Welcome to State of Perfect Balance, the monthly newsletter that keeps you on top of business and economic development news in Ohio. The March 2009 newsletter features Ohio being recognized as the #1 choice for capital investment for the third consecutive year, more stories of successful Ohio senior executives and a spotlight on Ohio's polymer industry. This newsletter also features Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio and includes economic development news to help you maximize your current and future capital investments in Ohio. Read further to find out how you can achieve a state of perfect balance in Ohio.

Ed Burghard, Executive Director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition and Harley Procter Marketing Director at Procter & Gamble

FEATURED TOPIC:
Ohio Wins the Governor's Cup Award, Again!

For the third straight year, Site Selection has awarded its prestigious Governor's Cup to Ohio as the nation's leading state for capital investment.

Winning the Governor's Cup three years in a row provides supporting evidence that Ohio's efforts to fundamentally redesign its business climate are working. The cost of doing business in Ohio has been significantly reduced. The tangible personal property tax has been completely eliminated. Next year, the corporate franchise tax will be fully phased-out and the personal income tax will have been lowered a total of 21% from its 2005 levels. Third party experts now confirm that Ohio has the lowest business tax rates in the Midwest.

In addition to business climate improvements such as tax and tort reform, Ohio's success can be attributed to numerous factors:

• The state's diverse portfolio of key industries
• Business incentives that fuel growth
• A central location accessible to high profit markets
• A skilled workforce supplemented by diverse training resources
• Experienced and knowledgeable economic development practitioners that work to meet the needs of investment prospects

INDUSTRY FEATURE:
Advanced Materials

Minimize risk in developing new technology by leveraging Ohio's unique knowledge in advanced materials and polymers.

A world leader in the field of polymers, Ohio's advanced materials and polymer industry is one of the state's most expansive – and important – economic sectors.

From its early roots in tire production and support for the auto industry, Ohio has always been the heart of America's advanced materials and polymers industry. Today, polymers are the state's largest industry: Ohio leads the nation in the production of polymer products, machinery for the polymer industry, motor vehicle components, and more than 100 other industrial products.

The advanced materials and polymers industry in Ohio includes more than 2,800 facilities and 140,000 workers. It generates $49 billion in annual sales revenue and pays its workers $5.6 billion in wages.