Economic Developers Discuss New Paradigms of Business Development

Ohio is hosting the world's largest gathering of economic development professionals at the International Economic Development Council's Annual Conference this week through Wednesday in Columbus, Ohio. The conference will explore new paradigms of economic development, including new tools, new uses, new ventures and new directions.

Keynote speakers from Ohio are Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee, J.D., Ed.D., American Electric Power Co., Inc. Chairman, President and CEO Michael G. Morris, Scotts Miracle-Gro CEO and Chairman of the Board James Hagedorn and Crane Group President and CEO Tanny Crane.

The conference includes six "mobile workshops" incorporating tours of central Ohio projects:

1. "Living on top of the Old Margarine Factory and other Dirty Redevelopment Stories," which covers:

• Grandview Yard, a mixed-use development on the site of a former grocery chain headquarters.
• Harrison Park, a former margarine factory converted to single-family homes, lofts and flats.
• The former site of Columbus Coated Fabrics, which is being redeveloped into apartments and condos.
• The Creekside development in Gahanna, home to recreational facilities, public spaces and a mixed-use development.

2. "Rural Focus - Union County," which showcases how agriculture is creating jobs and investment in rural America through tours of:

• Univenture, an Algae research and technology center.
• Springdale Perch Farm.
• Select Sires, an international superior bovine genetics production facility.

3. "Technology and Higher Education," which examines some of the reasons Forbes named Columbus the no.1 Up and Coming Tech City in 2008 through tours of:

• The Ohio Supercomputer Center, established in 1987 to provide supercomputing, research and education resources.
• TechColumbus, which has nurtured 111 emerging technology businesses that have created 665 jobs with an average salary of $65,000.
• Dublin Entrepreneurial Center (DEC) in Dublin's 1,300-acre Innovation Park.

4. The "Rickenbacker," which explores the international cargo airport, multi-modal logistics hub, charter passenger terminal and U.S. Foreign Trade zone on the site of the former Rickenbacker Air Force Base.

5. The "Honda of America," which includes a visit to the facility 25 minutes northwest of Columbus that has evolved from a motorcycle plant employing 64 associates in 1979 to become Ohio's top vehicle manufacturer, producing almost $20 billion in products annually.

6. "Bringing Life Back to Downtown Columbus," which explores Columbus Downtown Development Corporation projects, including:

• The Arena District – a 75-acre mixed-use site on the former location of the Ohio Penitentiary.
• The $44 million Scioto Mile riverfront renovation project.
• The 23-acre River South District project, which is creating an urban neighborhood of lofts, condos and apartments.
• The $2 million urban street revitalization project on historic Gay Street.

These are only a few of the projects that demonstrate how Ohio is proactively redesigning the state's business climate to be the ideal location for the 21st century. In fact, Site Selection magazine has awarded four consecutive Governor's Cups to Ohio for leading the nation in new and expanded capital development projects. Business executives continue investing in Ohio because the state offers a work-life balance unlike anywhere else.

For more information about IEDC visit www.iedconline.org.

Ohio Executive Finds His Perfect Balance: Jim Tennant, Ohio Coatings

As president of Ohio Coatings Company, a $200 million tin plate steel business, Jim Tennant gives credit to Ohio -- for allowing him to have professional success and make a true impact in his community.

Tennant is the latest business leader featured in the "State of Perfect Balance" Wall Street Journal ad campaign. The Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment, and AEP Ohio sponsor the ongoing ad campaign.

In addition to serving as both president and chief financial officer of the Ohio Coatings Company, Tennant achieves personal balance by lending his professional expertise to help enrich students' educational experience in his community. He currently serves as treasurer of three community school organizations and is helping to build a first-of-its-kind athletic stadium and sports facility at a local high school.

Watch a video of Jim here.

"The opportunity Ohio has given me is really a lifelong dream. To have this job, in this state, is what I've always wanted," Tennant said.

According to Tennant, Ohio's support – through tax abatements, low-interest loans and infrastructure improvement through the Ohio Department of Development – made the decision of locating his business in Ohio a simple one. After more than a decade of calling Ohio home, Ohio Coatings now provides the state with jobs, revenue and a profitable commodity.

Equally important to Ohio Coatings' success is its partnership with AEP Ohio, a company that shares a stake in the state's economic vitality. The preferred energy partner provides affordable and reliable electricity to thousands of Ohio businesses like Ohio Coatings, helping them compete on a national and international scale.

For Tennant, the "State of Perfect Balance" means a fulfilling career and helping today's youth fulfill their potential.

"Ohio has helped me achieve my dreams, but the best part of my success is the opportunity I have to help our kids achieve their dreams. I hope to finish my career here. I love my job, and I love helping my community."

The campaign can be viewed here.

Check out Ohio in Today’s Wall Street Journal

Pick up today’s Wall Street Journal to read about one Ohioan who worked his way from shop welder to company president. This Ohioan, Rick Griffith, is president of McGinnis Inc., one of the country’s leading providers of marine transportation equipment and repair to the river industry. Rick remarked, “The state of Ohio has given me the resources necessary to advance my career at McGinnis, starting as a welder 36 years ago, to my position today as president.”

McGinnis’ access to the largest inland river port in the country has kept business afloat in Ohio for the past century. McGinnis Inc., supported by AEP Ohio, has benefited from Ohio’s resources, like economic development grants, access to river transportation and some of the lowest utility rates in the country. These benefits have also helped Rick advance at McGinnis where he has spent his entire career.

Click here to find out more about Rick’s story in today’s Wall Street Journal.

Check out Ohio in Today’s Wall Street Journal

Pick up today’s Wall Street Journal to read about how Ohio executive Joe Hamrock successfully juggles his role as a corporate leader, musician and family man. Joe is president and chief operating officer of AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power and one of Ohio’s largest utilities.

Ohio is an ideal combination of natural resources, energy infrastructure and a highly educated workforce, carrying forward AEP Ohio into a future of innovation and quality customer service. AEP Ohio is the preferred energy partner for thousands of Ohio businesses. And, Ohio is the perfect fit for Joe and his family, combining excellent schools, limitless opportunities for family time and safe and beautiful neighborhoods to call home.

“Not many of us compartmentalize family into weekends and work into weekdays anymore. We’re all trying to fit it into 24 hours, and Ohio is the place to find that balance,” said Joe.

Click here to find out more about Joe’s story in today’s Wall Street Journal.