Ohio Recognized as National Leader for Business Development and Jo...( State wins Area Development Silver ...)

State wins Area Development Silver Shovel Award for significant boost to

economy

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Ohio's ability to attract multi-million dollar business development projects is being recognized by Area Development magazine, which awarded the state with its 2008 Silver Shovel Award. The Silver Shovel is awarded to states that have generated top job-creation and capital investment projects and are highly active in business development initiatives. Ohio was one of only two states in the nation with populations greater than 10 million to receive the Silver Shovel Award.

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"This recognition highlights the continued collaborations with our partners across the state that help drive Ohio's economy and stimulate future growth," said Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We had many important achievements in 2007 in the areas of business and industry attraction, community and urban development, and innovation and technology. The hard work of our community and business partners is crucial to our economic growth and is what makes Ohio a state of great strength and promise."

The magazine highlights several of the state's 2007 capital investment and business successes, including Amylin Pharmaceuticals' expansion of its manufacturing operation in West Chester, Ohio; PCC Airfoils' new manufacturing facility for aircraft engine turbines in Painesville, Ohio; and Avon Products' new $115 million distribution center in Washington Township that will handle distribution for 50 percent of its U.S. sales. The three projects combined are expected to create 1,150 jobs.

According to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investme
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