentation and commercializing the technology would allow manufacturing of larger batteries that could make them available in as little as two years for powering electronic devices and eight years for powering automobiles.
It is expected that the batteries could also generate electricity to support utility power grids, or supplement the intermittent generation of solar or wind power systems.
Report says Ohio should help companies pay for energy conservation
November 18, 2009
According to a new report by nonpartisan policy research organization, Policy Matters Ohio, the state should provide financial assistance to companies to help them pay for energy-conservation devices, which will cut their costs and reduce emissions of polluting gases that contribute to global warming.
The organization says that manufacturers often don’t put into effect the energy-efficiency recommendations made to them because paying for them would use up money that is needed for other purposes.
The Ohio Department of Development considers it a priority to promote development of alternative energy sources and reduction of industrial emissions.
Ohio’s largest solar field nears completion
November 12, 2009
The industry sources has suggested that the solar installation at University of Toledo (UT)’s Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation will become the largest solar field in Ohio upon its completion by the end of this year.
Advanced Distributed Generation (ADG) is installing 1.1 megawatt solar field that could provide 5 % of the electric power used by UT.
According to Mr. Norm Johnston, chairman of Ohio Advanced Energy (OAE), a business trade association promoting advanced and renewable technology industries in the state, “UT will have the largest solar field in Ohio and it was built cheaper, faster and quicker thanks to ADG and First Solar.”
About 30 workers are involved in the installation of the 75-watt photovoltaic panels produced by First Solar of Perrysburg.
Mr. Johnston reported that 99 % of components for the UT solar installation were made in Ohio. Only the solar inverters were not produced in the state, but will soon be made in Northwest Ohio, he said.
|
Bowling Green based Blue Water Satellite Inc. goes global
November 12, 2009
Blue Water Satellite Inc., based in Bowling Green, Ohio, has become a successful global enterprise in only nine months by displaying state-of-the-art technology, which has been melded from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) with an Ignite grant from the Regional Growth Partnership's Rocket Venture program.
The company's technology can detect the presence of E. coli, cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, phosphorus run-off from agricultural applications, total vegetation and Red Tide in bodies of water as small as 20 acres up to oceans, which causes various diseases.
Blue Water Satellite Inc. (BWS) uses two U.S. government Landsat satellites, plus patented and patent-pending algorithms, to detect pollutants in drinking and recreational bodies of water.
According to Blue Water Satellite Inc., Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Milt Baker, "We're the only one that has a patent on using satellite imaging for detecting cyanobacteria".
The patent used by the company is actually owned by BGSU, along with the patents, which are pending. But the company has negotiated an exclusive license with the University for their use.
Superior Beverage Group planning to construct warehouse in Glenwillow, Ohio
November 12, 2009
Columbus, Ohio based Superior Beverage Group, a major beer and wine distributor is eyeing a site in the village of Glenwillow in Ohio for a warehouse that could employ nearly 550 people within the next few years.
The company that serves over 33 counties in Northeast and Central Ohio plans a 450,000-square-foot distribution facility at the Diamond Business Center industrial park in Glenwillow. The group is also asking the government to approve a tax abatement deal for the building by eliminating 75 % of the property taxes on the project for 15 years.
Superior Beverage would relocate about 245 jobs to Glenwillow from facilities in Hudson and Mayfield.
The company hopes to open its new building in June and to add 300 jobs within three years. Payne said the initial workforce represents a US$12.5 million payroll, which would expand to US$27.5 million by mid-2013.
Cincinnati-based entrepreneur of ‘ShareThis’ helps millions of web users share information
November 11, 2009
Cincinnati start-up ShareThis, the world’s largest sharing network, has created the popular green webpage button for internet users to easily communicate information to contacts in their different online social network accounts, thereby attracting US$21 million in venture capital investment to Ohio.
Due to the huge growth of networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, internet users are sharing information more than ever.
According to ShareThis, founder, Mr. Tim Schigel, sharing traffic has tripled in the past year. More than 186 million people use the online button created by Mr. Schigel each month and over 125,000 websites, ranging from Procter & Gamble to ESPN, use ShareThis as their source of information communication.
Wright State University named as Center of Excellence in human-centered innovation
November 16, 2009
Dayton’s Wright State University is partnering with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to help make Dayton the world’s center for human-centered innovation and research.
Political as well as higher education officials of Ohio recently declared the university’s designation as an Ohio Center of Excellence in Human-Centered Innovation.
The center will provide increased opportunities for technology transfers to Ohio-based companies, as well as focus on developing systems and technology for human use.
In addition to supporting Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Department of Defense, the center will focus on the development of health care information technology and innovations for reducing health care costs.
GE Aviation investment strengthens Ohio aerospace leadership
November 5, 2009
GE Aviation’s recent announcement of a $200 million revitalization of its Evendale, Ohio headquarters further strengthens Ohio’s global leadership position in the aerospace industry, according to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment.
The project is a strategic public-private partnership that includes a $100 million investment by GE Aviation for capital improvements, a 15-year Job Retention Tax Credit from the Ohio Department of Development valued at more than $100 million and a $1 million grant from the village of Evendale to launch the revitalization. The project includes modernizing engine test and production facilities, razing inefficient buildings and acquiring new equipment for long-term stability and growth.
GE Aviation, the world’s leading producer of jet engines, is one of Ohio’s leading exporters, taking advantage of Ohio’s world-class multi-modal transportation infrastructure. The strategic investment will position Ohio as a premier location for growth in aviation and aerospace.
Ohio is the nation’s leader in advanced propulsion and power technology with two federal laboratories, ten leading universities with dedicated doctoral level research and education programs in aerospace related disciplines, and more than 450 aerospace manufacturers and suppliers all working in collaboration to develop innovative solutions for the nation’s aerospace needs. The birthplace of flight, Ohio continues to be a pioneer in aviation.
|
North Central Ohio's top businesses were honored with Golden 30 awards
November 20, 2009
North Central Ohio's top businesses were honored for their accomplishments during a ceremony as part of the prestigious Golden 30 awards. In its 10th year now, Golden 30 is Growing Companies Demonstrating World-Class Performance.
The awards were presented to 15 established and 15 emerging companies at the Spitzer Conference Center at Lorain County Community College attended by more than 300 people.
The top honors in the Emerging Companies category went to Military Products Group that makes equipment used by the U.S. armed forces to transport and secure military hardware around the world, whereas the North Coast Professional Co. took first place in the established business.
Ohio Business Development Center turns 25
November 19, 2009
The Small Business Development Center of Ohio Network is celebrating 25 years of service to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Established in 1985, the network of 39 centers across Ohio foster a strong climate for small business growth with local partners including colleges and universities, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce and other community organizations.
Since its inception, Ohio’s Small Business Development Centers, International Technical Assistance Centers and Manufacturing and Technology Small Business Development Centers have helped businesses create and retain 312,714 jobs, generate US$1.6 billion in sales growth, access US$1.3 billion in capital, yield US$482 million in export contracts and obtain nearly US$984 million in government contracts, reports Lisa Patt-McDaniel, director of the Ohio Department of Development.
Certified business advisers at each center provide free, confidential, one-on-one counseling.
OSU President tops 'Time' list of best university leaders
November 13, 2009
Ohio State University (OSU) President Mr. E. Gordon Gee is named first in its new 10 Best College Presidents list released recently.
According to Time magazine, Mr. Gee has the courage to challenge the nation's colleges to change the way they do business. He stands out among others for his long tenure and for his firm belief that universities should be engines of economic development -- at home and around the world.
Other presidents on the list include Ms. Mary Sue Coleman of the University of Michigan, Mr. Michael Crow of Arizona State University and Mr. John Sexton of New York University.
Mr. Gee said, "Any recognition of me is recognition of the university. University presidents are a mosaic of the work of the faculty, staff, students and the folks who work in university administration."
Ohio chosen as unbeatable location by Agribusiness Companies
November 13, 2009
Ohio is considered as one of the centers of the U.S. agribusiness industry. Ohio’s strategic location, which makes it close to the grain belt region of the country and the eastern markets offer agribusiness companies wide scope for a successful operation.
The location of Ohio is such that it makes it easy for agribusiness companies to bring in bulk raw materials and ship out finished goods at low cost. 60 % of both the U.S. and Canadian populations can be reached from Ohio via multi-modal transportation options in just a days trucking distance.
Ohio’s competitiveness in agribusiness is strengthened by the state’s tax structure, which reduces operating costs by not assessing a tax on corporate income, tangible personal property or in-state sales, thereby allowing companies to boost return on investment and maximize profits.
Some of Ohio’s other key possessions include 1,106 processing and production plants, food industry exports of over US$25 billion annually, and headquarters for some of the world’s renowned companies.
Ohio ranked No. 4 in top 10 business climates in 2009
November 3, 2009
Site Selection magazine has graded the state of Ohio No. 4 on its list of the “top ten business climates” in 2009. As per the magazine, the rank this year is an improvement of three spots from last year.
Ohio Governor, Mr. Ted Strickland said that the ranking didn’t surprise him, “In spite of this economy, we have really focused on trying to make Ohio an attractive place for investment.”
The top five states on the magazine’s 2009 list are North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Ohio and Tennessee.
The business climate rankings are determined by a business activity-tracking database run by Conway Data Inc., publisher of Site Selection, and by a survey of corporate site seekers across the country. The ranking gauges the costs of business expansions, the level of bureaucratic “red tape” and taxation.
|