Report shows Ohio is a potential breeding ground for jobs and business growth in advanced energy industry COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 11
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 11 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report sites the state of
Ohio as a potential hotbed for "green collar" job creation and business growth
in the advanced energy industry, according to the Ohio Business Development
Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital
investment. The report, released by the Political Economy Research Institute
at the University of Massachusetts, shows that Ohio's long history of
manufacturing excellence and large pool of skilled workers create an ideal
environment for the growing number of jobs related to advanced, renewable
energy.
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"Ohio's dedication to technology innovation coupled with its access to a
world-class supply chain and a talented, educated workforce is vital in
building a strong foundation for the widespread application of advanced energy
systems," said Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as the director
of the Ohio Department of Development "In addition to the many business
incentive programs the state offers to companies that create new jobs, Ohio
has also recently passed the most significant tax reform in our State's
history in at least a half century in order to create a supportive and
encouraging environment for new investment."
Ohio was one of only 12 states selected for the report which examined the
number of workers who can apply their skills to six categories of green
industries: building retrofitting, mass transit, fuel efficient automobiles,
wind power, solar power and cellulosic biomass fuels.
The report notes that many of Ohio's manufacturing workers can easily be
transferred to green manufacturing jobs, and that 551,000 workers in Ohio
could see new job opportunities and wage increases from the growth of
environmentally friendly industries.
"Once known for its abundance of blue collar workers, Ohio is now
transforming its economy to meet the advanced energy needs of the 21st
century. Combined with new programs to educate and train a new generation of
green collar workers, Ohio's depth in advanced design, advanced materials and
advanced manufacturing combine to create the perfect combination of skill sets
and capabilities to make the state a global leader in this rapidly growing
industry," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business
Development Coalition.
One example of potential growth can be found in the wind industry. Ohio is
No. 2 in the United States in potential for manufacturing wind turbines and
components. Currently home to more than 60 companies in the wind turbine
supply chain; Ohio has already become a leading supplier for the U.S. wind
industry. Hundreds of large-scale industrial manufacturing operations stand
poised to participate in Ohio's wind industry growth.
One of the most significant initiatives supporting Ohio's renewable energy
industry and future job force is the state's Third Frontier Project, a 10-
year, $1.6 billion initiative to help catalyze connections between companies
and academia. The project is the state's largest-ever commitment to expand
high-tech research capabilities, promote innovation, company formation and
create high-paying jobs; many of those jobs will be filled by Ohio's
developing green collar workforce.
"Business leaders are realizing how, in Ohio, they're able to find a
perfect balance between successfully growing a business and still enjoying
life," Burghard said. "Business owners profit from the bottom-line benefits of
better work-life balance for their employees. Ohio offers low-cost, low stress
communities in a combination of micropolitan and metropolitan cities. This
diversity provides executives and employees the resources and time to make any
ambition achievable. Ohio truly is the state of perfect balance."
About the Ohio Business Development Coalition
The Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC) is a nonprofit organization
that markets the state for capital investment. The OBDC provides marketing
strategy and implementation to support Ohio's economic development efforts.
For more information on business development or business relocation, visit
www.ohiomeansbusiness.com .
SOURCE Ohio Business Development Coalition
