February 21, 200817 yr I think that Ohio needs to do a better job of attracting alternative companies to steel mills. I'm hoping the Strickland's green initiatives do more to bring more environmentally-friendly companies into the mix, but until then, who knows? Again, I'm the last one who wants people to miss out on jobs. I just think the state needs to start providing better opportunities than it has been. Also, what's wrong with getting a higher education?
February 21, 200817 yr When property taxes were tied to education, areas like Portsmouth and New Boston had some of the worst school districts in Ohio because property values stagnated and declined throughout the area. They were vastly underfunded for many years, and the buildings were not replaced until just very recently -- thanks in part due to an overhaul of the education funding method that no longer relies solely on property taxes. And when education costs $$$ and jobs are not aplenty, going to even Shawnee State is very difficult. And just because you have a higher education doesn't equate it to having a good paying job, especially in southern Ohio.
February 21, 200817 yr And the whole European dab is not related to Infra-Metals, an Atlanta-based steel company, that is putting a sizeable facility in New Boston.
February 21, 200817 yr Jpop(tart), you keep saying that and yet you relocated? Right? I say that because I want you to look at things from the EMPLOYEES point of view. In certain areas, you can't change the "industry" of the local economy overnight, especially when there has never been a thought as to "what happens if the company closes?" from many of the leaders/developers/company's that are in those areas. Many of those people are of the mindset, that I'll always be able to find "another job" and have never had a true "career" path. When there isn't much diversity in the local industry, ther is very little you do to change it overnight, especially when your state and local governments have failed to help you diversify for decades. Most of the people in that area of the state are barely high school grads or if they have been working, are of a "certain age" and unable (financially) or unwilling to advance their education.
February 21, 200817 yr I think that Ohio needs to do a better job of attracting alternative companies to steel mills. I'm hoping the Strickland's green initiatives do more to bring more environmentally-friendly companies into the mix, but until then, who knows? Again, I'm the last one who wants people to miss out on jobs. I just think the state needs to start providing better opportunities than it has been. Also, what's wrong with getting a higher education? True, and hopefully Ohio becomes a hot bed for alternative energy jobs in the future (if the Ohio leg. makes the right decisions) but again part of the allure is that it has the manufacturing infrastructure and former workers to make it work. In the meantime it would be stupid for Ohio not to try to snag companies currently looking for manufacturing facilities (for these very reasons)...
February 21, 200817 yr Jpop(tart), you keep saying that and yet you relocated? Right? I say that because I want you to look at things from the EMPLOYEES point of view. In certain areas, you can't change the "industry" of the local economy overnight, especially when there has never been a thought as to "what happens if the company closes?" from many of the leaders/developers/company's that are in those areas. Many of those people are of the mindset, that I'll always be able to find "another job" and have never had a true "career" path. When there isn't much diversity in the local industry, ther is very little you do to change it overnight, especially when your state and local governments have failed to help you diversify for decades. Most of the people in that area of the state are barely high school grads or if they have been working, are of a "certain age" and unable (financially) or unwilling to advance their education. Not to belabor my point (I know we're going slightly off topic by keeping this up), but the reason I left is exactly for the reasons I mentioned. I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in a dead-end manufacturing job, yet the fields that I am interested in are not afforded in Ohio because Ohio has a stigma that it is largely an industrial/agricultural state .. which it is! This stigma (and its citizens' comfort zones) stop progressive businesses from even considering to do business there .. and I'm not just talking about green manufacturing businesses. Until a more progressive business/creative environment begins to shape up in Cleveland AT LARGE, I won't seriously consider moving back. It would be too difficult, and I think I would feel forced to cater to people's whims and water down what I want to do. That's the last thing I want to happen. I want to be free to do what I want to do as a graphic designer. But considering the general climate in Cleveland and Ohio at large, I doubt that would happen. I guess I just want things that most people in Ohio don't want, which is clear by a lot of the comments made here, and which is why I left, MTS. There isn't anything wrong with that .. it's just different, and not something I want. Again, I apologize for veering off-topic.
February 21, 200817 yr I want to be free to do what I want to do as a graphic designer. But considering the general climate in Cleveland and Ohio at large, I doubt that would happen. ? http://www.digiknow.com I feel this attitude is an exaggeration (and somewhat misconception about Cleveland), but then again, although I am into art, I am anything but an artist, so maybe that is why I have that view. Mayday?
February 21, 200817 yr I understand. Maybe it is, for a city of Cleveland's size and status. But when you compare NYC's design work to Cleveland's, the two don't nearly compare. At least, in my opinion they don't. I personally prefer to be in an environment that encourages the type of work that I see in larger, much more forward thinking design communities like NYC or Chicago (another city I'm considering relocating to).
February 21, 200817 yr Not to belabor my point (I know we're going slightly off topic by keeping this up), but the reason I left is exactly for the reasons I mentioned. I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in a dead-end manufacturing job, yet the fields that I am interested in are not afforded in Ohio because Ohio has a stigma that it is largely an industrial/agricultural state .. which it is! This stigma (and its citizens' comfort zones) stop progressive businesses from even considering to do business there .. and I'm not just talking about green manufacturing businesses. Until a more progressive business/creative environment begins to shape up in Cleveland AT LARGE, I won't seriously consider moving back. It would be too difficult, and I think I would feel forced to cater to people's whims and water down what I want to do. That's the last thing I want to happen. I want to be free to do what I want to do as a graphic designer. But considering the general climate in Cleveland and Ohio at large, I doubt that would happen. I guess I just want things that most people in Ohio don't want, which is clear by a lot of the comments made here, and which is why I left, MTS. There isn't anything wrong with that .. it's just different, and not something I want. Again, I apologize for veering off-topic. I have a proposal for every negative you can list. No there isn't anything wrong with moving for a career, hell I did it, but, I am an Ohio resident and my taxes are paid in Ohio [except around September when I'm double whammied because I've reached a cap and I have to pay NYC/NYS taxes..... :whip: ], and my check is deposited into a Cleveland bank. The folks on this board - if any people - know that we have a diverse economy that is changing. Cleveland's accounting, Banking, Insurance, law, R&D, Medical fields are some of the finest in the country and expanding. Sports marketing and management. However, its ironic that we can't fill some "white collar jobs", yet you think our state is labeled "industrial waste". Cleveland City and Metro Cinci both are both cities boasting fortune 500s HQ's & Regional offices. It would be too difficult, and I think I would feel forced to cater to people's whims and water down what I want to do. That's the last thing I want to happen. I want to be free to do what I want to do as a graphic designer. Honestly, I think that is BS. :-o Ask the graphic designers on UrbanOhio. I know your heart is in the right place, but what you want, is things to happen now and that is a gut/emotional reaction not reality. Immediate change, doesn't happen in corporate America when you've got a board and shareholders to answer to. I understand. Maybe it is, for a city of Cleveland's size and status. But when you compare NYC's design work to Cleveland's, the two don't nearly compare. At least, in my opinion they don't. I personally prefer to be in an environment that encourages the type of work that I see in larger, much more forward thinking design communities like NYC or Chicago (another city I'm considering relocating to). Here we go again :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:, you cannot compare NYC's work force or various trades to any other domestic city. Again, what cities have you lived in to see this working dynamic first hand?? Remember the grass is not always greener. I'm trying to get you to look at both sides of the equation. I'm taking into consideration that you are from the "instant gratification" generation.
February 21, 200817 yr First off, I've never labeled Ohio as industrial waste, and I resent the fact that you imply me as having said so. We'll just have to agree to disagree. I don't think you get where I'm coming from at all. I have found very few design companies in Cleveland that I would want to work for at all. That's not ego or me thinking I as a designer am better than anyone; I just want to work for a company that I don't want to have to settle for. I want the absolute best. I don't apologize for that. The reason being is that Cleveland's design aesthetics and NYC's are very different. You're right. I can't compare NYC's work force or trades to any other city. In my field, graphic design, NYC is home to some of the best creative minds IN THE WORLD. I can't say that for Cleveland at the moment; in fact, compared to NYC, Cleveland's design is sub-par, which is WHY I'M HERE AND NOT IN CLEVELAND. Will this change? I don't know. But I wouldn't even consider Cleveland until I could see that it is. I'm not in a medical field. I'm not even in what I would consider a white collar field, really. If I were, maybe I would consider Cleveland. But I want to work with the best design companies so that I myself can create the best design I can possibly create. I won't get that by settling with Cleveland. I would like to continue this in a PM session with you, if you want to discuss this further. I don't feel it's appropriate to continue this line of discussion further here on this thread as it's completely off topic, and I won't respond to anything regarding this here.
February 22, 200817 yr If you're asking me, I'm 29. By the way, MTS, I apologize for the harshness of my tone in my last post yesterday. I didn't mean to be harsh, and I wasn't angry. I realize it could've come across that way; my bluntness often does.
February 22, 200817 yr If you're asking me, I'm 29. By the way, MTS, I apologize for the harshness of my tone in my last post yesterday. I didn't mean to be harsh, and I wasn't angry. I realize it could've come across that way; my bluntness often does. Harsh?? Please.....my eight year old niece is harsh. You were just emotional. Living in the Bronx has affected you in more ways than one! :evil:
February 22, 200817 yr Hahaha .. just wanted to make sure we're cool and that I have the deepest respect for you, regardless of how passionate I might get. :)
February 22, 200817 yr Hahaha .. just wanted to make sure we're cool and that I have the deepest respect for you, regardless of how passionate I might get. :) and don't ever forget it! Whippersnapper!
February 23, 200817 yr Ohio EPA sets hearing on MMK status By Frank Lewis, Portsmouth Daily Times, February 21, 2008 Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled a public information session and public hearing concerning an application by New Steel International (MMK Americas) to lower water quality in an area of wetlands in Franklin Furnace.
February 27, 200817 yr I heard from a contractor that SunCoke is DOUBLING its operations. 100 original ovens, just expanded with another 100. Now 200 new ovens planned. Possibly for Magnitogorsk...
March 22, 200817 yr EPA hears from public on MMK By Mark Shaffer, The Ironton Tribune, March 21, 2008 FRANKLIN FURNACE — It was a packed gymnasium at the Green Elementary School on Thursday night for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency hearing on the draft air and wastewater permits for a proposed billion dollar steel mini-mill in Haverhill.
April 1, 200817 yr EPA, MMK hearing set for April 8 By Ryan Scott Ottney, Portsmouth Daily Times, March 28, 2008 Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced the date of its second public hearing, April 8, regarding permit applications from New Steel International Inc. - a Russian steel company owned by MMK Steel.
April 10, 200817 yr EPA hearing has light turnout By Mark Shaffer, Ironton Tribune, April 9, 2008 FRANKLIN FURNACE — The gymnasium at the Green Primary School in Franklin Furnace was sparsely filled as the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency conducted another public hearing about a proposed billion dollar steel mini-mill in Haverhill.
May 8, 200817 yr MMK site permits OK'd by EPA By G. Sam Piatt, Portsmouth Daily Times, May 6, 2008 It's sounding more and more like the Russians are coming. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has approved air and wastewater permits for New Steel International's (MMK Americas) steel mill proposed for the Franklin Furnace/Haverhill area.
May 22, 200817 yr Niehaus: New Steel to get $4M in grants By Ryan Scott Ottney, Portsmouth Daily Times, May 21, 2008 State Sen. Tom Niehaus, R-New Richmond, announced on Monday, the Ohio Controlling Board has approved $4 million in grants to support the proposed expansion of New Steel International Inc., into Green Township. These funds will be used to assist the company in purchasing machinery and infrastructure improvements, as well as lead to the creation of nearly 530 new jobs.
June 5, 200817 yr EPA issues final permits to New Steel By Ryan Scott Ottney, Portsmouth Daily Times, June 4, 2008 The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday, it has issued a final permit and certification to New Steel International Inc., (MMK Americas) related to stream and wetland impacts.
August 11, 200816 yr Steel plant to locate in Hanging Rock Company could bring 50-60 new jobs By T.W. Allen, Portsmouth Daily Times, August 7, 2008 Georgia-based Chatham Steel Corp. has announced it will build a new multi-million dollar distribution center in Hanging Rock in Lawrence County. The company reportedly has been looking for a site in the region for the past couple of years. Company officials have reached an agreement to purchase in excess of 12 acres in Hamilton Township, located between Duke Energy and Rumpke recycling plant. The distribution center the company plans to build, which is valued at $7.5 million, which will have the ability for minor fabrication. Along with the center will come what is estimated to be between 50 and 60 jobs to the area. A number of steel companies have looked at the area recently, and Chatham Steel is the second steel company to commit to building in the area. Infra-metals has committed to building a multi-million dollar facility in New Boston. There also is the ever-growing possibility of Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works/New Steel International locating in the area, which would bring a significant investment to the area and a number of jobs.
August 28, 200816 yr Some insider news... October 2009: Bidding to start on the rebuilding of the Amanda Furnace at AK Steel's Ashland Works. October 2010: Amanda Furnace to be rebuilt. Completely torn down to the hearth and rebuilt. The blast furnace is currently on its last legs. The furnace's lining is nearly completely worn, and hasn't been relined in 15-20 years; patchworking has led to some near disasters. The furnace is being rebuilt to increase capacity, and to compete with Magnitogorsk.
October 14, 200816 yr MMK offered state incentives By T.W. Allen, Portsmouth Daily Times, October 2, 2008 Local and state officials are optimistic about the possibilities of Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works locating in Scioto County. MMK reportedly has been offered state incentives to locate here.
October 23, 200816 yr Got word today that this project is now on hold due to the depressing economy in the United States. Furthermore, there were around 70 pig-iron blast furnaces that remain as of 2007 -- furnaces that produce a high volume of steel, more so than electric arc. By the end of the year, around 6 will remain in operation; the rest will be put into stand-by status due to the economy. AK Steel is having severe issues with their Middletown, OH blast furnace. Their Ashland, KY furnace (Amanda) is aging and needs a complete relining, and it is expected that the furnace will be shut off and completely relined and partially rebuilt between 2009 and 2010. The other furnace at Ashland was the Bellefonte, and was mothballed in the late 1990s. It was partially dismantled earlier this year so that it could be possibly rebuilt in the future, but they are now imploding the remaining and giving up. Their stock price has plunged from a 52-week high of 73.07 to a 52-week low of 9.39. It isn't much better right now. U.S. Steel? Plunged from 196 to 34.13, and it's just barely above that low right now. Alpha Natural Resources has crashed from 119.30 to 21.92, although its current price is slightly higher.
November 13, 200816 yr What does this mean for MMK? By G. Sam Piatt, Portsmouth Daily Times, November 13, 2008 Local officials say the decision by AK Steel to bank its blast furnace and furlough as many as 650 of its 700 hourly workers hopefully will have no effect on consideration of a Russian steel producer to build a new plant at Haverhill.
November 29, 200816 yr Scioto County plan is at risk as slowdown deepens, analyst says Saturday, November 29, 2008 3:04 AM By Dan Gearino THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Plans by a Russian company to build a $1 billion steel mill in Scioto County are becoming less certain in the face of the major economic slowdown sweeping the world, an industry analyst said. http://dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/11/29/russian_steel.ART_ART_11-29-08_C10_H3C2KDT.html?sid=101
January 3, 200916 yr Company honored for work at SunCoke plant in Haverhill The Tribune, December 29, 2008 An Ohio Construction company has been recognized by the state for its work at a local industrial site. Kokosing Construction Company, of Fredricktown, received a Move Ohio Award from the Ohio Contractors Association, for its work at the Haverhill North Coke Company in Haverhill. Kokosing won for best construction practices in the over $20 million category, in performing Phase 1 of the Haverhill North Coke project and to successfully complete Phase 2 for Tennessee-based SunCoke Energy Inc. Phase 2 included 100 coke ovens, five heat recovery steam generators, a flue gas desulphurization system and a 64-megawatt steam turbine generator. Kokosing performed nearly 100 percent of the project, which included more than 500 personnel working on the 266-acre site. More than 1.4-million hours of trade labor was used on the project.
May 26, 200916 yr Got word today that Magnitogorsk is putting its Scioto County steel mill plans on hold right now due to a massive glut of capacity as a result of the downturn in the economy. Doesn't surprise me. AK Steel's Ashland Works, only 20 minutes away, is down below 30% capacity and will be undergoing its second hot-idle this year alone. AK Steel's Middletown Works is hovering around 40% capacity, and will be taking Ashland's load.
August 12, 200915 yr Proposed steel mill down, but not out New Steel International continues plans to build Haverhill facility By Jim Sullivan, The Tribune, June 17, 2009 GREEN TOWNSHIP — Plans to build a proposed $1 billion steel mill along the eastern edge of Scioto County are still alive, even with a sour economy, a weakening demand for product and the mill’s original financial backing drying up, a leading Scioto County official said Tuesday.
May 13, 201015 yr Russian steel-plant project unlikely to proceed Plans for plant in southern Ohio had been announced with fanfare 3 years ago Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:49 PM By Dan Gearino THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH A Russian steel firm appears unlikely to build a new plant in southern Ohio, marking what may be a quiet end to a project that was announced with fanfare three years ago. "I'm not saying the project is dead, but unless circumstances change it is not likely they will proceed," said Gov. Ted Strickland, speaking to American Metal Market, a trade publication. He told the publication this was "a major disappointment." Full story at: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/05/13/southern-ohio-russian-steel-plant-unlikely-to-be-built.html?sid=101
Create an account or sign in to comment