Ohio’s Export Growth Focus of Global Summit

Today Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland recognized the contributions of 27 Ohio export leaders at the Ohio Global Summit, an event sharing successful strategies for global trade by Ohio-based international business experts, for their contributions to the state’s performance as a leading U.S. export economy.

Ohio's export industry grew by nearly 7 percent in 2008, to $45.5 billion. Global trade supports nearly 300,000 jobs in the state – and more than 11,000 Ohio companies distribute goods to well over 200 countries around the world. Ohio is the seventh-largest exporting state in the country, and the only state in the nation to see export growth for 10 years in a row.

Two companies were recognized as Exporter of the Year: Mansfield pump manufacturer Gorman-Rupp Pumps in the Large Business category and Fremont industrial matting and foam manufacturer Ludlow Composites Corporation of Fremont.

Ohio’s global export prominence speaks to the state’s manufacturing strengths, logistics capabilities, skilled workforce, and competitive business environment. The state has redesigned business climate and world-class transportation infrastructure allows businesses in any industry – including international trade - to be globally successful.