COLUMBUS (TDB) -- Ohioans now live in "The State of Perfect Balance." That's the new business development marketing slogan dreamed up to help awaken Ohio's economy from what seems to be a lengthy state of suspended animation over the past several years.
The new tag line does have a nice ring, a nice tone. It may not be a Perfect 10. Still, it does play off the state's assets, the balance between the shorelines of Lake Erie in the north and the Ohio River in the south. The agricultural plains of the corn belt and the Appalachian hills of the coal fields. The world class symphony orchestra known for the classics in Cleveland, and the rock hall built for guitar music popularized by working class musicians.
Then there is that whole balancing act between upstate and downstate -- the red counties and the blue counties, with the reddest band of geography in the Southwest corner and the bluest band in the Northeast. But the real intent of the slogan is probably to say that in Ohio you can balance life between work and play.
The State of Perfect Balance slogan does seem to work better than "Build Your Business. Love Your Life," which was rolled out last year when the branding drive was started. Both taglines are brainchilds of the Ohio Business Development Coalition, a state-funded economic development operation that was started by former Gov. Bob Taft. He hoped to put some chrome sparkle on the state's dull Rust Belt image. Former Lt. Gov. Bruce Johnson told Entrepreneur.com last year that the state hoped to get out from under the stigma of being stale and slow to adapt to innovation.
And, here's a list of state slogans that never made the cut. Ohio's new effort is an attempt to show it is an improved product.
Showing posts with label Economic Development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Economic Development. Show all posts
Monday, November 26, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Big Surprise In Cincinnati Enquirer's Council Picks: No Nod For Ex-Dem Mayor Qualls
CINCINNATI (TDB) -- The newspaper's city council endorsements are out online today, and it is supporting five Democrats, three Republicans and one third-party Charterite. The newspaper said it is not backing former Democratic Mayor Roxanne Qualls, who was appointed to a council seat last month and is running under the Charter label. Qualls is one of the most popular politicians in Cincinnati and is seen as a lock. Her sin in the eyes of the Enquirer's editorial board: She has dared to openly question plans for The Banks. The project is a nearly $1 billion office, shopping and residential development on the Ohio River downtown, and it is being subsidized with city, state and federal funds.But the Enquirer sniped that Quall's is opposing The Banks plan out of a "bruised ego." That remark is simply an inaccurate -- and mean-spirited -- reflection of her concerns. Qualls has questions rooted in economic, environmental and financial areas.
Qualls was mayor when the project on 18 acres between the football and baseball stadiums was conceived in the mid-1990s. It was supposed to be mixed use, with residential and shopping and dining etc., along with offices to enliven a fading downtown. Now the new plans are heavier on offices and Qualls is wondering if it will cannibalize the existing business district. The difficult real estate market, coupled with the Midwest's lousy economic climate, has made it tough to lease space in the central city where some 2.2 million square feet of office space already sits vacant. Qualls says that the tax-supported public subsidies that go into The Banks will harm investors who put money into downtown and must charge market rates that don't reflect government aid. Qualls isn't on the same page as the Enquirer's favorites, so she was snubbed:
"Smart, capable and experienced, former mayor Qualls knows policy inside-out as she demonstrated political savvy during her years on council. Just appointed to take Tarbell's place (Jim Tarbell, who resigned), she's running on a platform of helping to increase the city's tax base and grow its middle class. But in rejoining council after years away, she may be in a bit of a time warp. We find her recent efforts to undermine The Banks project particularly distressing. Her chief objections seem to be that the plan under consideration now differs from one she helped develop a decade ago. This is the city's most important development project. Opposing it on the the basis of a bruised ego is not acceptable."
Qualls was mayor when the project on 18 acres between the football and baseball stadiums was conceived in the mid-1990s. It was supposed to be mixed use, with residential and shopping and dining etc., along with offices to enliven a fading downtown. Now the new plans are heavier on offices and Qualls is wondering if it will cannibalize the existing business district. The difficult real estate market, coupled with the Midwest's lousy economic climate, has made it tough to lease space in the central city where some 2.2 million square feet of office space already sits vacant. Qualls says that the tax-supported public subsidies that go into The Banks will harm investors who put money into downtown and must charge market rates that don't reflect government aid. Qualls isn't on the same page as the Enquirer's favorites, so she was snubbed:
"Smart, capable and experienced, former mayor Qualls knows policy inside-out as she demonstrated political savvy during her years on council. Just appointed to take Tarbell's place (Jim Tarbell, who resigned), she's running on a platform of helping to increase the city's tax base and grow its middle class. But in rejoining council after years away, she may be in a bit of a time warp. We find her recent efforts to undermine The Banks project particularly distressing. Her chief objections seem to be that the plan under consideration now differs from one she helped develop a decade ago. This is the city's most important development project. Opposing it on the the basis of a bruised ego is not acceptable."
Note: Image from adblogarabia.com
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
International Pension Divestment In Ohio: What About Honda?
CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Japanese motor vehicle manufacturer HONDA apparently does some business in Iran through an affiliate. Two Ohio lawmakers plan to offer a bill that forbids state agencies from holding investments in companies that have dealings with terrorist states -- a designation that fits the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Is it possible the bill could do serious damage to Ohio's prospects of drawing in international corporations with far-flung affiliates and operations and units that trade around the globe? And is it possible companies that do nothing to help terrorists would get caught up in a bit of anti-Iranian legislation? For example, would the bill -- which has not yet been introduced -- risk damaging Ohio's close relationship with Honda, one of the state's corporate jewels? Would it mean that Ohio cannot invest in a major company with a major presence?
JMZ at Writes Like She Talks is following the issue. Right now, there seem to be more questions than answers. Whatever happens at the Statehouse must be sure to guarantee that it does not rip a hole in Ohio's economic development programs, or cast the state as negative on foreign investment. In a global economy, Ohio lawmakers must tread with caution.
In 2004, there was a gala that celebrated Honda's arrival and growth. Some of the details of the state's laudatory package follow:
"A recent study by Honda highlighted the economic impact of Honda in Ohio:
"Honda currently employs 16,000 Ohioans.
"Since 1979, Honda has invested $6.1 billion in its Ohio facilities.
"Honda purchases $7 billion in parts and materials from Ohio suppliers annually, $2 billion of which goes to Honda facilities in other states.
"There are 154 Honda suppliers in Ohio. There are Honda suppliers in 52 of 88 Ohio Counties
"Honda suppliers employ nearly 41,000 Ohioans."
Former Democratic Gov. Dick Celeste, who served from 1982-1990, took part in the 2004 fete, noted the importance of the economic relationship and pointed out that Ohio had invested heavily in Honda, an investment that paid off handsomely.
“Clearly, Honda has found success in Ohio and Ohio has found success in Honda. Ohio’s investments in Honda over the years have been repaid many times over.”
"Investments by the State include $27 million in direct incentives and $64.4 million in related roadwork improvements. For every dollar in direct incentives, Honda has invested $226 in its Ohio operations."
Bruce Johnson, who was economic development director under Bob Taft, also was effusive about the Tokyo-Ohio ties. His remarks:
"Honda is proof that strong relationships, targeted incentives and continual nurturing can combine to produce a significant return on investment. The presence and growth of Honda of America over the last 25 years is the perfect economic development success story, demonstrating how good things result from investing in good companies. Johnson called Honda’s decision to produce its new Acura SUV in Ohio good jobs news, pointing out that both the engine and transmission would also be produced in Ohio."
Is it possible the bill could do serious damage to Ohio's prospects of drawing in international corporations with far-flung affiliates and operations and units that trade around the globe? And is it possible companies that do nothing to help terrorists would get caught up in a bit of anti-Iranian legislation? For example, would the bill -- which has not yet been introduced -- risk damaging Ohio's close relationship with Honda, one of the state's corporate jewels? Would it mean that Ohio cannot invest in a major company with a major presence?
JMZ at Writes Like She Talks is following the issue. Right now, there seem to be more questions than answers. Whatever happens at the Statehouse must be sure to guarantee that it does not rip a hole in Ohio's economic development programs, or cast the state as negative on foreign investment. In a global economy, Ohio lawmakers must tread with caution.
In 2004, there was a gala that celebrated Honda's arrival and growth. Some of the details of the state's laudatory package follow:
"A recent study by Honda highlighted the economic impact of Honda in Ohio:
"Honda currently employs 16,000 Ohioans.
"Since 1979, Honda has invested $6.1 billion in its Ohio facilities.
"Honda purchases $7 billion in parts and materials from Ohio suppliers annually, $2 billion of which goes to Honda facilities in other states.
"There are 154 Honda suppliers in Ohio. There are Honda suppliers in 52 of 88 Ohio Counties
"Honda suppliers employ nearly 41,000 Ohioans."
Former Democratic Gov. Dick Celeste, who served from 1982-1990, took part in the 2004 fete, noted the importance of the economic relationship and pointed out that Ohio had invested heavily in Honda, an investment that paid off handsomely.
“Clearly, Honda has found success in Ohio and Ohio has found success in Honda. Ohio’s investments in Honda over the years have been repaid many times over.”
"Investments by the State include $27 million in direct incentives and $64.4 million in related roadwork improvements. For every dollar in direct incentives, Honda has invested $226 in its Ohio operations."
Bruce Johnson, who was economic development director under Bob Taft, also was effusive about the Tokyo-Ohio ties. His remarks:
"Honda is proof that strong relationships, targeted incentives and continual nurturing can combine to produce a significant return on investment. The presence and growth of Honda of America over the last 25 years is the perfect economic development success story, demonstrating how good things result from investing in good companies. Johnson called Honda’s decision to produce its new Acura SUV in Ohio good jobs news, pointing out that both the engine and transmission would also be produced in Ohio."
Friday, February 16, 2007
Strickland's Green Dream: $250 Million For AltEnergy
COLUMBUS (TDB) -- Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland is turning into a global warming warrior. He's ordered energy audits of state buildings to cut down greenhouse gas emissions, he's ordered the state to look into buying hybrid vehicles, and he's offering $5 million in economic incentives for ventures that manufacture wind-power components. But that's pocket change compared to what he may actually intend to invest in a bold move recasting Ohio as a significant player in the alternative energy universe.
He told the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce that his twin goals of job creation and building a stronger Ohio economy include an unprecedented -- and costly -- new campaign to lure businesses into the state that are rooted in clean, green energy. He sees an opening for Ohio, an opening created as climate change dims the future for fossil fuels. "I'd like to devote about $250 million a year to encourage investments in alternative energies. We need to promote Ohio as a location for wind power, solar power, ethanol, biodiesel and coal technologies," Strickland said. He spoke at the chamber's annual dinner, an event that was reported in the Chillicothe Gazette. Much of what Strickland said was standard issue -- make higher education more affordable, build the economy on the minds of a well-educated work force, make health care accessible.
The amount of money -- $250 million annually -- for alternative energy is an eye-popping figure. Over four years, it would be $1 billion. That's the kind of dough former Gov. Bob Taft poured into his Third Frontier initiative, an effort to retool Ohio and wean it from heavy industry into new technologies. The Taft program's reputation was of particular fondness for medical research, biotech and fuel cells --a source of electric power that is based upon hydrogen as a fuel. Strickland may be in office to reap the benefits of Taft's efforts -- if they ever get off the shelf. There are those who wonder if the Third Frontier is the real deal.
Strickland tossed out the $250 million figure in a speech that also described Ohio's tight budget situation. "The challenge of trailblazing an economic turnaround is made all the more daunting by our budget situation. Current revenue projection shows we will have between $1 billion and $1.5 billion less. And it doesn't look better in 2009," he said, adding he would only "invest in those things that truly matter in this state."
Earlier this month, Strickland made $5 million available for the Ohio Wind Power Manufacturing Incentive, a program administered by Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher's economic development department. The announcement of the grant money said Ohio ranks second to California "in the potential for new job creation for manufacturing wind components."
The full text announcing the $5 million in grants is HERE. Clearly, the governor sounds like he wants to do a lot more.
He told the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce that his twin goals of job creation and building a stronger Ohio economy include an unprecedented -- and costly -- new campaign to lure businesses into the state that are rooted in clean, green energy. He sees an opening for Ohio, an opening created as climate change dims the future for fossil fuels. "I'd like to devote about $250 million a year to encourage investments in alternative energies. We need to promote Ohio as a location for wind power, solar power, ethanol, biodiesel and coal technologies," Strickland said. He spoke at the chamber's annual dinner, an event that was reported in the Chillicothe Gazette. Much of what Strickland said was standard issue -- make higher education more affordable, build the economy on the minds of a well-educated work force, make health care accessible.
The amount of money -- $250 million annually -- for alternative energy is an eye-popping figure. Over four years, it would be $1 billion. That's the kind of dough former Gov. Bob Taft poured into his Third Frontier initiative, an effort to retool Ohio and wean it from heavy industry into new technologies. The Taft program's reputation was of particular fondness for medical research, biotech and fuel cells --a source of electric power that is based upon hydrogen as a fuel. Strickland may be in office to reap the benefits of Taft's efforts -- if they ever get off the shelf. There are those who wonder if the Third Frontier is the real deal.
Strickland tossed out the $250 million figure in a speech that also described Ohio's tight budget situation. "The challenge of trailblazing an economic turnaround is made all the more daunting by our budget situation. Current revenue projection shows we will have between $1 billion and $1.5 billion less. And it doesn't look better in 2009," he said, adding he would only "invest in those things that truly matter in this state."
Earlier this month, Strickland made $5 million available for the Ohio Wind Power Manufacturing Incentive, a program administered by Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher's economic development department. The announcement of the grant money said Ohio ranks second to California "in the potential for new job creation for manufacturing wind components."
The full text announcing the $5 million in grants is HERE. Clearly, the governor sounds like he wants to do a lot more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)