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.

Battelle Executive Shares Personal Story about Ohio in Wall Street Journal

Pick up today’s Wall Street Journal and turn to page A21 to read how Ohio’s unique culture of collaboration led to the personal and professional success of Barbara Kunz, president of Battelle’s Health and Life Sciences Global Business.

Battelle’s Health and Life Sciences Global Business delivers comprehensive R&D services – solving complex challenges in the biotechnology, medical device, pharmaceutical and public health sectors.

“In Ohio, I am able to work with others to grow my business and still have time to grow my garden,” said Barbara.

Battelle is supported by AEP Ohio - its preferred energy partner. AEP Ohio has a stake in Ohio’s economic vitality, providing competitive and reliable electricity to thousands of businesses committed to Ohio as the prime location to grow and prosper.

Battelle’s location in Ohio proves that scientific discovery thrives in the heart of the Midwest, where practical innovation is hard at work. Ohio offers Battelle renowned hospitals, research centers and manufacturing facilities working together to develop new advances in bioscience.

Click here to find out more about how Barbara achieves perfect work-life balance in Ohio.

Ohio Executive Discusses Perfect Work:Life Balance in Wall Street Journal

Pick up today’s Wall Street Journal and turn to page A7 to read about how Ohio executives achieve quality family moments without sacrificing business ambitions.

Jim Cahill is president of Kimble Manufacturing Company, which makes high-technology concrete mixers for construction and oversized custom chassis for a wide variety of industries

“In Ohio, I’ve been able to grow my company beyond its original business model and have time to enjoy my family. I sleep easy knowing my staff enjoys their lives here as much as I do,” said Jim.

Kimble Manufacturing is supported by AEP Ohio - its preferred energy partner. AEP Ohio has a stake in Ohio’s economic vitality, providing competitive and reliable electricity to thousands of businesses committed to the Buckeye State as the prime location to grow and prosper.

The company benefits from Ohio’s talented workforce and cooperation among government and other businesses. And the state provided the company with low-interest loans and investment grants.

Click here to find out more about how Jim achieves perfect work:life balance in Ohio.

Wall Street Journal Features Ohio’s Perfect Work:Life Balance

Check out page A9 of today’s Wall Street Journal to read about why Ohio executive Brian Klink left the hustle and bustle of the Beltway for Ohio allowing him to succeed professionally and have more time for family. Brian is operations manager of Hydrodec North America, a provider of advanced oil and chemical process technology, products and services.

Hydrodec, is supported by AEP Ohio - its preferred energy partner. AEP Ohio has a stake in the state’s economic vitality, providing competitive and reliable electricity to thousands of businesses committed to Ohio as the prime location to grow and prosper.

“A 10-minute commute has its benefits. At the end of the work day, I don’t waste any time getting home to enjoy life with my family,” said Brian.

Generous incentives from the Ohio government support Hydrodec, as well as logistical pluses, like being within 600 miles of 60 percent of the U.S. population. An added bonus was the chance to bring new life to a brownfield–important for a company focused on sustainability.

Click here to find out more about Brian’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.