buildingcincinnati

From the 12/5/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Strategist: Strickland will make the 2008 list The incoming governor will be a 'national figure,' a Democratic pollster says. By DAVID SKOLNICK VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — While Ted Strickland has yet to serve a day as governor, a prominent Democratic pollster and strategist says the Lisbon politician "will be on everyone's vice president list" in 2008. Mark Mellman told The Vindicator on Monday before delivering a speech that because of Ohio's importance in recent presidential races, Democrats running for the nation's top elected office will at the very least consider Strickland as a running mate in two years. Mellman, president and chief executive officer of the Washington, D.C.-based Mellman Group, has worked for John Kerry, Al Gore, John Glenn, Howard Metzenbaum, Dick Gephardt, Steny Hoyer, Harry Reid and Tom Daschle. ... More at: http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/330393549503171.php

Both from the 12/16/06 Lima News: Lima mega-center group reacts after state awards $60 million grant to Cleveland Clinic BY TIM RAUSCH - Dec. 16, 2006 LIMA — A day after one arm of the Ohio Department of Development decided to grant Lima millions of dollars to prepare the ground for a synthetic gas research center, another arm of the department turned down millions of dollars to create the center itself. The state’s largest scientific grant, $60 million from the Third Frontier Wright Mega-centers of Innovation, went to the Cleveland Clinic to create a center that will develop new devices and therapies to combat heart disease, Gov. Bob Taft announced Friday. It was the only one of the seven applicants to receive a recommendation from the National Academy of Sciences, which had a review team examine all the proposals for the state. The development department approved $3.25 million in Job Ready Sites funding for Lima on Thursday to prepare the ground for the Lima Synthesis Gas Product Commercialization Center, which will be situated across South Main Street from Global Energy’s power plant. Members of the team that collaborated on the Lima Third Frontier proposal said they were disappointed, but they won’t be defeated by the decision on the mega-center grant. MORE: http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=33239

From the 12/5/06 Lima News: $60 million grant sought to create Lima megacenter BY TIM RAUSCH - Dec. 5, 2006 LIMA — In addition to making electricity, a power plant under construction in Lima could also turn the city into a hub for nanotechnology and synthetic fuel production. The gas from Global Energy could also be pumped into the ground to revive the Lima legacy of oil production. "A successful launch of all three technical platforms will generate enormous economic activity," said Dwight Lockwood, vice president of regulatory affairs for Global Energy. "We conservatively estimate as much as $4 billion of impact to Ohio through this grant." The grant is a $60 million request to the Ohio Department of Development’s Third Frontier Wright Mega-centers of Innovation. The group of collaborators on the project, including Global Energy and the city of Lima, expect to hear in mid-December whether the Lima project was approved. MORE: http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=32830

From ThisWeek Licking County, 12/10/06: Residents question Route 161 closures at Morse, 539A Sunday, December 10, 2006 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer More than 20 people spoke with Licking County commissioners Dec. 4 about two road closures associated with the widening of state Route 161. Commissioners reviewed a petition from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to vacate 200 feet of County Road 539A and 225 feet of Morse Road, both just west of Granville. Two fire chiefs asked how residents in the area might be affected by slower response times. Granville fire Chief Brad Essick said response times will be delayed to two homes, the golf course and one historic home on Morse Road when Morse is closed near Route 161 and ends in a cul-de-sac. Traffic will be rerouted to Route 161 through an access road to Outville Road. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=lickingcounty&story=sites/thisweeknews/121006/LickingCounty/News/121006-News-276625.html

From the 12/5/06 Newark Advocate: Weather plays role in Ohio 161/37 expansion delay By JEN SCHERER Advocate Reporter Poor weather has delayed work on Ohio 161, and officials estimate a five-month extension to their construction time line on the Ohio 161/37 expansion project. Numan Babieh, Ohio Department of Transportation District 5 area engineer, said contractors continue to work on the project, even though rainfall in the past month has had an impact on what workers have been able to do. Recently, Babieh said the contractor primarily has been working on the structure of the Ohio 310 interchange, finishing an undercut on Mink Road, replacing some culverts and maintaining erosion control items. However, excavation and embankment work has been shut down because of the rain in the past month. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/NEWS01/612050313/1002/rss01

From ThisWeek Licking County, 12/3/06: 2 accesses to 161 may close permanently Morse, 539A road closures part of widening project Sunday, December 3, 2006 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer The Ohio Department of Transportation is asking Licking County to vacate portions of Morse Road and County Road 539A as part of the widening of state Route 161. "We need to abandon that so we can build the new road through there," said Randy Comisford, local programs coordinator for ODOT. "These roads cannot access the new four-lane road." Licking County commissioners will discuss the petition at 3 p.m. Monday in the Don Hill Administration Building on Second Street in downtown Newark. Information from the commissioners' office states the request is for vacating 200 feet of County Road 539A and 225 feet of Morse Road. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=lickingcounty&story=sites/thisweeknews/120306/LickingCounty/News/120306-News-272634.html

From the 12/28/06 Middletown Journal: AK: Union's approval 'absolutely meaningless' By Dave Greber Staff Writer Thursday, December 28, 2006 MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp.'s hourly work force union has "an obligation" to set the record straight when it comes to its latest counterproposal, a company official said Wednesday. However, representatives from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 said they couldn't be more clear about the contract offer that was hand-delivered late last week to AK Steel's chief negotiator. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/27/mj122806ak.html

From the 12/24/06 Middletown Journal: Union execs endorse AK contract offer By Dave Greber Staff Writer Sunday, December 24, 2006 For the first time since the lockout of hourly employees at AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown Works plant, the locked-out union's Executive Committee has endorsed a proposed contract that, if accepted by AK, would end the 10-month labor dispute. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/24/mj122406ak.html

From the 12/23/06 Middletown Journal: Gap between AK Steel, union 'widens' Company says time running out on proposal first offered on Oct. 19. By Dave Greber Staff Writer Saturday, December 23, 2006 Three days before Christmas and approaching the 11-month anniversary of the lockout of hourly workers at AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown Works, the union and company are growing further apart. And time is running out on the offer sitting on the table from the company — a modified version of its Oct. 19 proposal. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/23/mj122306ak.html

Both from the 12/15/06 Middletown Journal: Union president: AK's latest offer doesn't go far enough By Dave Greber Staff Writer Friday, December 15, 2006 MIDDLETOWN — Officials from the union representing locked-out employees of AK Steel's Middletown Works plant said Thursday the company's latest proposed changes did not go far enough to make the contract appealing enough to accept. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 — including members of the union's executive committee and its president — have said there were two main issues keeping the two sides apart: Not having the ability to dispute disciplinary action on the job during the first six months of a return-to-work period, and the company's ability to contract out union jobs. On Wednesday, during a two-and-a-half-hour bargaining session, negotiators for AK Steel Corp. offered the local union the ability to dispute disciplinary action. The company also said it would revamp its proposal on drug and alcohol testing, removing random requests. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/15/mj121506akchange.html New union officers call for change By Dave Greber Staff Writer Friday, December 15, 2006 MIDDLETOWN — Amid a nearly 10-month lockout at AK Steel Corp. and growing frustration among the union membership, fewer than one-third of the rank-and-file cast ballots this week in an election for its leadership. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/15/mj121506unionvote.html

Both from the 12/14/06 Middletown Journal: Voting today for locked-out union's leadership Negotiators for AK Steel, Machinists meet for more than two hours Wednesday. By Dave Greber Staff Writer Thursday, December 14, 2006 MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp. negotiators on Wednesday presented modified drug and alcohol testing and grievance procedures to its locked-out union. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 and company negotiators met for 21/2 hours. No new bargaining sessions were scheduled, as of late Wednesday. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/14/mj121406ak.html Union leaders: Today's membership meeting 'important' By Dave Greber Staff Writer Thursday, December 14, 2006 Officials representing hourly AK Steel employees locked-out of the Middletown Works plant since the spring are urging the union's rank-and-file to attend today's membership meeting. In the wake of two changes proposed Wednesday to the company's latest contract offer, officials from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said there's much to discuss. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/14/mj121406akweb.html

From the 12/13/06 Hamilton JournalNews: AK union members to vote on leadership Communication between Local 1943 and locked-out steelworkers an issue in election of officers. By Dave Greber Staff Writer Wednesday, December 13, 2006 MIDDLETOWN — Poor communication has plagued the hourly work force at AK Steel Corp. during the nearly 10-month labor dispute, say many candidates running for officer positions in the Middletown-based union. On Thursday, with just two incumbents among the 13 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 vying for six spots on the Executive Committee, union voters have a chance to change that. In all-day voting Thursday, the locked-out steelworkers will have the opportunity to choose from among three candidates running for both secretary/treasurer and vice president; and from among eight running for four trustee positions. Read more: http://www.journal-news.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/12/hjn121306unionvote.html

From the 12/12/06 Hamilton JournalNews: Union Christmas: 'This year, it's more special for all of us' By Dave Greber Staff Writer Tuesday, December 12, 2006 MIDDLETOWN — Don't let Donna Dunkin's answering machine prompt fool you. Although Dunkin informs inquiring salespeople and organizations that the "office" and "bank" are closed, the Middletown woman's heart is very much open. Read more: http://www.journal-news.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/11/hjn121206uniongifts.html

From the 12/8/06 Middletown Journal: Driver: IAM member harassed, 'brake-checked' By Dave Greber Staff Writer Friday, December 08, 2006 AK Steel Corp. wants a Butler County judge to charge a locked-out member of its hourly work force for allegedly violating a court order by harassing a truck driver hauling steel from AK's Middletown mill last week. According to an affidavit by the truck driver filed in Butler County Common Pleas Court Friday, Thomas L. Meadows, no address listed, cut off the driver repeatedly and harassed him for nearly nine miles as the truck driver hauled a 45,000-pound steel coil on Interstate 75. Read more: http://www.journal-news.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/08/mj120906injunction.html

From the 12/6/06 Middletown Journal: AK, union to meet Thursday Union says two issues are focus of negotiations, but AK says sides 'remain far apart on several issues.' By Dave Greber Staff Writer Wednesday, December 06, 2006 MIDDLETOWN — Representatives of Middletown's locked-out steelworkers union and the city's largest employer plan to come together this week. What's next? Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943 have scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Thursday. It's the first time the two sides will have met since Friday's nearly three-hour bargaining session. What's left to negotiate? Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/06/mj120606ak.html

From the 12/9/06 PD: Cleveland courting sports stars Special Olympics bid seeks high-profile assist Saturday, December 09, 2006 Sarah Hollander Plain Dealer Reporter China tapped Yao Ming. Can Cleveland land LeBron? As part of its pitch to win the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, Northeast Ohio is on the lookout for a spokesperson with global appeal. Special Olympics announced Ming, the Houston Rockets basketball center also known for his Visa and Reebok endorsements, as a global ambassador in the summer of 2004. Since then he has promoted the organization's upcoming summer games in Shanghai, his hometown, and the organization's message of inclusion. http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1165658106284320.xml&coll=2

From the 12/7/06 ABJ: N.E. Ohio makes bid for Games UA a key cog in pitch to Special Olympics By Katie Byard Beacon Journal staff writer They were a bit like contestants on a dating show. The University of Akron and the city Wednesday tried to impress their would-be partner: the site-selection committee of the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission has proposed that Cleveland and Akron -- as well as some other Northeast Ohio spots -- host the 2011 games that promise to attract roughly 7,500 mentally disabled athletes from 170 countries. http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16183956.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games details • About 7,500 athletes are expected to participate in about two dozen sporting events, including gymnastics, swimming, soccer and track and field. • The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission proposes using sites in the Cleveland area, as well as Akron. • Athletes and 3,000 coaches and officials would be housed at area colleges and universities, including the University of Akron. Other campuses providing housing would include Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea and John Carroll University in University Heights. • A five-member site-selection committee is visiting the Akron-Cleveland area this week. http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16183950.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

From the 12/6/06 PD: City using passion for sports to lure Special Olympics Wednesday, December 06, 2006 Sarah Hollander Plain Dealer Reporter To win the 2011 Special Olympics World Games, Northeast Ohio must edge out competitors in fund-raising ability, leadership and passion for the games. Those are the three most important criteria for picking a host city, said Lee Todd, a Special Olympics executive and one of five members of the site selection committee in Cleveland this week to tour the area. http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1165398221158890.xml&coll=2

From the 12/4/06 PD: Special Olympics: Here's what you need to know about group Monday, December 04, 2006 Olivera Perkins Plain Dealer Reporter A site selection committee for the 2011 summer Special Olympics will tour Greater Cleveland this week. Cleveland is one of at least three cities vying for the international event, which will draw 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches. http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1165232129242750.xml&coll=2

From the 12/4/06 (UT) Independent Collegian: PHOTO: Shirley Kirshner's haiku poem that reads, "Art glass is like life/beautiful, vulnerable/painful if broken," was transcribed into visual art that is now on a TARTA bus. Media Credit: Ami Bugler The art on the bus gets wrapped around Andrew Maurer Issue date: 12/4/06 Section: Arts & Life This week, TARTA is letting its freak flag fly with the inauguration of four new brightly-colored, poetry-adorned buses. According to the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo Program Coordinator Michelle Carlson, this is the third annual installment of the Art in TARTA program. "We want to help the public to see that art can exist outside of a gallery, and that a space which would otherwise be taken for granted, like the side of a bus, can be turned into art," she said. .......... http://www.independentcollegian.com/media/storage/paper678/news/2006/12/04/ArtsLife/The-Art.On.The.Bus.Gets.Wrapped.Around-2519364.shtml?norewrite200612311956&sourcedomain=www.independentcollegian.com

ODOD press release, 12/4/06: TAFT ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES State Assistance Will Help Create 1,255 Jobs for Ohioans FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2006 AJM Packaging Corporation (AJM), located in Bellevue (Sandusky County), will receive a $200,000 Business Development (412) Grant for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment. Originally constituted as a Detroit-based distributor of paper, plastic and related products, AJM is now one of the most innovative paper converters in the nation. The proposed project includes an expansion and complete renovations to the existing building and the addition of machinery and equipment to manufacture paper plates, cups, bowls, bags and sacks. Ohio is in competition with Michigan and New Jersey for this project, which is expected to create 150 jobs within three years of the project's initial operations. The Business Development Account (412) is a grant program to assist companies and communities that are creating or retaining jobs in Ohio. The Roadwork Development Account (629) provides grant assistance to communities for highway and road projects related to job creation and retention. The 629 Program is funded with gas tax dollars and is restricted to public road projects only. http://www.odod.state.oh.us/newsroom/releases/1681.asp

ODOD press release, 12/4/06: JOB CREATION TAX CREDITS APPROVED FOR BUSINESS EXPANSION Economic Development Projects to create 896 jobs for Ohioans FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2006 Columbus, OH -- Governor Bob Taft today announced that the Ohio Tax Credit Authority has approved Job Creation Tax Credits for 15 companies involved in business location or expansion projects that, if located in Ohio, are expected to create 896 jobs and retain 1,349 positions. Comfort Line, Ltd. (CLL), located in Toledo (Lucas County), has been awarded a 30 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its existing facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $41,640 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. CLL is a Toledo-based privately held composites business founded in 1966 that produces fiberglass, or FRP-fiber reinforced plastic. The vertically integrated company pultrudes close-tolerance, complex lineal profiles that are used as structural members for windows, doors and sunrooms. Using its new technology, CLL has developed industry-first fiberglass sunroom collaboration with Owens-Corning, which will market the product as SunSite Sunrooms through its existing distribution channels. CLL will pultrude the FRP lineal profiles and fabricate sunrooms into custom, pre-fabricated kits. The company proposes to upgrade its existing 232,000 square-foot facility and purchase new machinery and equipment to support its pultruded lineal profiles. Ohio is in competition with Michigan for this $10 million project, which is expected to create 55 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. GenPak LLC (GenPak), to be located in Columbus (Franklin County), has been awarded a 30 percent tax credit for a six-year term to expand its food service container packaging manufacturing facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $29,130 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 12 years. GenPak is a leading manufacturer and distributor of single use food service packaging and is headquartered in Glenn Falls, New York. The company produces an assortment of "To Go Containers," including plastic, foam and laminated dinnerware, salad and soup bowls, supermarket trays and bakery and ovenable products. The company proposes to acquire an existing building located near its existing facility to provide for the addition of new production equipment and warehouse and shipping space. The 102,240 square-foot facility will be used for the manufacture of food service containers and packaging. Ohio is in competition with Kentucky and Indiana for this more than $6.7 million project, which is expected to create 25 jobs and retain 52 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. BH Thermal Corporation dba BriskHeat (BriskHeat), to be located in Columbus (Franklin County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to acquire a new manufacturing facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $36,608 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. BriskHeat was founded in Columbus in 1951 and has a diverse portfolio of products throughout the heat trade marketing, servicing the U.S. military and government with durable and flexible multi-stranded knit and braided heating elements. BriskHeat has provided heating blankets to NASA for bonding heating shields to space capsules and services the semiconductor industry with durable and flexible heating jackets to prevent condensation and avoid costly downtime. The company proposes to lease a building to handle and anticipated increase in business and acquire new machinery and equipment. The 30,000 square-foot facility will provide additional manufacturing space and BriskHeat will continue to operate its existing facility. Ohio is in competition with Texas for this $489,000 project, which is expected to create 25 jobs and retain 155 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Eurand, Inc. (Eurand), located in Vandalia (Montgomery County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to expand its pharmaceutical facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $123,255 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Eurand is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops enhanced pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products with an emphasis on innovating drug delivery technologies. The company was established in Italy in 1969 and maintains its operations there. Eurand's current site in Vandalia focuses on manufacturing and research and development activities, including customized release and taste masked/fast dissolving formulations technologies. The company proposes to acquire new machinery and equipment and construct an 18,260 square-foot addition and refurbish 5,025 square-feet at its facility to accommodate new research contracts. The expanded and refurbished facility will be utilized for expanded research and development, an in-house packaging facility and the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. Ohio is in competition with Italy or locations on the East Coast of the U.S. for this more than $9.4 million project, which is expected to create 40 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Hose Master, Inc. (Hose Master), located in Euclid (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a seven year term to expand its manufacturing facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $43,737 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Hose Master is an industrial manufacturer of corrugated and strip-wound metal hose and metal bellows and expansion joints. It is the only U.S. manufacturer capable of forming corrugated metal hose hydrostatically by utilizing a process called hydroforming, which reduces residual stresses in the hose, a common problem with mechanically formed hose. The company proposes to acquire new machinery and equipment and purchase and upgrade a 53,000 square-foot building adjacent to its existing facility to provide space for Hose Master's Expansion Joint department and additional manufacturing. Hose Master will continue to occupy its existing facility. Ohio is in competition with Georgia and Texas for this $1.25 million project, which is expected to create 30 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Fecon, Incorporated (Fecon), located in Lebanon (Warren County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for an eight-year term to expand its manufacturing facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $88,513 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 16 years. Fecon was founded in Lebanon in 1991 and specializes in the design and manufacture of vegetation management equipment used for numerous applications, including land clearing, firebreaks, park trails and maintenance, pasture restoration, invasive species and wildlife habitats. Fecon's equipment line offers various sizes of mulchers, tree shearers and saws, grapples and stump grinders. The company proposes to purchase new machinery and equipment and expand its current facility with the construction of a 68,000 square-foot addition to provide additional space for manufacturing and product packaging and shipping. Ohio is in competition with Kentucky for this more than $3.9 million project, which is expected to create 40 jobs and retain 112 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Beaver Paper & Packaging, Inc. (Beaver Paper), located in Marion (Marion County), has been awarded a 40 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to relocate its manufacturing operations from Atlanta Georgia to Marion. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $101,868 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Beaver Paper designs and formulates coatings for fabrics and paper that are sold to textile companies for large production sales and billboard advertisement. The company proposes to acquire new machinery and equipment and purchase and renovate an existing 150,000 square-foot facility. The facility will be utilized for the manufacture and production of coatings for fabric and billboards, and will also cut to length paper for customer specifications. Ohio is in competition with Georgia for this more than $2.6 million project, which is expected to create 44 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Hydrodec Group, plc (Hydrodec), to be located in Canton (Stark County), has been awarded a 40 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to establish a production facility and other support operations related to the refining of used electrical transformer oil. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $481,514 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Hydrodec specializes in high performance oil re-refining and environmentally sensitive chemical processing, all within a closed loop, zero emission process. Hydrodec's principal activity is commercializing a patented oil refining process that produces new specialty oils using spent oil as the primary feedback. The process removes dangerous contaminants such as PCB's from oil and similar fluids. The company proposes to acquire new machinery and equipment and a eight-acre site for the construction of a new transformer oil plant. A 5,600 square-foot production facility and various supporting facilities on the site in the Stein Industrial Park will be used for manufacturing, research and development, distribution, sales and marketing functions. Ohio is in competition with Mississippi and Oregon for this $8.4 million project, which is expected to create 65 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Socar of Ohio, Inc. & Steel Dynamics, Inc. dba New Millennium Building Systems (NMBS), located in the Village of Continental (Putnam County), has been awarded a 40 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to expand its warehouse and manufacturing facility and construct a new administration building. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $52,886 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Socar began in 1966 in Florence, South Carolina fabricating non-standard roof systems for the construction industry. The company established its Continental facility in 1971 and expanded products and services into the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. In April 2006, Roanoke Electric Steel Corporation, Socar's parent company, and their affiliates were purchased by Steel Dynamics, Inc. The Socar Continental location fell under the management of the New Millennium Building Systems (NMBS) division, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Steel Dynamics, Inc. NMBS proposes to acquire new machinery and equipment and add 66,000 square-feet of warehousing and manufacturing space and construct a 12,000 square-foot administration building on its current 35 acre site. Ohio is in competition with Indiana for this more than $14.1 million project, which is expected to create 25 jobs and retain 93 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. The Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. (KAG), to be located in Jackson Township (Stark County), has been awarded a 45 percent tax credit for an eight-year term to relocate its headquarters operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $325,804 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 16 years. KAG was founded in 2001 as a result of the merger between Advantage Management Group and Kenan Transport and is a single source provider for nationwide supply chain solutions for petroleum products. KAG delivers refined petroleum products including gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels to its customers, which include many of the major oil companies, truck stop chains, convenience stores, hypermarkets, aviation fuel marketers and other national and regional petroleum marketers. The company operates a fleet of 2,150 tractors and 2,550 tank trailers and maintains a network of terminals and satellite locations in 32 states. The company proposes to acquire an existing 71,000 square-foot facility and expand it to 110,000 square-feet to house its corporate headquarters operations. The facility will be used for management, logistics operations and facilitation of clerical responsibilities. Ohio is in competition with Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina for this $5 million project, which is expected to create 65 jobs and retain 157 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. CDI Corporation (CDI), located in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded a 50 percent tax credit for a five year term to expand its current facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $334,441 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. CDI is a provider of engineering and information technology outsourcing solutions and professional staffing and has an extensive network of offices, recruiters and technical professionals. CDI assists Fortune 1000 clients in targeted vertical markets to improve profitability and efficiency by helping them focus on their core competencies. The company's divisions include CDI Business Solutions, a provider of managed solutions in major industries; CDI AndersElite Limited, a professional staffing and services firm focusing on the construction and engineering markets in the U.K.; and Management Recruiters International, Inc., an executive search and recruitment organization. The company proposes to make leasehold improvements and purchase computer hardware, software and operations equipment to expand three operational centers, the Regional Operations Center, the IT Solutions Outsourcing Center and the Aerospace Engineering Center. CDI will expand its current facility to 31,000 square-feet to house the IT Solutions Outsourcing Center and the Aerospace Engineering Center. Ohio is in competition with Missouri for this more than $1.8 million project, which is expected to create 76 jobs and retain 32 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Tiger Ethanol Company, LLC (Tiger), to be located in Marion Township (Marion County), has been awarded a 50 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to establish an ethanol production facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $160,726 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Tiger is a privately owned and operated start-up energy company that is considering the construction of a 60 million gallon per year ethanol production facility. The facility would be the company's first. Tiger proposes to acquire new machinery and equipment and develop and construct the facility, as well as make on-site infrastructure improvements. The 50,000 square-foot facility would also produce as a by-product wet and dried distillers grain and CO2 that can be sold for various applications. This $80 million project is expected to create 40 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. V&P Hydraulic Products, LLC (V&P), to be located in Delaware (Delaware County), has been awarded a 50 percent tax credit for a five-year term to establish a new manufacturing facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $60,616 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. V&P is the successor operating company to Valves & Presses, Inc. founded in 1937 in the city of Delaware. Reorganized in April of this year, V&P manufactures custom welded mobile hydraulic cylinders for use in the underground mining, construction, fire, nursery and forklift industries. V&P is a Limited Liability Company owned by Valves & Presses and Propel Industries, LLC, which is owned and managed by Sky Climber, LLC. V&P proposes to acquire new machinery and equipment and construct a 45,000 square-foot manufacturing facility to manufacture hydraulic cylinders for its sister company, Sky Climber, LLC, as well as provide space for future growth. Ohio is in competition with Georgia for this more than $2.5 million project, which is expected to create 25 jobs and retain 53 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Sky Climber, LLC (Sky Climber), to be located in Delaware (Delaware County), has been awarded a 55 percent tax credit for an eight-year term to establish a new manufacturing operation. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $254,723 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 16 years. Sky Climber was established in 1955 and is currently located in Stone Mountain, Georgia. The company is owned 50.1% by Propel Industries, LLC, which is made up of senior management of Sky Climber and functions purely as a holding company. Sky Climber designs, manufactures and markets suspended access equipment for commercial and industrial applications, as well as electric and air powered hoists, staging, roof rigging and accessories. Sky Climber proposes to acquire new machinery and equipment and construct a 45,000 square-foot facility on a six acre site. The facility will include manufacturing, engineering, sales, marketing, customer service and technical service operations and house senior management, as well as provide space for future growth. Ohio is in competition with Georgia for this more than $2.7 million project, which is expected to create 41 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Humana Insurance Company, Humana MarketPoint and Humana Health Plan of Ohio (Humana), to be located in the greater Cincinnati area (Hamilton County), has been awarded a 60 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to consolidate and expand its Ohio Market Headquarters and regional call center. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $1,102,153 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Humana offers a full range of medical, Medicare, dental and individual health plans. Humana provides health coverage for more than 11 million people and has strategic alliances with several major national companies that give Humana and its products greater geographic presence and direct access to 20 million people with Medicare throughout the country. The company proposes to establish its Ohio Market Headquarters and regional call center with the consolidation of a facility in Newport, Kentucky and another facility in the Cincinnati region. Humana will purchase new furniture, fixtures and equipment and partner with a private development company to construct a 250,000 square-foot facility that Humana will lease and upgrade with leasehold improvements. Employees housed at the new facility will perform call center operations and sales operations of group and individual health insurance policies and provider relations. Ohio is in competition with Kentucky for this $46.5 million project, which is expected to create 300 jobs and retain 695 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. The Job Creation Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit against the business corporate franchise or income tax. The credit equals a percentage of new state income tax withheld on new, full-time employees in Ohio. http://www.odod.state.oh.us/newsroom/releases/1682.asp

ODOD press release, 12/4/06: DEVELOPMENT FINANCING ADVISORY COUNCIL APPROVES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO CREATE 1,551 JOBS IN OHIO FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2006 Columbus, OH -- Governor Bob Taft today announced that the Development Financing Advisory Council (DFAC) has approved loans and bonds totaling more than $30 million for 15 economic development projects. The loans, which are pending State Controlling Board approval, are expected to create 1,551 jobs and retain 726 positions. AddisonMcKee, Inc. (McKee), located in Lebanon (Warren County), will receive a $400,000 166 Direct Loan through the Ohio Automotive Zero Percent Financing Initiative at an interest rate of zero percent for years one and two and three percent for the remainder of the ten-year term of the loan, for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment. McKee is a manufacturer of tools for bend tubing for both horizontal and vertical benders as well as end-forming tools. McKee is now an industry leader in producing and tooling solutions for bend and form tubing as well as for the design and production of bending and end-forming tools. This more than $800,000 project is expected to create eight jobs and retain 126 positions at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. Beaver Paper & Packaging, Inc. (Beaver Paper), located in Marion (Marion County), will receive a $1 million 166 Direct Loan at an interest rate of three and a half percent for a 15-year term for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment, relocation and expansion of its headquarters operations, and on-site infrastructure improvements. Beaver Paper was originally established in 1975 to broker fine paper grades to major consumers and evolved to a grade developer and worldwide market of specialty papers after relocating to Atlanta, Georgia in 1979. The company proposes to relocate and expand its headquarters, including management, sales, product development, administrative, manufacturing and warehousing and distribution activities from its current Georgia location. Beaver Paper will purchase and renovate a 150,000 square-foot facility situated on a 12.5-acre site, purchase new machinery and equipment and undertake necessary on-site infrastructure improvements. This more than $2.6 million project is expected to create 44 jobs at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. Bluespring Software, Inc. (Bluespring), located in Cincinnati (Hamilton County), will receive a $1,353,075 Innovation Ohio Loan Fund loan at an interest rate of eight and one quarter percent for a five year term for costs associated with the development of software and the purchase of computer hardware and software. Bluespring is a people-centric Business Process Management (BPM) software company founded in 1997 Bluespring proposes to make major software upgrades, including the development of software and the purchase of computer hardware and software, to stay current with Microsoft products, which is necessary for future growth of the company. This more than $1.8 million project is expected to create 35 jobs at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. Cobasys, LLC (Cobasys), which operates Ovonic Energy Products located in Springboro (Warren County), will receive a $5 million 166 Direct Loan at an interest rate of four percent for a seven year term for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment and the expansion of its Ohio existing facility. Cobasys is a joint venture between Chevron Technology Ventures, LLC (CTV), a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation and Ovonic Battery Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices (ECD). The mission of the company is to develop and enhance the commercialization of energy storage systems utilizing nickel metal hydride batteries for transportation and stationary applications. With this project, the company will purchase new research and development and manufacturing machinery and equipment. The expanded site will provide research, development manufacturing and assembly activities for the production of battery energy storage systems for new customers in the transportation and stationary markets. This more than $14.6 million project is expected to create 150 jobs and retain 94 positions at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. Construction Software Technologies, Inc. (CST), located in Cincinnati (Hamilton County), will receive a $2,205,000 Innovation Ohio Loan Fund loan at an interest rate of seven and one half percent for a six year term for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment, the development of software and improvements to the company's web architecture. CST began in 1993 and principally provides access services to internet construction plan rooms and private construction offices for general contractors and subcontractors via its Web site. The internet plan rooms and construction offices streamline the distribution and communication process related to project bids, plans, specifications and addenda. The company proposes to develop software, improve its web architecture and purchase equipment to better serve its customers and enable the company to maintain its market leadership position. This more than $2.9 million project is expected to create 65 jobs and retain 137 positions at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. Dayton Polymeric Products, Inc. (Dayton), located in Dayton (Montgomery County), will receive a $420,000 166 Direct Loan through the Ohio Automotive Zero Percent Financing Initiative at an interest rate of zero percent for years one and two and three percent for the remainder of the seven-year term of the loan for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment. Dayton is a custom injection molder of urethane products for the automotive and industrial markets. The company's largest business segment is in the production of energy absorbing foams used for occupant safety in passenger vehicles and also produces noise abatement foams for the automotive industry. Dayton proposes to purchase new machinery and equipment to be used in the production of products for the automotive industry. This $632,000 project is expected to create 60 jobs at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. (KAG), located in Canton (Stark County), will receive a $2.5 million 166 Direct Loan at an interest rate of three percent for a 15-year term for costs associated with the acquisition and renovation of an office/warehouse building to house the company’s corporate headquarters. KAG was founded in 1991 when Advantage Management Group and Kenan Transport merged to form the nation's largest provider of petroleum transport and logistics services. KAG has grown substantially over the last five years and since 2000, has expanded from 14 to 32 states and extended the company's infrastructure with six acquisitions and 17 private fleet conversions. The expansion has allowed the company to build the only independent national fuels delivery carrier in the industry. The company proposes to expand its corporate headquarters to facilitate growth of the company's management, logistics and clerical operations. KAG will purchase and renovate an office/warehouse building for its new headquarters. This $5 million project is expected to create 65 jobs at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. Lawrence Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), located in South Point (Lawrence County), will receive a $500,000 Rural Industrial Park Loan at an interest rate of zero percent for years one through five and four percent for year six through fifteen and a $500,000 Rural Development Initiative Fund grant for costs associated with the construction of a speculative facility in the Point Industrial Park (Park). The LEDC serves as the community improvement corporation for the Lawrence County and is the lead economic development agency in the area. The LEDC proposes to invest $1.4 million in the construction of a new 32,800 square-foot multi-tenant, speculative facility on a four acre parcel as part of ongoing development of the Park, which is owned and managed by the LEDC. The LEDC acquired the Park in 2003 and has continued to make improvements to its infrastructure and recruit key job creation projects to the Park over the past several years. Mondo Polymer Technologies (Mondo), located in Marietta (Washington County), will receive a $750,000 166 Direct Loan at an interest rate of one percent for years one and two and four percent for years three through seven for a seven year term for costs associated with the expansion of its plastic recycling manufacturing facility. Mondo was established in 1995, as a recycler of low-end films (polybags, shrink and stretch wraps, etc.) and became the first manufacturer of polymer guardrail offset blocks. The company proposes to purchase 29.9 acres of land and construct an 84,000 square-foot facility that will include expanded manufacturing space as well as larger and updated offices for administrative functions. Mondo will also purchase new machinery and equipment, including plastic extruders and mixing and molding machines. This more than $5 million project is expected to create 30 jobs and retain 44 positions at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. NanoStatics LLC (NanoStatics), located in Circleville (Pickaway County), will receive a $742,500 Innovation Ohio Loan Fund loan at an interest rate of eight and one quarter percent for a seven year term for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment. NanoStatics was founded in 2005 around two nanoweb technologies; an advanced process that enhances filtration and barrier effectiveness, and a platform of material chemistries for creating nanowebs that have properties engineered for specific applications. NanoStatics is currently leasing laboratory and office space and operates a pilot plant at TechColumbus in the Business Technology Center. The company proposes to purchase machinery and equipment to allow for increased production. This $991,000 project is expected to create 29 jobs at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. NineSigma, Inc. (NineSigma), located in Beachwood (Cuyahoga County), will receive a $805,875 Innovation Ohio Loan Fund loan at an interest rate of seven and one half percent for a six-year term for costs associated with the acquisition of computer hardware, equipment and software and the development of new software. NineSigma provides matchmaking services using the concept of Open Innovation, which leverages internal and external sources of ideas and takes them to market through multiple paths. The company provides matches between those looking for technology (clients) and those who can provide it (solutions providers) using a web-based tool and a database of global solution providers called Managed Exchange (M:X). The company proposes to purchase computer hardware, equipment and software and invest in software development to upgrade its M:X process. The goal is to improve the function of M:X internal operations, including client tools and solution provider tools. This more than $1 million project is expected to create 51 jobs at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. Skybus Airlines, Inc. (Skybus), located in Columbus (Franklin County), will receive a $5 million 166 Direct Loan at an interest rate of three percent for a seven-year term for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment. Skybus was founded in 2006 and is a start-up, next generation low cost airline that will be based in Columbus. The company's headquarters and flight operations center will be located at the Port Columbus International Airport and Skybus anticipates beginning flight service toward the end of the first quarter in 2007. Skybus will lease a 100,000 square-foot facility, 20,000 square-feet for office space and 80,000 square-feet for hanger facilities. This $10 million project is expected to create 869 jobs and retain 28 positions at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. US Aeroteam, Inc. (US Aeroteam), located in Dayton (Greene County), will receive a $1 million 166 Direct Loan at an interest rate of three percent for a 15-year term for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment and the relocation of its manufacturing facility. US Aeroteam is a manufacturer of a range of fabricated and machined components and products designed for applications in the US aerospace industry. The company's customers include aircraft manufacturers and their sub-tier suppliers, such as jet engine manufacturers, aircraft subsystem producers, logistical support organizations for jet engines and aircraft and US government/military customers. The company proposes to acquire new machinery and equipment and lease a 94,000 square-foot facility to allow the company to achieve efficiencies in the manufacturing of aerospace and auto parts. This more than $2.5 million project is expected to create 55 jobs and retain 40 positions at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. WCI Steel, Inc. (WCI Steel), located in Warren (Trumbull County), will receive a $5 million 166 Direct Loan at an interest rate of one percent for years one through three and three percent for years four through seven for a seven-year term for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment. WCI is an integrated, flat-rolled steel producer that was formed in March 2006. The company acquired all the assets of WCI Steel, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of the Renco Group, Inc., in May. WCI proposes to purchase and install a new walking slab beam reheat furnace at its facility in Warren. This $30 million project is expected to retain 75 positions at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. Wrayco Industries, Inc. (Wrayco), located in Stow (Summit County), will receive a $3.5 million 166 Direct Loan at an interest rate of one percent for the first year and three percent for the remainder of the ten-year term of the loan for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment. Wrayco began in 1980 by producing made-to-print fabrications and in 1986 began supplying fuel tanks for the Peoria, Illinois Caterpillar plant. Today, the company continues to produce fuel tanks, as well as fenders and a variety of items for 15 Caterpillar plants nationwide. The company is currently developing a process to clean fuel and hydraulic tanks, which is necessary to prevent contamination of the tanks' contents. The machinery and equipment investment will allow the company to expand and diversify its customer base while retaining the sales volume to its core business. This $10 million project is expected to create 90 jobs and retain 182 positions at the project site within the first three years of the project's initial operation. The 166 Direct Loan program provides loans for land and building acquisition, expansion or renovation, and equipment purchase. The Innovation Ohio Loan Fund (IOF) assists existing Ohio companies develop next generation products in industry sectors that include: advanced materials; instrument, controls and electronics; power and propulsion; biosciences; and information technology. The Rural Industrial Park Loan program provides loans to rural, distressed local communities and other eligible applicants for real estate and infrastructure investments to develop well-planned industrial parks. http://www.odod.state.oh.us/newsroom/releases/1683.asp

From the 12/27/06 Dispatch: RICKENBACKER AND SPACE TOURISM PlanetSpace considers Ohio site Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Launching into outer space from Columbus is another step closer to reality. The state of Ohio has made a preliminary incentive offer to space-tourism firm Planet-Space. The company, with operations in Chicago and Nova Scotia, proposes to manufacture and launch spacecraft from the Rickenbacker Airport area for the entertainment of customers paying about $200,000 a pop. Read more at: http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/27/20061227-D1-03.html

From the 12/3/06 Dispatch: PHOTO: Rickenbacker Airport could host the construction and launch of spacecraft such as this, seen at an event in Chicago. CANADIAN ARROW Space tourists may start trip here Chicago firm considers making, launching craft at Rickenbacker Sunday, December 03, 2006 Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Forget science fiction. Space tourists could be flying from Rickenbacker Airport if a Chicago company picks Columbus for its primary U.S. operations. PlanetSpace is looking at the airport as a location for launches of space-shuttlelike craft by as soon as late 2008, as well as a place to build spacecraft. Read more at: http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/03/20061203-E1-00.html