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From the 5/1/07 Lorain Morning Journal: ARNCO coming to Lorain KATE GIAMMARISE, Morning Journal Writer 05/01/2007 LORAIN -- ARNCO, an Elyria-based firm, has tentatively committed to relocate to the former Ford Lorain Assembly Plant, according to documents the city of Lorain submitted to the state. According to a letter included in the city's application for a state environmental grant for the Ford site, ARNCO plans to occupy about 200,000 square-feet and invest about $2.5 million there. The move is contingent on the company receiving incentives, according to the letter. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18282698&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 4/25/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Former Ford site gets first new tenant By: KATE GIAMMARISE, Morning Journal Writer 04/25/2007 Trademark Global, an Avon-based wholesale distributor of toys, games, tools, billiard supplies and household items, will be moving to the site on Lorain's far west side this summer. Lorain City Council approved a package of loans for the company in March to help with its relocation costs. The financing was approved by the city's loan board on Monday and by the city's Board of Control yesterday afternoon. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18258355&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 3/20/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Council OKs loan for tenant: City to offer company $186,000 to move into former Ford Plant KATE GIAMMARISE, Morning Journal Writer 03/20/2007 LORAIN -- City Council has approved loans for a company considering locating in the former Ford plant on Lorain's west side. Incentives such as loans are needed to attract businesses -- and jobs -- to the city, said Council member Anthony Krasienko, D-at-large, chair of council's finance committee. ''We know what we're up competing against out there,'' Krasienko said. ''We know what we have to gain and we know what we have to lose.'' More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18100892&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 3/19/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Lorain is making bid for Ford plant environmental funds KATE GIAMMARISE, Morning Journal Writer 03/19/2007 LORAIN -- The city of Lorain, partnering with the company that purchased the former Ford Lorain Assembly Plant, is applying for grant funds to pay for a portion of environmental cleanup costs there. The money would go toward removing and disposing of asbestos and PCB's -- chemicals found in electrical transformers in the main assembly building on the site, said Don Romancak, chief planner in the city's community development department. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18096656&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 3/15/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Officials hope to lure new tenants to Ford plant site Kate Giammarise, Morning Journal Writer 03/15/2007 LORAIN -- City community development officials are working on incentives, such as loans, to lure a company interested in locating at the former Ford Assembly Plant on Lorain's west side. Officials declined to name the company, citing confidentiality agreements. No formal offer has been made by the city to the company, which is a wholesale and distribution firm that employs about 50 people. The ordinance for the incentives include loans tailored to the specific company. There is also another proposed ordinance to create a fund for other companies that could locate there. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18081451&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 5/7/07 Ada Herald: Earlier Lincoln Highway Routes Now Being Marked "When ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation) designated the Ohio portion of the Lincoln Highway, America's first coast-to-coast road, as an historic Ohio byway, it made sense to mark the 1928 route," Mike Hocker, Executive Director of the Ohio Lincoln Highway Historic Byway explained. "This was the route that was last placed by the national Lincoln Highway Association, a group of private businessmen who'd seen the need for a transcontinental paved road to encourage the government to pay more attention to the motorcar as a way of transportation for the future." "But there were earlier and alternate routes that existed," Hocker said, "that were equally as significant to the impact the road had on developing the auto economy of the U.S."... http://www.adaherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=99985&TM=48064.57

From the 4/28/07 Putnam Voice: Going north and south on an east-west road Mike Lackey - 04.28.2007 Carl G. Fisher, the entrepreneur and promoter who was called the father of the Lincoln Highway, used to say that highways are made chiefly of politics. The early years of the nation’s first transcontinental highway are replete with examples. So it was perhaps appropriate that politics was a major theme of Saturday’s annual meeting of the Ohio Lincoln Highway League... http://www.putnamtimes.com/story.php?IDnum=37908

From the 4/2/07 Mansfield News Journal: Stretch of old U.S. 30 renamed Lincoln Highway between Ontario, Crestline By Linda Martz News Journal RICHLAND COUNTY -- "Old" U.S. 30, between the west Ontario corporation limits and Crestline, is officially the Lincoln Highway. The name was officially changed via majority vote of people who live or own businesses on that part of the Richland County road. The 3.25-mile stretch is a quiet road that sees much less truck traffic since the $69.5 million U.S. 30 bypass project was finished in August 2005... [email protected] 419-521-7229 Lincoln Highway history The Lincoln Highway Historical Byway was the first transcontinental automobile route in the country. The Lincoln Highway crosses Richland County from east to west, running along Ohio 430, then through Mansfield -- where it is now marked by a replica concrete post on Park Avenue East near the county courthouse. On the west side of Mansfield, old U.S. 30 followed Ohio 309 before 1920. After 1920, the transcontinental highway followed U.S. 30 to Crestline. It's that post-1920 stretch, between Ontario and Crestline, that has been renamed "Lincoln Highway." News Journal staff report http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070402/NEWS01/704020313/1002/rss01

From the 2/16/07 Aurora Journal-Press: County ‘plan’ could help St. Leon grow By Denise Freitag Burdette, Assistant News Editor 02/16/2007 Dearborn County headaches may be spilling over town lines into St. Leon where about 50 people from around northwest Jackson Township attended the town board’s Monday, Feb. 5, meeting. Most of the questions centered on the town’s knowledge of possible county plans to target the township for economic development, which has upset some land owners, possible annexation into the town and zoning buffer zones. St. Leon Town Board member Andy Bischoff later said by phone that the town board does not know anything about the county’s 10-year capital projects management plan, including possible plans for economic development in northwest Jackson Township. Read More...

From the 5/23/07 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Target Superstore rounds out Ety Road development Most in favor of retailer moving in By TAMARIA L. KULEMEKA The Eagle-Gazette Staff [email protected] LANCASTER - Wal-Mart, Kohl's, Giant Eagle and a Target Superstore - oh my. The list of big box retailers making a run for Ety Road continues to grow. Lancaster and area residents can't believe the number of businesses looking to set up shop along the Ety Road and Memorial Drive corridor, which was once vacant land and corn fields. "I can't wait," said 32-year-old Adam Fridley, of Bremen. Fridley and his family were among area residents enjoying the afternoon at Rising Park on Tuesday. Park-goers seemed to be pleased with the latest announcement that a Target Superstore will join the construction boom along Ety Road. Full story at http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070523/NEWS01/705230315/1002/rss01

From the 5/23/07 Zanesville Times Recorder: Authorities arrest 10 illegal immigrants in I-70 stop By KATHY THOMPSON Staff Wrier ZANESVILLE - The Muskingum County Sheriff's Office conducted its third criminal interdiction traffic detail this year on Interstate 70 Tuesday and are now conducting a criminal investigation on 10 illegal immigrants who were stopped in a van. Capt. Mark Ross said late Tuesday morning two of the six deputies patrolling the Interstate - Deputy Jay Lawhourne and Deputy Gary Hargraves -stopped a 2002 green Town and Country Chrysler van for following too closely at Mile Post 164 eastbound. MORE: http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070523/NEWS01/705230313/1002/rss01 From the 5/23/07 Enquirer: School centers debate 45 percent of students unable to speak English well BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | [email protected] HAMILTON - Kids in the hallways of this school chatter in Spanish and English. Most of the staff is bilingual. Many classes include interpreters, and signs use both languages to direct visitors to the office. Jefferson Elementary could be ground zero in America's escalating debate over immigration and its impact on schools. Here, 45 percent of the school's 505 kindergartners through sixth-graders cannot speak English proficiently. In fact, Hamilton City Schools has the highest percentage of any big-city Ohio district of students learning English as a second language. Almost all of those students are Hispanic. In Hamilton schools, the growing Hispanic population means that 550 of 8,956 students districtwide require remedial language instruction each school day. Schools are required by law to enroll the students, be they legal immigrants or not. Outpacing other cities Hamilton's city schools have a larger share of non-English-speaking students than any other big-city school district in Ohio: Hamilton: 6.1 percent. Columbus: 4.7 percent. Cleveland: 4.6 percent. Cincinnati: 2.1 percent. Dayton: 1.6 percent. Source: Ohio Department of Education and Hamilton Schools[/color] MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070523/NEWS01/705230406/

From the 5/23/07 Pickerington Times-Sun: Spring Creek proposal packs hearing room; action delayed An open house to discuss the proposal has been planned for June 7. By DAVID S. OWEN A public hearing during the Violet Township Board of Trustees meeting last Thursday drew a standing-room only crowd of residents from mostly the Spring Creek subdivision who were there to voice concerns about a proposed development project. The hearing was set up to discuss an application to amend the township-approved Spring Creek Planned District for a proposed project to develop property at the southeast corner of Refugee Road and Milnor Road. The applicant, Ambassador Development LLC, was represented by attorney Richard T. Ricketts who was expected to give a presentation about the proposed development project. As the hearing was about to begin, it became clear a special hearing would need to be scheduled at a larger venue in order to accommodate the more than 100 residents who packed the meeting room and the many additional residents who were lined up outside attempting to get in. Read more at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS5-23/5-23_pktrustees.htm

From the 5/23/07 Springfield News-Sun: Forums to focus on small schools within Springfield High Superintendent, foundation director will explain the concept for the consolidated high school. By Gail Cetnar Staff Writer Wednesday, May 23, 2007 The concept of small schools within Springfield High School will be the focus of three community meetings in early June. At meetings June 4, 5 and 6, Springfield City Schools Superintendent Jean Harper and EdWorks Executive Director Harold Brown will explain the small schools concept to members of the public and answer questions about it. Harper and Brown will explain why the district is adopting the small schools model and what it means for students, staff and the community, district spokeswoman Mattie White said. "We want the community to be aware of where we are with small schools, what the concept is all about," she said. North and South high schools will consolidate in September 2008 with the opening of Springfield High School at 701 E. Home Road. School leaders are planning to create four small schools within the 2,400-student school to provide a more personalized environment for students. MORE: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/22/sns052307smallschools.html Link contains a photo. From the 5/22/07 Celina Daily Standard: Potential neighbors question plans for Mercer County Jail By Pat Royse Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey and proposed jail architect Rick Axline promised Silver Lake residents that a high berm, trees and landscaping would be put in place to hide their view of a new jail complex that may be built along state Route 29. A meeting was held at Celina High School on Monday night with a couple dozen neighbors who live close to the proposed 6-acre jail and law enforcement site on the Mercer County Home grounds. Nearby residents expressed fears that property values in the neighborhood would decrease and that the traffic from unsavory folks would increase. Axline, who has been the architect for more than 140 jails in various states, and occasionally in another country, told the group that values of homes next to jails he has helped build have never gone down. The sheriff and the three county commissioners who attended the meeting also were asked if they had explored other sites before settling on part of the county home's 160 acres. Commissioner Laffin said they had looked least nine possible sites before choosing the county home property, which they already own. He explained the problems with several of the viewed properties. MORE: http://www.dailystandard.com/archive/story_single.php?rec_id=3003 County approves tax abatement for Bob Evans Springfield News-Sun, 5/23/07 The Clark County Commission on Tuesday approved a property tax abatement that will save Bob Evans Farms $231,000 over seven years. In return, Bob Evans plans to increase its number of employees from 43 to 63 and invest about $8 million at its food service warehousing facility at 1985 Airpark Drive. The investment includes $4.4 million for constructing a new facility, $3.2 million for machinery and equipment, and $450,000 in inventory. Green Township, where Bob Evans is located, also approved the abatement, and the Greenon Local School District backs it, too. Contract awarded to bring down former Mersman building Celina Daily Standard, 5/22/07 One of Celina's oldest industrial sites finally will be cleared for redevelopment. Celina City Council members meeting in special session Monday awarded a demolition contract to CRS Demolition, Louisville, Ky., to raze most of the 12-acre former Mersman Furniture Co. complex. Only the northwestern-most section of the building will be salvaged for future renovation and redevelopment. The entire property is owned by Brickyard Investments Ltd. Even though the sprawling buildings, smokestack and other structures on the site will be torn down in the coming months, it might be two years or so before the site is completely cleared. City officials compromised their original desire for a quick and tidy clearing of the site so the project could be done with the state grant money earmarked for the project. The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) awarded the city $750,000 for the project. About $725,000 of that money remains available after engineering and bidding costs. Three rounds of bidding were necessary to bring the project within the available money.

From the 5/22/07 Pomeroy Daily Sentinel: ODNR schedules conference on mine By Beth Sergent Tuesday, May 22, 2007 5:36 PM EDT RACINE - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has scheduled an informal conference for the public concerning the coal mine proposed by Gatling Ohio, LLC on Yellowbush Road. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 13 at the Racine Municipal Building. ODNR Environmental Specialist Scott Stitlier previously said his office is not required to hold a public hearing but by statute his office is required to hold an informal conference if it receives only one request to do so, which it did. The statute does not call this informal conference a public hearing but at the informal conference the public is invited, the meeting is tape recorded and residents are permitted to voice their concerns over the proposed mining operation and ODNR's role in the permit process. MORE: http://www.mydailysentinel.com/articles/2007/05/22/news/local_news/news03.txt

From the 5/23/07 News Leader: County to discuss tax break for Macedonia development by Jeff Saunders Reporter Macedonia -- The county could pave the way for the city to consider a developer's tax proposal to pay for public improvements connected with a planned $40 million senior residential complex south of the City Center... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 440-232-4055 ext. 4105 http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/2036961 From same: Condo rezoning public hearing set by Jeff Saunders Reporter Northfield Center -- The Board of Trustees will begin the process of deciding whether condominiums will be allowed on 18 acres between Olde Eight and Brandywine roads by seeking comments from local residents... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 440-232-4055 ext. 4105 http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/2036931 Developer reduces size of Route 306 retail project Aurora Advocate, 5/23/07 Planning commission members on May 16 accepted for study a revised final site plan for Chillicothe Commons and a lot split-reconfiguration for the Stackelberg property on Aurora-Hudson Road... New junior high school gets warm reception on cold day Ashtabula Star Beacon, 5/23/07 The winds were chilly but the mood was warm for educators, children and community members who gathered Sunday afternoon to break ground for a new junior high school... Franklin changes mind, supports campus schools Ashtabula Star Beacon, 5/19/07 Ashtabula Board of Education Vice President Michael Franklin hasn't always been in favor of campus-style configured elementary schools. "I was convinced by teachers, administrators, students and parents," Franklin said...

Westwood: CiTiRAMA 2007 at Brodbeck Park Building Cincinnati In March, Brodbeck Park Phase Two was named as the site of CiTiRAMA 2007, to be held October 6-14. Since then, the City Planning Commission has approved a finalized Plat of Subdivision for Glaser and Son's 26-lot project. Two new streets, Deercove Court and an extension of Foxcove Court, have been dedicated. All utility easements have been finalized as well. Twenty-five of the lots will feature single-family homes on lots of over 5,000 square feet. The twenty-sixth lot will be a 5-acre greenbelt on a sloping hillside, adjacent to Brodbeck Nature Preserve and the Pine Grove subdivision (Millennium Place). No price points have been established, but homes in Phase One sold for between $135,000 and $210,000. Brodbeck Park is located on the northern side of Westwood Northern Blvd between its intersections with Gobel and Ferncroft. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW GOOGLE AERIAL MAP Plat of subdivision - Phase Two at left Blechhh: Example of home built in Phase One of Brodbeck Park Another one from Phase One, slightly less horrible http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/05/westwood-citirama-2007-at-brodbeck-park.html From the 5/17/07 Tri-County Press: Developers interested in Princeton property BY ANDREA REEVES | [email protected] SHARONVILLE - Fischer Homes and Hills Communities have placed bids to buy the Robert E. Lucas school property in Sharonville, owned by the Princeton City School District. Fischer has offered $3.2 million for the property and Hills has offered $3.01 million, according to Princeton's attorney John Hust at the May 17 special board meeting. The board voted to give administration the right to negotiate final prices with both prospective buyers at the meeting. Both developers have agreed to allow the district to continue using the property through the end of August 2008 regardless of when closing actually takes place, Hust said. Board member Sandy Leach said she's concerned about what kind of development would be built on the property. "When you look at the dollar figure, that may be the best deal, but depending on what they're putting in there it may depend on the income that comes to us later as to what may be more beneficial," she said. Fischer has plans for condos, villa homes and town homes for the property. Hills wants to build a combination of residential structures. The next step is to sit down with the two developers about how the property should be used after district officials meet with Sharonville Mayor Virgil Lovitt, said Princeton Superintendent Aaron Mackey. Lincoln Heights sold The old Lincoln Heights Elementary building is being sold to Volunteers of America for $810,000. - The Princeton City School District board voted May 17 to sell the property. - But the district may have to pay the cost for any environmental cleanup the property needs, which could be as much as $250,000 to $300,000. - Exactly what would need cleaned up won't be known until an environmental report is in the hands of district officials June 25. - The board voted to place a $400,000 cap on environmental cleanup work. - Volunteers of America plans to turn the building into a 45-unit apartment building. MORE: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070517/NEWS01/705170432/1089/Local New emergency facilities in Terrace Park Eastern Hills Journal, 5/23/07 Terrace Park's Emergency Services will celebrate the grand opening of its new facility on Wooster Pike with a barbeque and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, May 28, Memorial Day. Terrace Park voters approved an emergency services levy in 2005 that provided funding to build the structure and the interior furnishings, equipment and communications have been funded through donations and fundraising efforts of the Terrace Park Emergency Services staff. "This building takes us into the 21st century," said Jeff Gibson, president of the Terrace Park Emergency Services Department. "It has up-to-date storage for all of our apparatus and all the latest safety mechanisms. It will also allow for enhanced training opportunities." Terrace Park is the last community in Hamilton County to rely solely on a volunteer emergency services department. According to Gibson, the department has 60 volunteers, with the lion's share coming from the community itself. "We have no reason to anticipate any change in that in the near future. The village keeps attracting younger residents," Gibson said.

From the 5/23/07 Hamilton JournalNews: Bypass project concerns trustees By Michael D. Pitman Staff Writer Wednesday, May 23, 2007 FAIRFIELD TWP. — Fairfield Twp. trustees want to know if they can be reimbursed with federal grant money if they move on a project before that money would be available. Trustees have asked the Butler County Engineer's Office if they move forward on the Ohio 4 Bypass/Hamilton-Mason Road improvements whether they can be reimbursed when the funds are available in 2009 or 2010. If not, trustees want to change the application for the Liberty-Fairfield Road/Ohio 4 intersection. The Butler County Engineer's Office is applying for a maximum $2.5 million grant from the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments on behalf of the township. That money will help fund the $5.5 million Ohio 4 Bypass/Hamilton-Mason Road project, which will add several turn lanes and widen the intersection. Township Law Director Jack Grove said the need to do the improvements is now and the potential developments will only accelerate the need. One property is owned by Graceworks Lutheran Services, which at one time had proposed a Meijer store. Grove said the properties at the intersection would likely be developed before 2010. Trustee President Mark Sutton said he hopes the question of reimbursement is answered before the June 4 grant application deadline. "If it is not reimbursable, then let's put the application in for Liberty-Fairfield Road," Sutton said. Trustees said Liberty-Fairfield/Ohio 4 intersection improvements is the second-largest need for the township. But the township cannot foot the bill for that improvement. "We don't have $3 million for Liberty-Fairfield," Trustee Joe McAbee said. Earlier this month, Butler County Engineer's Office officials had said the Ohio 4 Bypass/Hamilton-Mason Road project would rate well. Grove said the engineer's office officials said the Liberty-Fairfield Road/Ohio 4 intersection would also rate well. The township can afford to pay for the Ohio 4 Bypass/Hamilton-Mason Road improvements through tax increment financing. He said there is not a TIF district with the Liberty-Fairfield/Ohio 4 intersection. OKI is expected to announce grant awards by August. Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or [email protected]. http://www.journal-news.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/22/hjn052307fftrustees.html

From the 5/23/07 Springfield News-Sun: Zoning board to recommend that trustees reject proposed wind turbine zoning resolution By LaToya Thompson Staff Writer Tuesday, May 22, 2007 URBANA — The Union Township zoning board unanimously voted Tuesday to make a recommendation to the trustees rejecting a proposed wind turbine zoning resolution. Executive Director Jenny Snapp of the Logan-Union-Champaign Regional Planning Commission — LUC — called the proposal "too restrictive" in height and setback requirements. Champaign County Prosecutor Nick Selvaggio said it gave unauthorized power to governing bodies not listed in state law. The proposal, submitted to the township zoning board by Union Township residents, regulates wind towers to a minimum of 2,600 feet from a building and property line. Plus, it restricts the turbine height up to 360 feet. Everpower Renewables, a New York-based wind developer, has proposed building several 500-foot turbines throughout Union, Wayne and Salem townships. The county building regulations department recently approved the company to put up a test tower. The LUC and prosecutor's office both said their recommendations are not for or against wind turbines but reflect legal issues in the township zoning laws. http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/22/sns052307wind.html From the 5/23/07 Bellefontaine Examiner: Jefferson zoning commission rejects wind turbine proposal Panel wants to wait on recommendations from a county committee By Joel E. Mast Bellefontaine Examiner Staff Writer 05/23/07 A citizen-initiated zoning amendment focused on wind turbines was rejected Tuesday by the Jefferson Township Zoning Commission. “I can’t see why we would want to put these in place,” said Commission Chairman and Township Trustee Tim Armentrout. He and the four other members found the zoning proposal, drafted by local attorney Terrence Stolly, too restrictive, agreeing with an assessment of a committee of the Logan- Union-Champaign Regional Planning Commission. http://www.examiner.org/news05.23.4.php Link contains a photo. From the 5/23/07 Urbana Daily Citizen: Commissioners visit wind farm in Bowling Green BREANNE PARCELS Staff Writer BOWLING GREEN - The Champaign County commissioners visited the Bowling Green Wind Farm Project in Wood County on Tuesday. "One thing we've heard is a landfill in Wood County is a lot different from Union Township in Champaign County, but I don't see a lot of difference," said Commissioner Steve Hess as he studied the site. "I see a cornfield, a farm close by, and a two-lane highway." While the city of Bowling Green has a much larger population than that of Urbana, with close to 30,000 residents, many of them are students at Bowling Green State University. Wood County Commissioner James Carter, speaking with the Champaign County commissioners before their trip to the wind farm, said the project was originally proposed by university students about five years ago. Full article at http://www.urbanacitizen.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=143931&TM=44775.39

From the 2/27/07 Blade: Bartley Lofts developers buy 4 units to remove lien By TOM TROY BLADE STAFF WRITER Developers of Bartley Lofts, one of the most visible of downtown Toledo's loft condominium and apartment projects, have had to buy four units to pay off a construction contractor and get a lien removed. Joseph Swolsky and Bob Gersten, partners in Bartley Lofts Investors LLC, which converted the seven-story warehouse at 745 Washington St. into a residential building, each bought two units for a total of just under $1 million in January. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070227/NEWS16/702270355/-1/RSS10

Repairs, lawsuits slow Son of Beast's return By Denise G. Callahan Wednesday, May 09, 2007 Kings Island's Son of Beast has been a problem child since day one — and still is. The amusement park opened the 2007 season without the popular roller coaster as repairs to correct a problem that sent 27 riders to the hospital last summer are not done. Kings Island and its owner, Sandusky-based Cedar Fair, are dealing with five lawsuits filed in the Warren County Court of Common Pleas by 11 riders who were hurt in 2006. Kings Island and its former owner Paramount also sued in federal court last year seeking to collect a $20.8 million court judgment from Roller Coaster Company of Ohio, the now defunct contractor hired to build The Beast's son. Craig Ross, vice president of marketing for Kings Island, said he still does not have a firm date for the reopening of the wooden coaster but they "would be very disappointed if it weren't open sometime in June." The signature steel loop was removed and lighter cars will make for a smoother ride, Ross said. Read full article here: http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/09/pjm051007kisuitA1.html

Kings Island ready to roll Theme park about to begin 35th season BY JIM KNIPPENBERG | [email protected] One of Cincinnati's favorite rites of spring begins Saturday and Sunday. Kings Island will start its 35th annual season, its first full summer under ownership of Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., parent company of Sandusky's Cedar Point and 11 other theme parks. That ownership change is the first thing visitors will notice - the park has dropped "Paramount's" from its name and is now Kings Island, just as it was in 1972 when the park opened. But overall, visitors won't notice any over-the-top changes. Instead, changes in the immediate future will happen gradually. Read full article here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/LIFE/704200341/1079/ Where's the Son of Beast? BY JIM KNIPPENBERG | [email protected] It's still uncertain when the prodigal Son of Beast will return. Closed since a July 9 accident sent 27 people to the hospital and resulted in at least two lawsuits, the fearsome roller coaster right now looks toothless. The 118-foot high loop, the only one in the world on a wooden coaster, is gone, the gap partly covered by tarps. Tracks lead up to where the loop once stood and then end abruptly - as if someone sawed them off. Someone did. A construction crew of both in-house and imported workers has been working for months removing the loop and reinforcing sections of track. Nevertheless, park officials have no idea when the job will be finished or how much it will cost in the end. Read full article here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/LIFE/704200339/1079/

Kings Island may drop buses BY JANE PRENDERGAST | [email protected] Metro buses that last summer took more than 22,000 riders to Kings Island - almost all of them workers - might not run this year. The amusement park has paid for the service since 2000, with eight express trips from Government Square downtown to Mason seven days a week. Times are coordinated with Kings Island's shift changes, from 9:25 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. "The buses were always full," Metro spokeswoman Sallie Hilvers said. The cost, she said: $70,000 to $90,000. But Kings Island officials canceled the service - unless they can find money to help pay for it. "It's an annual issue that we do evaluate," said Maureen Kaiser, a spokeswoman for the park, which opens Saturday. "We don't have the funds available to do it." Read full article here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070418/NEWS01/704180434/ County offers bus help BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] Hamilton County Commissioners this morning promised to be a funding "backstop" to ensure the bus service that took more than 22,000 riders -- most of them seasonal workers – from Cincinnati to Kings Island last summer is not cut. The county authorized up to $75,000 to underwrite bus transportation for summer youth employment this summer. The Mason amusement park, which is under new ownership, has said it will cancel the service, unless it can find money to pay for it. Negotiations are continuing between Cincinnati officials and Kings Island. By just underwriting the service, county commissioners stopped short of actually allocating the money. They said they hope the city is able to work out the funding issues with the park before turning to the county. But at the same time, they wanted to put at ease the minds of parents and the youths who had been planning to take summer jobs there. Read full article here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070418/NEWS01/304180046/

ODOD press release, 4/30/07: JOB CREATION TAX CREDITS APPROVED FOR BUSINESS EXPANSION Projects Expected to Generate $460 Million in Investments to Ohio's Economy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2007 Columbus, OH -- Lt. Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Tax Credit Authority has approved Job Creation Tax Credits for companies involved in business location or expansion projects that, if located in Ohio, are expected to contribute more than $460 million to Ohio's economy, create 1,961 positions and retain 1,794 jobs. "The companies approved for Job Creation Tax Credits are considering strong growth and investment projects in Ohio that will create economic opportunities for our communities and workforce," said Lt. Governor Fisher who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We are pleased companies recognize the advantages of doing business in Ohio and providing opportunities for our outstanding workforce." G&M Media Packaging, Inc. (G&M Media), to be located in Bryan (Williams County), has been awarded a 50 percent tax credit for a five-year term to establish a headquarters and manufacturing facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $159,231 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10-years. Glud & Marstrand AS, the parent company of G&M Media, is a metal packaging company for the food and media industries and employs more than 1,200 worldwide. The company is establishing G&M Media in the United States as a strategic move to locate manufacturing near its customer base. Glud & Marstrand AS is 100% stake owner of G&M Media Packaging. G&M Media will establish a U.S headquarters and initial manufacturing operation. The company will invest in new machinery and equipment and leasehold improvements to a 25,000 square-foot facility that will be used to establish the headquarters and operations, as well as manufacture metal DVD and video game containers. Ohio is in competition with Illinois, Indiana and the country of Denmark for this more than $10 million project, which is expected to create 40 jobs and within the first three years of the project's initial operations. A.M. Leonard, Inc. (A.M. Leonard), located in Piqua (Miami County), has been awarded a 45 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to expand its existing operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $108,475 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. AM Leonard, Inc was established in 1912 as a nursery and landscaping service. Today, the company is a horticultural tool business with 90 employees and more than 7,000 customers nationwide. The company proposes to expand its existing warehousing and call center operation with the addition of 55,000 square-feet of warehousing and office space and the purchase of new machinery and equipment. The facility will be used primarily as a distribution center, call center and headquarters operation. Ohio is in competition with California, Florida, Texas and Virginia for this more than $4.2 million project, which is expected to create 35 jobs and retain 84 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Cellucom Outlet, Inc. (Cellucom), located in Hilliard (Franklin County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its existing operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $243,086 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10-years. Cellucom was established in 1998 as a wholesaler for wireless pre-paid phone cards as well as a reseller of new and refurbished phones. Presently, Cellucom remanufactures cellular phones and then distributes them back to major clients such as Page Plus, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Cingular Wireless. The phones are then marketed as pre-paid products. Cellucom is experiencing major growth from existing clients and new customers and requires a computer upgrade and a large increase in personnel. The company proposes to reconfigure its current 43,000 square-foot facility, and invest in building improvements and new machinery and equipment. Ohio is in competition with North Dakota for this more than $180,000 project, which is expected to create 237 jobs and retain 139 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Riffle Machine Works, Inc. (Riffle), located in Green Township (Ross County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to expand its existing operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $36,254 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Riffle is a family owned company that is headquartered in Green Township near Chillicothe was originally established in 1980 to provide machined and welded parts to local companies. In 1997, the company was awarded its first assembly job from Kenworth Truck Company and today, Riffle provides sub-assemblies, part sequencing, kitting and assemblies to Kenworth, as well as customers such as Faurecia and Mitsui. The company proposes to construct a 50,000 square-foot building and invest in new machinery and equipment, and on-site infrastructure improvements. Riffle will expand in order to increase operating capacity to more effectively compete for existing Kenworth contracts as the company seeks to become a Tier-I supplier to the trucking Original Equipment Manufacturer. This more than $1.5 million project is expected to create 25 jobs and retain 28 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. EchoStar Satellite, LLC (EchoStar), located in Hilliard (Franklin County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a five-year term to establish an inbound customer service call center facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $273,771 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10-years. EchoStar was formed in 1980 as a distributor of C Band Television systems and the company launched DISH Network in March 1986. DISH Network is a direct broadcast satellite DBS service that provides satellite television and audio programming to households and businesses, competing primarily with cable television providers. In 1995 EchoStar successfully launched its first satellite, EchoStar I, and established the DISH Network brand name to market its home satellite television system. In the last five years, DISH Network added more than 6.74 million net new customers, more than all other satellite television and cable companies during the same period. The company proposes to lease an existing 16,000 square-foot facility and purchase new machinery and equipment to establish an inbound customer service call center facility. Ohio is in competition with Arizona, Nevada and South Dakota for this more than $500,000 project, which is expected to create 159 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Equity Administrative Services, Inc. (EASI), located in Elyria (Lorain County), has been awarded a 50 percent tax credit for an eight-year term to expand its existing operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $312,841 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 16 years. EASI provides marketing, sales and administrative support services and back office processing for its sole customer, Equity Trust Company (ETC), a non-depository trust company chartered by the state of South Dakota. ETC acts as custodian for self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts. Although EASI and ETC were formed in 2003, the business performed by the companies was previously operated for over 20 years as part of an affiliated broker-dealer. EASI currently has 142 employees in two locations in the City of Elyria. The company proposes to construct a 26,800 square-foot two-story office building within 1000 yards of its current facility and invest in infrastructure improvements and new machinery and equipment. EASI will continue to operate both facilities, which will be used as headquarters and operations centers. Ohio is in competition with Florida and South Dakota for this more than $3.8 million project, which is expected to create 75 jobs and retain 142 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Avon Products, Inc. (Avon), to potentially be located in Washington Township (Muskingum County), has been awarded a 55 percent tax credit for an eight-year term to establish a new distribution facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $1,615,483 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 16 years. Avon's final decision and announcement is pending the completion of site due diligence, which is in its final stages. Avon is a global manufacturer and marketer, and the world's largest direct seller, of beauty products. The company employs more than 40,000 worldwide and recorded sales of over $8 billion in 2005. The company proposes to invest in new machinery and equipment, infrastructure improvements and land acquisition to construct a new 590,000 square-foot facility as part of the company's sustainable growth plan. The facility will accommodate distribution for 50 percent of its U.S. sales and will replace facilities in the cities of Glenview, Illinois and Newark, Delaware. Ohio is in competition with the State of Kentucky for this more than $95 million project, which is expected to create 450 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. E85, Inc. (E85), to be located in Lancaster (Fairfield 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 $217,509 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14-years. E85 is a private, start-up energy company that is wholly owned by Siva Ltd. & Siva Ventures Ltd. and will focus on the production of ethanol. E85 plans over the newt two years to build ten ethanol production facilities throughout North America and co-produce one to two billion gallons of ethanol per year via network providers. E85 intends to co-invest in ethanol developments and arrange tolling agreements with existing ethanol producers. The company proposes to purchase more than 60 acres to construct a 10,000 square-foot ethanol production facility, and purchase new machinery and equipment. Thee facility will produce up 110 million gallons of ethanol per year. Ohio is in competition with Michigan and South Carolina for this more than $144 million project, which is expected to create 42 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. E85, Inc. (E85), to be located in Newark (Licking 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 $217,509 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14-years. E85 is a private, start-up energy company that is wholly owned by Siva Ltd. & Siva Ventures Ltd. and will focus on the production of ethanol. E85 plans over the newt two years to build ten ethanol production facilities throughout North America and co-produce one to two billion gallons of ethanol per year via network providers. E85 intends to co-invest in ethanol developments and arrange tolling agreements with existing ethanol producers. The company proposes to purchase more than 60 acres to construct a 10,000 square-foot ethanol production facility, and purchase new machinery and equipment. Thee facility will produce up 110 million gallons of ethanol per year. Ohio is in competition with Michigan and South Carolina for this more than $144 million project, which is expected to create 42 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Damin Development Group, LLC & CDIS, Inc. (Power Direct), located in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its existing operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $228,267 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10-years. Damin Development Group, LLC is a holding company that owns assets for DRD Inc., dba Power Direct. CDIS, Inc. is the employment agency used by DRD. Created in 1994 as DRD Inc., Power Direct is a direct marketing service provider that offers clients direct marketing consultation and turnkey program management solutions. Power Direct utilizes a customer oriented approach in its state-of-the-art call centers to furnish list resources, database management and in-bound and outbound calling services for its business-to-business and business-to-consumer client base. The company proposes to purchase and renovate a 17,000 square-foot building in close proximity to its existing call center and invest in new machinery and equipment and furniture and fixtures. The new facility will be used for tele-services operations, including in-bound and outbound telephone marketing, volunteer recruitment, e-commerce and e-business solutions, and full service Internet, letter shop and product fulfillment services. Ohio is in competition with South Dakota for this more than $1.8 million project, which is expected to create 220 jobs and retain 196 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Holophane Corporation (Holophane), to be located in Granville Township (Licking County), has been awarded a 50 percent tax credit for a five-year term to establish a customer education/training center. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $368,966 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10-years. Holophane is a division of Acuity Brands, Inc., and is a leading manufacturer and marketer of lighting fixtures for the commercial, industrial, retail, municipal and utility markets. Holophane also manufactures glass components for use in other Acuity Brands Lighting products in the United States and Europe. Products are sold in both national and international markets. The company proposes to invest in building renovation, on-site infrastructure/site preparation, and new machinery and equipment to establish a new customer training/education center and relocate existing administrative positions to Granville from an antiquated facility in Newark (Licking County). Ohio is in competition with Georgia and Indiana and Mexico for this more than $3.3 million project, which is expected to create 56 jobs and retain 100 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS), has been awarded a 50 percent tax credit for an eight-year term to re-open its Portsmouth repair facility, located in Scioto County. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $332,781 over the term. NS provides comprehensive transportation and logistics services and is a major freight railroad operating 21,500 route miles in 22 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada. Norfolk Southern Corporation, a Norfolk, Va.-based company, is the parent of NS. NS proposes to invest in new machinery and equipment, facility improvements and on-site rail infrastructure improvements to reopen its car repair shop, which will be used to repair the company's railcar fleet. Portsmouth, Ohio was selected over sites in other states for this more than $2.8 million project, which is expected to create 77 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Plastic Recycling Technology, Inc. (PRT), to be located in Spring Creek Township (Miami County), has been awarded a 30 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to relocate operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $31,127 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14-years. PRT recycles plastic industrial waste streams from throughout the state of Ohio and other areas of the Midwest. PRT also recycles post-consumer, post-commercial and post-industrial plastics by converting the plastic waste into plastic pellets and densified and ground plastic, which are sold to plastic product manufacturers. The company proposes to establish its headquarters and manufacturing operations with the purchase of new machinery and equipment, and investments in facility improvements and the lease of a 416,420 square-foot facility that will be used for recycling plastic waste into usable material for plastic product manufacturers. This $2 million project is expected to create 25 jobs and retain 40 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Prime Technology, Inc. (Prime), located in Miamisburg (Montgomery County), has been awarded a 50 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand existing operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $221,861 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10-years. Prime, a spin-off of the NCR Corporation (NCR), which is headquartered in Dayton and has 3,200 employees worldwide, develops and implements anti-counterfeiting and security solutions. NCR proposes to establish a manufacturing facility, research development center and headquarters facility for Prime at the Mound Advanced Technology Park in Miamisburg. Prime will invest in new machinery and equipment, off-site roadwork infrastructure improvements and renovations to a 10,000 square-foot facility that will be used to manufacture and develop its fluorescent lumID, or "luminescent identifier," security marker technology. Prime will commercialize NCR's new novel fluorescent security marker, which is used in currency recognition and authentication. Ohio is in competition with Massachusetts for this more than $2.1 million project, which is expected to create 28 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Quadax, Inc. (Quadax), located in Middleburg Heights (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded a 40 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to consolidate several smaller facilities into one large facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $324,967 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14-years. Quadax has been providing accounts receivable management services to health care providers since 1973. The company offers a diversified level of services for health care professionals, labs and hospitals throughout the country and has developed proprietary software called Hospital Accounts Receivable Processor (HARP), a billing and accounts receivable management system that offers a high degree of customization to streamline billing services and address every client's specific billing needs. The company proposes to invest in land costs, building construction and new machinery and equipment to update its 86,000 square-foot facility that was constructed 1979. Quadax will consolidate employees at several locations into one facility and update its structure and systems, as well as expand its square footage by 100,000 square-feet to accommodate current and future staff requirements. The new location will serve as the company's headquarters and operations center and will house management, IT staff, account managers and operations staff. This more than $9 million project, which is expected to create 100 jobs and retain 273 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. OKS-Ameridial, Inc. (OKS-Ameridial), located in Canton (Stark County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a five-year term to establish a new facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $209,191 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10-years. OKS-Ameridial is a leading global provider of contact center services, direct mail, and business processing outsourcing services. Founded in 1987, OKS-Ameridial provides inbound and outbound call-handling services blended with complete web-based services. OKS-Ameridial is part of the OKS Group that also consists of: OKS Limited, OKS Span Tech Pvt. Ltd. and Litigation Help Desk. OKS-Ameridial has seven locations and 437 employees across the state. The company proposes to invest in machinery and equipment and lease 12,000 square-feet of a 25,000 square-foot facility for a new telemarketing service bureau that will provide customer support, sales and technical support primarily to the medical and cellular services industries. The facility will also provide volunteer recruitment and revenue services to national nonprofit charitable organizations. This $480,000 project is expected to create 200 jobs 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/2007PR/releases/1747.asp

ODOD press release, 3/26/07: JOB CREATION TAX CREDITS APPROVED FOR BUSINESS EXPANSION Projects Expected to Generate $15 Million in Investments to Ohio's Economy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 26, 2007 Columbus, OH -- Lt. Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Tax Credit Authority has approved Job Creation Tax Credits for companies involved in business location or expansion projects that, if located in Ohio, are expected to contribute more than $15 million to Ohio's economy, create 364 positions and retain 554 family-supporting jobs. "The State of Ohio is dedicated to fostering a favorable business climate by supporting projects that create professional opportunities for Ohio's outstanding workforce," said Lt. Governor Fisher who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "I welcome each of these projects to Ohio and thank the leaders of these companies for recognizing the great benefits of doing business in our state." SBC Advertising Ltd. (SBC), to be located in Columbus (Franklin County), has been awarded a 30 percent tax credit for a five-year term to relocate and expand its existing operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $206,278 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. SBC Advertising is a full service advertising agency that offers strategic marketing, account planning and research, media planning, public relations, website development and creative development and execution of advertising. The company presently works with primary industries such as large scale retail, restaurant, home improvement products and business-to-business clients such as software and manufacturing. The company proposes to relocate from an existing 18,000 square-foot building to a new 30,000 square-foot facility in the City of Columbus. SBC will acquire furniture and fixtures associated with this expansion and make several improvements to the facility, which will be used to expand its existing advertising, media relations and Web site development operations, and provide adequate space for future growth. Ohio is in competition with Louisiana, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania for this $726,000 project, which is expected to create 50 jobs and retain 83 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Enterprise Information Management, Inc. (EIM), located in Dayton (Montgomery County), has been awarded a 45 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its existing facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at more than $1 million over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. EIM is a veteran-owned small business that was founded in 1996 and delivers complex business and information technology solutions to the U.S. Government for the Department of Defense, Military Services and civil agencies. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, EIM's capabilities include enterprise transformation, acquisition management and information technology services. The company proposes to expand and renovate its existing Midwestern Regional Office with the purchase of new for machinery and equipment and furniture and fixtures. EIM will also lease and renovate a 14,500 square-foot facility that will be used to provide IT services that assist organizations in building quality information management solutions. Ohio is in competition with Washington, DC and the states of Delaware and New Mexico for this $1.15 million project, which is expected to create 150 jobs and retain seven positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. PEQ Consulting, Inc. (PEQ), located in Miamisburg (Montgomery County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its headquarters facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $127,612 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. PEQ is a national information technology (IT) service company with experience in providing optimized IT solutions, including complete infrastructure outsourcing, maintenance, IT-based process improvements and help desk services. PEQ services a wide range of industries, including automotive retail, finance and government agencies. The company proposes to expand its existing facility from 3,500 square-feet to 7,500 square-feet to establish a help-desk operation. PEQ will invest in new furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements to the facility, which will be utilized for administrative, IT and help-desk operations. Ohio is in competition with North Carolina for this $300,000 project, which is expected to create 45 jobs and retain 18 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Aptima, Inc (Aptima), to be located in Fairborn (Greene County), has been awarded a 40 percent tax credit for a five-year term to establish a new facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $111,796 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. Aptima is a market leader in the design of organizations, user-centered technology, and training systems that make individuals and teams more effective. Founded in 1995, Aptima is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts and uses a unique approach of human-centered engineering that couples the principles of social science with quantitative, computational methods. By using its expertise to research how humans operate in complex environments, Aptima also provides modeling and decision support for counter-terrorism and intelligence activities. The company proposes to invest in new machinery and equipment and furniture and fixtures, lease an existing 1,500 square-foot facility and make on-site infrastructure improvements. The facility will be used primarily for research and development. Ohio is in competition with Florida and Kansas for this $100,000 project, which is expected to create 15 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. ThermaFab Alloy, Inc. (ThermaFab), located in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded a 40 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to consolidate manufacturing, research and development, headquarters and distribution operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $247,944 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. ThermaFab has principal offices located in Cleveland and began its 75-year history as Hall Metal Fabricators. Today, ThermaFab fabricates and machines all grades of stainless steel, nickel alloy, aluminum and carbon steel parts for all facets of industry, including parts for pollution control applications, fixtures for heat-treaters, OEM parts for furnace manufacturers and parts for customers with high-temperature and corrosion-resistant applications. The company proposes to consolidate its operations, currently located at two separate plants, into one new facility in Cleveland. This move will enable the company to streamline its operations and build the capacity to acquire bigger jobs. ThermaFab will invest in new machinery and equipment and acquire and renovate a 58,750 square-foot facility, which will house its manufacturing, research and development, headquarters and distribution operations. Ohio is in competition with Mississippi for this more than $2.6 million project, which is expected to create 90 jobs and retain 35 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Appleton Papers, Inc. (Appleton), located in West Carrollton (Montgomery County), has been awarded a 50 percent tax credit for an eight-year term to expand manufacturing operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $108,095 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 16 years. Appleton creates product solutions through its development and use of coating formulations and applications, encapsulation technology and secure and specialized print services. The Company produces carbonless, thermal, security and performance packaging products. Appleton is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and has manufacturing operations in Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and the United Kingdom. The company employs approximately 3,200 people including more than 400 people in the city of West Carrollton. Appleton became 100 percent employee owned in November 2001 and is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2007. Appleton will purchase new manufacturing machinery and equipment and make onsite infrastructure improvements at the 750,000 square-foot paper manufacturing facility. The company proposes to expand its finishing area with the installation of state-of-the-art, high-speed paper winders to provide additional wrapping, handling and packaging capacity for its coated paper products. Ohio competed against several other states and countries for Appleton's $100 million expansion project. That project is expected to create 14 jobs within the first three years of completion and expand the scope and strength of the current operations at the West Carrollton mill. 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/2007PR/releases/1719.asp

ODOD press release, 2/26/07: JOB CREATION TAX CREDITS APPROVED FOR BUSINESS EXPANSION Projects Expected to Generate $380 Million in Investments to Ohio's Economy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2007 Columbus, OH -- Lt. Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Tax Credit Authority has approved Job Creation Tax Credits for companies involved in business location or expansion projects that, if located in Ohio, are expected to contribute $380 million to Ohio's economy, retain 1,570 positions and create 1,553 family-supporting jobs. "In order to facilitate an economic turnaround, the State must partner with our communities and private sector to support growth and job creation," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "These projects represent the collaborative spirit among state and local government and the business community necessary to creating opportunities for Ohioans." InfoCision Management Corporation (InfoCision), located in Austintown Township (Mahoning County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its teleservices operation. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $82,054 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. InfoCision began in 1982 as a three-person organization functioning primarily as a telephone-marketing consultant to Christian organizations. Today, InfoCision operates 27 call centers at 12 locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, employing approximately 3,400 people. The company is a leading provider of outbound and inbound marketing services for nonprofit, religious, political and commercial organizations, and raises more money for nonprofit organizations than any other vendor in the world. The company proposes to expand its existing 23,710 square-foot facility by 1,290 square-feet, and construct a 6,500 square-foot building adjacent to the current facility. The company will invest $2.5 million building construction and renovation and $1.5 million in furniture and fixtures. The facilities will be used for teleservices operations including inbound and outbound telephone marketing, volunteer recruitment, e-commerce and e-business solutions, and full service Internet, letter shop and product fulfillment services. Ohio is in competition with Pennsylvania and West Virginia for this $4 million project, which is expected to create 80 jobs and retain 395 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. InfoCision Management Corporation (InfoCision), to be located in Gallopolis (Galia County) has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its teleservices operation. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $48,207 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. InfoCision began in 1982 as a three-person organization functioning primarily as a telephone-marketing consultant to Christian organizations. Today, InfoCision operates 27 call centers at 12 locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, employing approximately 3,400 people The company is a leading provider of outbound and inbound marketing services for nonprofit, religious, political and commercial organizations, and raises more money for nonprofit organizations than any other vendor in the world. The company proposes to relocate operations to an existing 30,000 square-foot building to allow room for expansion, and make leasehold improvements to the building. The current, smaller facility is also located in Gallipolis, and all existing jobs will be moved to the new location. The company will invest $400,000 in leasehold improvements, $400,000 in machinery and equipment, and $300,000 in furniture and fixtures. The new facility and the original facility will be used for teleservices operations including inbound and outbound telephone marketing, volunteer recruitment, e-commerce and e-business solutions, and full service Internet, letter shop, and product fulfillment services. Ohio is in competition with Pennsylvania and West Virginia for this $1.1 million project, which is expected to create 47 jobs and retain 167 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. InfoCision Management Corporation (InfoCision), located in Boardman Township (Mahoning County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its teleservices operation. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $74,875 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. InfoCision began in 1982 as a three-person organization functioning primarily as a telephone-marketing consultant to Christian organizations. Today, InfoCision operates 27 call centers at 12 locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, employing approximately 3,400 people. The company is a leading provider of outbound and inbound marketing services for nonprofit, religious, political and commercial organizations, and raises more money for nonprofit organizations than any other vendor in the world. The company proposes to relocate two call center operations into a single, 10,260 square-foot facility and invest in new furniture and fixtures. Both current facilities are also located in the City of Boardman area, and all current jobs will be moved to the new facility. The facility will be used for teleservices operations including inbound and outbound telephone marketing, volunteer recruitment, e-commerce and e-business solutions, and full service Internet, letter shop, and product fulfillment services. Ohio is in competition with West Virginia and Pennsylvania for this $1.5 million project, which is expected to create 73 jobs and retain 135 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. InfoCision Management Corporation (InfoCision), located in Green (Summit County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its teleservices operation. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $76,926 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. InfoCision began in 1982 as a three-person organization functioning primarily as a telephone-marketing consultant to Christian organizations. Today, InfoCision operates 27 call centers at 12 locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, employing approximately 3,400 people. The company is a leading provider of outbound and inbound marketing services for nonprofit, religious, political and commercial organizations, and raises more money for nonprofit organizations than any other vendor in the world. The company proposes to make leasehold improvements to a 11,965 square-foot call center facility located adjacent to the company's current facility. The company will invest $150,000 in leasehold improvements, $300,000 in machinery and equipment and $250,000 in furniture and fixtures. The new facility and the company's original facility will be used for teleservices operations including inbound and outbound telephone marketing, volunteer recruitment, e-commerce and e-business solutions, and full service Internet, letter shop, and product fulfillment services. Ohio is in competition with West Virginia and Pennsylvania for this $700,000 project, which is expected to create 75 jobs and retain 169 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. MilAir LLC (MilAir), to be located in Miami Township (Clermont County), has been awarded a 35 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its thermal products manufacturing facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $71,931 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. MilAir was founded in 2006 in Chesterfield, Michigan and specializes in the design and manufacturing of heating and cooling devices used for numerous military applications including extreme weather conditions. The company is leasing an 8,000 square-foot facility that will be used for the manufacturing of thermal products for the military industry. The company proposes to expand into additional facilities and invest $500,000 in new machinery and equipment, $20,000 in furniture and fixtures, $162,480 in leasehold improvements and $15,000 in on-site infrastructure improvements. Ohio is in competition with Michigan for this $697,480 project, which is expected to create 30 jobs and retain three positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Rieter Automotive North America, Inc. (Rieter), located in Oregon (Lucas County), has been awarded a 40 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to expand its manufacturing facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $220,888 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Rieter was founded in Switzerland in 1795 and is a leading supplier of products and services for the textile, automotive and plastics industries. Rieter is comprised of two divisions; Rieter Textile Systems develops and produces machinery and integrated systems for converting fibers and plastics into yarns, non-wovens and pellets. In partnership with automotive manufacturers, Rieter Automotive Systems, the second division, develops and produces components, modules, and integrated systems on the basis of fibers, plastics, and metals in order to provide acoustic comfort and thermal insulation in motor vehicles. The company proposes to expand existing operations with the renovation of its 150,000 square-foot building, construction of a 4,000 square-foot addition to the building, and the purchase a new manufacturing line for installation. The renovated facility will be used to manufacture fiber padding and floor carpet/insulator assemblies for the automotive industry. Ohio is in competition with another state for this $6 million project, which is expected to create 80 jobs and retain 155 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Rieter is planning to make a formal announcement regarding their investment on March 9. Bare Escentuals Beauty, Inc. (Bare Escentuals), to be located in Obetz (Franklin County), has been awarded a 45 percent tax credit for a five-year term to establish a distribution facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $356,816 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. Bare Escentuals is based in San Francisco, California and develops, markets and sells cosmetics, skin care, and body care products under its i.d. bareMinerals, i.d. RareMinerals and Bare Escentuals brands, and professional skin care products under its md formulations brand. Bare Escentuals is one of the fastest growing prestige cosmetic companies in the United States and a leader in mineral-based cosmetics. The company proposes to lease a 300,000 square foot-facility and invest $246,000 in site infrastructure costs, $3.5 million for the acquisition of new machinery and equipment, and approximately $276,000 in other project related costs. The facility will be utilized as a regional distribution facility for the distribution of the company's cosmetic products to customers, retailers, and company boutiques located in the Midwest, Southern and Eastern United States. Ohio is in competition with Kentucky for this more than $3.7 million project, which is expected to create 217 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Insurance.com, Inc. (Insurance.com), located in Solon (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded a 45 percent tax credit for a five-year term to expand its current facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $235,104 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. Insurance.com enables consumers to instantly compare and buy competitive auto insurance quotes directly from more than a dozen leading insurance carriers. Other products offered by the company include life, health, and home insurance as well as travel, dental, and pet health insurance. The company proposes to lease an existing 70,000 square-foot building near its current facility and invest $630,000 in leasehold improvements, $500,000 in machinery and equipment, $510,000 in furniture and fixtures and $160,000 in fees. The facility will be used to service rapidly growing sales demand. Ohio is in competition with Texas, Nevada and Florida for this $1.86 million project, which is expected to create 131 jobs and retain 208 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations. ValueCare Pharmacy, LLC (ValueCare), located in Brecksville (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded a 45 percent tax credit for a five-year term to establish a closed-door pharmacy operation. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $342,236 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. ValueCare will be an institutional pharmacy and is being formed to provide traditional institutional pharmacy services to various types of skilled nursing facilities. Institutional pharmacies are specially licensed and designed pharmacy dispensing operations that serve the needs of patients in various types of skilled nursing facilities. ValueCare will replace a current Kentucky-based national pharmacy vendor resulting in improved service to ValueCare's Ohio customers. ValueCare will then expand its operations to serve other customers both inside and outside Ohio. The company proposes to lease and renovate an existing 14,000 square-foot building and invest in new machinery and equipment. The facility will be used as a closed-door pharmacy to service ValueCare's client base. This $518,300 project is expected to create 46 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Fostoria Ethanol, LLC, to be located in Fostoria (Seneca 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 $129,413 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Fostoria Ethanol is partnering with the Broin (Broin) Companies and Broin and Associates, the design/build side of the business which has designed and constructed 25 operating ethanol plants, with nine more currently under construction. Currently, Broin manages, produces, and markets nearly 1 billion gallons of ethanol annually, which makes them the second largest ethanol producer in the United States. The company proposes to purchase new machinery and equipment and nearly 250 acres, and construct an ethanol production facility. The 50,000 square-foot facility will produce up 60 million gallons of ethanol per year. Ohio is in competition with Indiana and Michigan for this $130 million project, which is expected to create 41 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Marion Ethanol, LLC, 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 $129,413 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Marion Ethanol is partnering with the Broin (Broin) Companies and Broin and Associates, the design/build side of the business which has designed and constructed 22 operating ethanol plants, with nine more currently under construction. Currently, Broin manages, produces, and markets nearly 1 billion gallons of ethanol annually, which makes them the second largest ethanol producer in the United States. The company proposes to purchase new machinery and equipment and nearly 200 acres, and construct an ethanol production facility. The 50,000 square-foot facility will produce up 60 million gallons of ethanol per year. Ohio is in competition with Indiana and Michigan for this $130 million project, which is expected to create 41 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Steed Hammond Paul Inc. (Steed Hammond), to be located in the Cincinnati region at a site to be determined, has been awarded a 55 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to establish a new design facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $222,156 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. Steed Hammond was established in 1901 and is a full service architectural firm with offices in the cities of Cincinnati, Hamilton, and Grove City. The company provides design services in the areas of Architecture, Engineering, Planning, Interior Design, Construction Administration, Strategic Facility Management and Sustainable Design to both the public and private sectors. Its projects range in size from tenant fit-up work for developers to multi-million dollar educational facilities. The company is considering leasing a facility of undetermined size to consolidate a Steed facility in the city of Hamilton and another facility in Cincinnati. If the company moves forward with this project in the Cincinnati region, the new facility would provide design services such as architecture, engineering, planning, interior design, construction administration and strategic facility management. Ohio is in competition with Kentucky for this $993,340 project, which is expected to create 20 jobs and retain 68 positions within the first four years of the project's initial operations. Whirlpool Corporation & Penske Logistics, LLC, to be located in Columbus (Franklin County), has been awarded a 60 percent tax credit for a five-year term to establish a distribution facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $749,597 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. Penske Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing, which was founded in 1969. Penske Logistics became a division of Penske Truck Leasing in 1995 with its acquisition of Leaseway Logistics and has become one of the world's leading providers of logistics, transportation and distribution services. Global corporations such as the Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation and Whirlpool have teamed with Penske Logistics to reduce supply chain costs, increase market share, and improve profitability. Whirlpool and Penske Logistics have worked closely to maximize the use and transition of existing facilities as well as developing new facilities to achieve an optimal network design for Whirlpool. The companies propose to establish a 1.5 million square-foot Regional Distribution Center that will be one of 10 located throughout the United States, and one of five that handles both high and low volume products. Whirlpool will own the new facility, and Penske Logistics will act as the third party logistics company for Whirlpool. At this center, appliances in bulk will be received from various Whirlpool manufacturing facilities, stored and shipped out as orders are received. Penske Logistics will create 199 new jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations and Whirlpool will relocate and backfill 70 full-time employees from its Clyde facility. Ohio is in competition with Kentucky and Iowa for this more than $75 million project. Zyvex Performance Materials (Zyvex), to be located in Columbus (Franklin County), has been awarded a 60 percent tax credit for five-year term to expand its headquarters and research and development operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $856,745 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. Zyvex is a spin-off of Zyvex Corporation, which was founded in 1997. Zyvex is the leading nano-technology company providing tools and instrumentation to the semi-conductor and research and education markets. In addition to being the first commercial molecular nanotechnology company, Zyvex was the first to provide carbon nanotube (CNT) powered products to the marketplace. Zyvex's performance materials serve customers in the aerospace, defense, automotive, and energy markets while its patent technology has been incorporated with customers who are sporting goods manufacturers. The company proposes to relocate and expand its headquarters and research and development operations with investments of $500,000 leasehold improvements, $2.3 million in machinery and equipment, and $200,000 for furniture and fixtures. The facility will be used for administration, research and development and limited manufacturing. Ohio is in competition with South Dakota and Texas for this $3 million project, which is expected to create 97 jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operations. Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), which is considering a site in Beavercreek (Greene County) and has been awarded a 65 percent tax credit for a seven-year term to relocate and expand its facility should the company go forward with this project. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $5,421,390 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years. CSC is the world's third largest provider of Information Technology (IT) services. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, CSC provides outsourcing and technology services, system design and integration, and IT and management consulting services. CSC serves a wide range of industries including aerospace and defense; chemical and energy; financial services; government; health services; retail; and travel and transportation. The company proposes to invest $5.6 million for a building lease and leasehold improvements and $1 million for the purchase new machinery and equipment. The 135,000 square-foot facility would house CSC's operations to support servicing of the U.S. Air Force's ECSS contract at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. ECSS will retire more than 400 legacy information systems in support of the Air Force Expeditionary Logistics for the 21st Century, the Air Force's commitment to increase weapon system availability, reduce operating costs and improve fighter capabilities. CSC's facility would be utilized to provide outsourcing and technology services, system design and integration, and IT and management consulting services to support the ECSS contract, as well as providing space for future private and government IT services. Ohio is in competition with Kentucky and Washington, D.C. for this more than $6.6 million project, which is expected to create 350 jobs and retain 200 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/2007PR/releases/1709.asp