Welcome to the State of Perfect Balance. The October 2009 newsletter features Ohio's Solar Energy Industry and a spotlight on Ohio's strong position in Bioscience and Bioproducts. This newsletter also features the Ohio Ambassadors Program and Governor's Cup Submissions as well as 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.

FEATURED TOPIC:
Ohio: Leading the U.S. in Advancing Solar Energy

Ohio is at the epicenter of growth in the solar energy industry. In fact, Ohio leads the nation in alternative energy investment and job creation as referenced by Site Selection magazine and the Pew Charitable Trust. Ohio's focus on advanced energy, innovative research, production capability and available green collar workforce come together to help alternative energy and solar businesses grow and prosper in a low-cost environment. Here are a few key facts on why Ohio is leading the world to energy independence:

Advance solar technology and increase speed to market with Ohio's research resources. Research stemming from Ohio-based institutions has led to the formation of leading solar industry firms such as First Solar and Xunlight. Ohio's strong educational infrastructure, including the University System of Ohio, offers advanced energy certificates, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in electrical engineering, solar thermal and photovoltaic systems.

Capitalize on Ohio's market for renewable energy. Ohio's RPS is the third most aggressive in the nation, requiring 6,000 MW of renewable energy by 2025 with a specific solar carve-out, representing up to 800 MW of new solar capacity.

Leverage industry-specific financial incentives to reduce risk and fuel innovation and growth. Programs such as the Building Ohio Jobs Advanced Energy Program and Ohio Third Frontier provide grant and loan dollars for solar industry investments that include capital investment, job creation, or collaborative research and development projects in conjunction with an Ohio institution of higher education or non-profit organization. Ohio Third Frontier has invested $42 million exclusively into photovoltaics.

Lower your cost of doing business with Ohio's easy access to high profit markets. In addition to the many solar industry suppliers already in Ohio, the state provides access to many more. Ohio is located within 1,000 kilometers of 63% of U.S. manufacturing operations, with world-class infrastructure to transport products in and out of the state. Your transportation costs are minimized in Ohio.

Reduce your operating costs and increase your return on investment. Solar energy companies in Ohio experience one of the most favorable business environments in the nation. A sweeping tax reform passed in 2005 mandated the elimination of corporate income and personal property taxes. Third party experts confirm that Ohio has the lowest business taxes in the Midwest, a variable that will show up on your bottom line.

Download Ohio's Solar Energy Brochure »

FEATURED SECTOR:
Recognized for Bioscience Strength

The Ohio's Bioscience and Bioproducts Industry was again recognized by Business Facilities Magazine as a leading state in creating the environment necessary for success in this growing field. Ohio was once again ranked fourth among all states. The full report can be viewed here.

The publication's ranking criteria included state R&D funding and venture capital investments, concentrated occupational employment in biotech, bioscience-targeted tax exemptions, number of biotech facilities, biotech patents generated, university grant funding, and bioscience higher education degrees, among other factors. The report's authors concluded that "the still-hot biotech sector has cemented its status as a crucial building block for future growth."

"That is certainly true in the State of Ohio," said BioOhio President & CEO Tony Dennis. BioOhio is the state's bioscience development and membership organization charged with advancing Ohio`s bioscience impact locally and globally.

"Ohio Third Frontier investments in innovation and technology, especially in the biosciences, really have catalyzed growth in both public and private sectors of our state's emerging industries.

"Our most recent Ohio Bioscience Growth Report, published last winter, cites more than 1,100 bioscience-related organizations operating in the state, and from 2004 to 2008, an average of 70 new bioscience companies began operation within our borders each year," he said.

The Ohio Bioscience Resource Directory also was recently launched. The directory is the most comprehensive collection of Ohio companies, organizations, and research centers involved in the biosciences—from large to small, from well-known to newborn, from biotech to pharma to devices to bioinformatics to clinical trials to agbio to you name it.

Ohio Ambassador Program

The Ohio Ambassador Program is an opportunity for interested individuals to help build a strong and prosperous Ohio economy for current and future generations. As an Ohio Ambassador, you are a partner in spreading the incredible story of our state and the people who currently call and have called Ohio home. You will serve as a liaison between Ohio and people who desire to live and work in our great state.

The commitment to sharing the Ohio Story locally, nationally, and internationally strengthens Ohio's image as the state of perfect balance. It is an opportunity to help let others know about all the incredible opportunities available around the state.

Become an Ohio Ambassador Today »