In the News
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We are getting noticed around the region and the globe. Read how the Columbus Chamber, our members and the Columbus business community are making headlines.
To arrange an interview with a member of the Columbus Chamber team, contact:
Michelle Bretscher, APR
Vice President, Marketing and Communication
W: (614) 225.6908
C: 614.499.0889
michelle_bretscher@columbus.org
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News
May 30, 2013
Central Ohio Rep. Tracy Heard Will Lead House Democratic Caucus
From Hannah News Service:
House Democrats in Columbus elected Rep. Tracy Heard as minority leader for the Democratic Caucus. Heard was formerly minority whip. The leadership team will also include Assistant Leader Debbie Phillips from Athens, Whip Michael Ashford from Toledo, and Assistant Whip Dan Ramos from Lorain.
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May 30, 2013
New Albany Lands New $61M Data Center with 26 Expected Jobs
From Columbus Business First:
Central Ohio continues to remain popular for data centers as Dallas-based Compass Datacenters LLC plans its first development in New Albany. Pending agreement before City Council June 4, Compass plans to build five individual 21,000 square-foot facilities for a total investment of $61.3 million. When completed, Compass will have created 26 jobs and develop services specifically for New Albany business park companies.
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May 30, 2013
Columbus to Host Girls Scouts National Convention in 2017
From Columbus Business First:
Columbus has been chosen to host the Girl Scouts of the USA 2017 national convention, a four-day event expected to draw 8,000 to 10,000 leaders from the organization. The convention is also projected to boost businesses in the city with a $14 million economic impact. “Columbus is a recognized ‘city on the move,’ a place where our movement is growing strong, and helping to develop the female leaders our world so desperately needs,” Girl Scouts CEO Anna Maria Chávez said.
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May 29, 2013
Dalby Supports Efforts to Improve Columbus City Schools
Columbus Chamber President and CEO Michael Dalby testified in support of House Bill 167, legislation aimed at improving Columbus City Schools by sharing levy proceeds with charter schools, sponsorships, and creating an independent auditor to ensure accurate and reliable information from the district. With a majority of the district’s schools ranked D or F on the state report card, Dalby emphasizes that “the time to take action is now.”
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May 29, 2013
Columbus Chamber Advocates for the Industrial Tax Credit Bill
Columbus Chamber Vice President of Government Relations Michael Hartley and President of Wagenbrenner Companies, Mark Wagenbrenner, gave testimony Tuesday, May 28 in support of House Bill 135. The bill would authorize a nonrefundable credit against the income tax and certain business taxes for the rehabilitation of a vacant industrial site.
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May 29, 2013
Dublin Seeks to Develop Urban Oasis Along the Scioto
The City of Dublin has plans to develop near a stretch of the Scioto River including a pedestrian bridge, parks, and housing and commercial properties to support the new neighborhood.
Read more in the Columbus Dispatch. -
News
May 29, 2013
Ohio Senate Restores Tax Cut to Small Businesses
The Senate announced their substitute Budget Bill (House Bill 59) on Tuesday, May 28 which included a reinstatement of the Governor’s small business tax cut of 50 percent for the first $750,000 in profits. With the reinstatement of the small business tax cut, the 7 percent personal income tax was removed from the bill.
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May 29, 2013
College Vice President Re-Elected to APSCU Board of Directors
From a National College Press Release
ROANOKE, Virginia - Roger Dalton, vice president for government affairs for National College and American National University, has been re-elected as an institutional member to the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU) Board of Directors for an additional three-year term.
Dalton began his career with the College in 1995 and has served in multiple capacities as an instructor, campus director, and marketing director before assuming his current role in 2006. In addition to his years of experience in the career college sector, Dalton has 35+ years of management and leadership experience in a wide range of other industries, including international service organizations, non-profit associations, and local government. “In every position that he has held, Roger has been a valuable asset to us,” says Frank Longaker, president of National College and American National University. “We fully support his efforts to serve on the APSCU board where he can continue to advocate for our students.” Founded in 1886, American National University and National College are dedicated to the training and education of men and women for a full life and a successful career in a number of fields in business, computers, and health care. The affiliated institutions offer more than 45 academic programs including a master of business administration, numerous degree and diploma programs, English as a Second Language, and corporate training. Serving 31 communities through campus locations in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, American National and National College currently serve approximately 7,000 students annually. -
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May 28, 2013
Lawmakers Ponder Columbus Schools Fix
Ohio lawmakers spent time Monday getting developments on House Bill 167, the plan to create an independent auditor for Columbus City Schools and share the district’s property taxes with charter schools. Ohioans are concerned whether charter schools would also be audited and if district schools would be left under-funded.
Read more in The Columbus Dispatch. -
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May 28, 2013
Ohioans Provide Testimony for House Education Commission
More Ohioans continue to demonstrate their support of House Bill 167 as a parent, business leader, and charter school operator testified before the House Education Commission Thursday, May 23. Columbus Chamber President and CEO Michael Dalby encourages lawmakers to work “together to make sure students in highly effective schools have the resources desperately needed to ensure they can compete with their more affluent counterparts."
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May 27, 2013
Air National Guard Continues to Operate Tanks Despite Bid Loss
The Rickenbacker Air Guard station lost a bid for the KC-46 A tankers after making it to the final top four. The Columbus Chamber will continue to work with the station on future bid opportunities and is hopeful that ranking high on this bid is a positive sign for the potential BRAC.
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May 27, 2013
Columbus Reaches Landmark Population, Home to 800,000
Columbus has reached a population highpoint this year with 809,798 residents currently living within city limits, according to new census estimates. Executive Director of the Greater Ohio Policy Center Lavea Brachman says efforts to bring people to the Downtown area appear to be working. Although numerous cities across the country are shrinking, experts suggest Columbus is doing something right.
Read more in The Columbus Dispatch. -
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May 26, 2013
Member E.E. Ward Has Historic Roots in Columbus
Columbus is home to one of the oldest minority-owned businesses in the United States.
Chamber member E.E. Ward Moving & Storage has a long history in Columbus. It was founded in 1881 by William S. Ward with the help of his father, John T. Ward, who had been a “conductor” for the Underground Railroad. Started as Ward Transfer Line, it was renamed E.E. Ward Transfer and Storage Co. in 1889.
Read more in the Columbus Dispatch. -
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May 24, 2013
Telling Stories and Providing Solutions, One Member at a Time
The Columbus Chamber has a new approach to the way it is servicing members, including one-to-one consultative support, connections, resources and solutions to help businesses thrive in the Columbus region. In a recent article from The Metropreneur, Columbus Chamber President and CEO Michael Dalby discusses how Member Resource Specialist Christy Bertolo works to connect members to the resources they need to thrive.
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May 23, 2013
Home Sales in Columbus on the Rise
Despite the lag in pricing, homes sales continue to rise in the Columbus Region as the economy continues to improve. Last month, Columbus home sales increased by 30 percent.
Read more in The Columbus Dispatch. -
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May 23, 2013
Columbus Continues to Boost Jobs in the Region
In the past two and a half years, Columbus has added 45,000 jobs to the region. While jobs are growing in the health care and logistics industries, manufacturing is still in need of attention. “We’d like to help get the word out that there’s great opportunity and potential, financial reward for people who want to pursue careers in that field,” said Patty Huddle, Columbus Chamber Vice President, Existing Business Solutions and on behalf of Columbus 2020.
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May 22, 2013
Franklin County Examines its Financial Options
Experts examining Franklin County’s finances are leaning toward a declaration that there is a “structural imbalance,” and the county is spending more than it is making. County officials say a decision must be made about reducing services, sacrificing the county’s top-shelf bond ratings or finding new money which could include a county sales tax increase.
The Chamber continues to monitor this issue. Please contact Kristen Easterday, Director, Local Government Relations with questions or concerns at kristen_easterday@columbus.org. Read more in the Columbus Dispatch. -
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May 22, 2013
Franklin County Recorder Offers ID Cards for Veterans
A new program by Franklin County Recorder Terry Brown allows Franklin County veterans to obtain a Document Identification Card, which can help businesses that offer discounts to veterans easily identify our community heroes.
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May 22, 2013
Kasich Looks for Second Chance for Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Kasich’s Medicaid Expansion proposal is getting a second chance with the introduction of House Bill 176 sponsored by State Rep. Barbara Sears. The proposal expands Medicaid to cover those making 100 to 138 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and will provide health insurance to thousands of Ohio’s working poor.
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May 21, 2013
Member Huntington Bank Receives National Award for Export Service
From a Huntington Bank Press Release:
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Huntington (NASDAQ: HBAN; www.huntington.com) is a winner of the 2013 President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service. Presented by the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, the award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for supporting export activity. Huntington stands out as the only banking institution among a handful of corporate America’s top companies to receive the award presented at the 51st annual President’s “E” Award Ceremony in Washington D.C. on May 20 during World Trade Month.
“Huntington has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” said Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca M. Blank in her congratulatory letter. “The ‘E’ Awards Committee was very impressed with Huntington’s achievement with regional business and trade promotion groups. The company’s development of creative financing solutions for exporters was particularly compelling. Huntington’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.” Among its most notable contributions to Midwest export expansion, Huntington began offering manufacturers the ability to finance foreign buyers that want to buy American products. The bank also developed an export finance capability by actuating its delegated lending authority under the U.S. Export-Import Bank Working Capital Program. Huntington has provided a mix of international services, trade services and foreign exchange since the mid-1970s and last received a President’s “E” Award in 1982. The Midwest currently accounts for $241 billion in U.S. exports - part of the larger $2.1 trillion export-import mega market, which experienced 17.1 percent growth over the last three years. Over the next five years 87 percent of world economic growth is forecasted to take place outside of the U.S. according to the International Monetary Fund. Capitalizing on these trends, Huntington appointed veteran international banker Sheila Spradlin Reich late last year to expand its international banking services into a unified team of trade services, foreign-owned subsidiaries and U.S. Export-Import Bank lending that operates seamlessly with Huntington’s extensive commercial banking treasury management and capital markets divisions. She has since assembled a team of specialists further aligning the bank culturally with language fluency and tailored financial expertise serving European and Latin American mid- to large-size corporates and Asian foreign-owned subsidiaries across Huntington's footprint. Huntington’s leadership in helping companies increase their export activity is directly tied to the bank’s broader efforts to help drive economic growth and recovery across the Midwest. It’s estimated that 5,400 direct and indirect jobs are created for every $1 billion in new exports.* “As a Midwest company, Huntington is at the heart of the economic recovery,” said Spradlin Reich. “Exporters are playing a vital role in creating and sustaining our economy as evidenced by those who’ve weathered the recession. We’ve deepened our international banking expertise at Huntington and are committed to helping exporters and the Midwest continue to benefit from their expansion and growth.” Huntington will expand its export-import business relationships in 2013 and beyond with plans of rolling out customized solutions including a new foreign buyer finance program that provides foreign borrowing with loans guaranteed through Export-Import Bank of the United States. The “E” Award Program was established by Executive Order on December 5, 1961. A second level of the award is the “E Star” Award, which was authorized by the Secretary of Commerce in 1969 to recognize previous “E” Award winners for continued significant contributions to U.S. export expansion. The awards ceremony serves as a reminder that the U.S. has the best workers and the best businesses in the world, and of the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration’s continued efforts to ensure that American businesses get a fair shot in the global economy. About Huntington
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a $56 billion regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. The Huntington National Bank, founded in 1866, provides full-service commercial, small business, and consumer banking services; mortgage banking services; treasury management and foreign exchange services; equipment leasing; wealth and investment management services; trust services; brokerage services; customized insurance brokerage and service programs; and other financial products and services. The principal markets for these services are Huntington’s six-state banking franchise: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The primary distribution channels include a banking network of more than 700 traditional branches and convenience branches located in grocery stores and retirement centers, and through an array of alternative distribution channels including internet and mobile banking, telephone banking, and more than 1,400 ATMs. Through automotive dealership relationships within its six-state banking franchise area and selected other Midwest and New England states, Huntington also provides commercial banking services to the automotive dealers and retail automobile financing for dealer customers. * International Trade Administration, 2010, “Exports Support American Jobs,” Washington. -
News
May 20, 2013
Member Porter Wright attorney Robert Meyer elected president of CBF
Release from Porter Wright:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 17, 2013) — Robert A. Meyer, Jr., a partner in Porter Wright's Corporate Department, has been elected as President of the Columbus Bar Foundation for the 2013-14 term by the Trustees of the Foundation. Meyer is a Fellow of the Foundation and served as its vice president for the 2012-13 term.
Meyer has practiced law for 35 years and is a member of the firm's Real Estate and Environmental Law practice groups, focusing his work on zoning, annexation and land use planning, as well as green business and development. He has secured or directed the securing of zoning and other entitlement approvals for over 30,000 residential units, as well as numerous commercial and industrial developments. He has also represented clients in matters arising under the federal Clean Air Act and Ohio's air pollution statute, and rules and policies implementing both. In addition to his service to the Columbus Bar Foundation, Meyer is President of 412 Sycamore Incorporated, a nonprofit organization associated with the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. He is a Life Fellow of The Ohio State Foundation and is a member of the Distinguished Alumni Council of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. About Porter Wright
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP is a large law firm that traces its roots to 1846 in Ohio. With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; and Naples, Florida, Porter Wright provides counsel to a worldwide base of clients. About the Columbus Bar Foundation
The Columbus Bar Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Columbus legal community. Its mission is to strive to increase access to justice, improve the administration of justice and promote excellence in legal education through scholarships and grants. -
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May 20, 2013
Chamber Members Honored at Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Awards
Congratulations to Bob Coughlin, CEO of Paycor, Inc., and Scott White, President of IGS Energy, for being honored at the Ernst & Young South Central and Kentucky Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Awards for their remarkable achievements and contributions in creating jobs and enhancing their communities. Both Paycor, Inc. and IGS Energy are members of the Columbus Chamber. Coughlin will take home honors for Master Entrepreneur and White will be honored as Social Entrepreneur. Congratulations also to finalists at other Chamber member businesses:
- Michael Glimcher, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Glimcher Realty Trust
- Kristen Harris, Owner, Portfolio Creative
- Catherine Lang-Cline, Owner, Portfolio Creative
- Ryan Rybolt, President, Infinitech
- Joao Simoes, President and CEO, Davenport Aviation, Inc.
The award ceremony is June 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Hyatt Regency. Tickets are available now. -
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May 20, 2013
Local Station CD102.5 Praised in CNN about Radio in America
From CD102.5 (WWCD-FM):
In a story released Friday, May 17 on CNN Radio and CNN Entertainment online, Columbus radio station CD102.5 (WWCD-FM) is lauded as one of the last bastions of commercial radio’s local connection to its community.
Opening with the story of the station’s long-standing front man and champion Andy “Andyman” Davis, Producers Todd Leopold and Gavin Godfrey use a series of wide ranging interviews with everyone from Clear Channel’s CEO Bob Pittman to Mark Lipsky, president and CEO of the Radio Agency, to tell the story of commercial radio’s battle against new technology and struggle for new listeners. As an independently operated and locally owned radio station the stories recognize CD102.5 as “a rare bird in an increasingly generic business,” and hold up the station as a shining example of how radio is staying relevant inAmerica. Extensively quoting station owner Randy Malloy, CNN identifies him as the “one-man chamber of commerce” forColumbusand Malloy’s and CD102.5’s passion and commitment to their community is plainly evident. The stories highlight both the station’s and the DJ’s connection toColumbusand document the many testimonials by staff members that working for the station is “a dream come true.” The station’s success is attributed to the different way they do business, and to their focus on staying very plugged into the community—with support for community events, the arts and culture and local music just a few of the examples. New music and emerging artists are also part of the formula for success. The Lumineers, Fitz and the Tantrums, the Black Keys and Mumford & Sons are all listed as “among the groups that have used WWCD as a launching pad.” With 40 slots for new and emerging music, “a huge number in the play-it-safe world of commercial radio,” steadily increasing ratings and revenue point to the success of this very different attitude and business model. Despite the recession and tragedy of Andyman’s loss in 2010, the CNN stories tell the tale of CD102.5’s perseverance and success. A big part of that positive attitude Malloy and the staff credit to Andyman. As Leopold’s online story says of Andyman, “His spirit is always present: the spirit of a big-hearted man, the spirit of music radio.” About WWCD/CD102.5 FM
WWCD/CD102.5 FM is an independently owned and locally operated radio station based in Columbus, Ohio with a 24,000 watt tower located in Baltimore, Ohio. The station was founded in 1990 and currently has 30 employees. Hear more. -
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May 20, 2013
Member DataCenter.Biz Hosts Ohio's Internet Exchange, OhioIX.net
From DataCenter.Biz release:
DataCenter.BZ is proud to be hosting operations for OhioIX.net following its recent launch by a founding group of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) serving Ohio and surrounding states.
By locating at DataCenter.BZ, OhioIX.net is able to take advantage of direct access to the many long-haul and regional carrier fiber routes that converge on DataCenter.BZ’s property (Columbus’ "carrier hotel"). Participation by other ISPs and exchange members (large education systems, significant Internet content providers, etc.) is underway as OhioIX.net expands local peering to mitigate the hauling of regional Internet traffic to exchanges in Chicago, New York, etc., with pricing and performance benefits enjoyed by area providers, businesses and consumers alike. Read more. -
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May 20, 2013
Savings Partner Wells Fargo Shares Legislative Updates
Columbus Chamber savings partner, Wells Fargo, released legislative updates including the model exchange notice by the U.S. Department of Labor, the updated Summary of Benefits and Coverage template for the second year of use, the published and revised individual exchange application by the Department of Health and Human Services, and the proposed regulations on the effect of wellness incentives for employees under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
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May 20, 2013
Member Manta Named Finalist for 2013 Red Herring Top 100 North America Award
From a Manta Press Release:
Columbus Chamber member, Manta, the largest online community dedicated entirely to small business, has been selected as a finalist for the 2013 Red Herring Top 100 North America Award, a prominent list honoring the year's most promising private technology projects from the North American business region.
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May 20, 2013
Member Dynamit Adding 30 Jobs, Building New Columbus Headquarters
From a Columbus 2020 Release:
Columbus, OH – Dynamit Technologies LLC, a data, design and technology company, is expanding to a new office in the Arena District as part of growth plans that include creating 30 new jobs over the next three years.
"We started the company in Columbus and have benefited from regional advantages like quality of life and a relevant talent pool," said Matt Dopkiss, co-founder and CEO. "We'll continue to grow our team with a variety of creative professionals such as architects, engineers, designers, writers, and account
managers. We love Columbus and are thrilled to call it our home.” Said Columbus City Councilmember Zach M. Klein, chair of the Development Committee, “The Columbus Development Department continues to do everything it can to attract or retain top businesses in our community. Every company, every job is important to continue building a strong economy.” Dynamit is partnering with local architecture firm GRA+D to design its new headquarters in a fashion that promotes community, creativity, and collaboration. GRA+D is known for its unique interiors at Northstar, Jeni’s, and Homage. Dynamit plans to be in its new space by early 2014 while staff growth will continue over a three-year period. The additions will increase the company's team size to over 60. “Dynamit is a premier example of our region’s ability to attract and retain highly skilled creative and IT professionals,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “I’m proud to see this locally grown company boosting job opportunities for our residents and demonstrating a long-term commitment to Central Ohio.” About Dynamit Technologies LLC
Dynamit is a data, design and technology company focused on structuring and expressing data with clients. Dynamit’s multi-disciplined team partners with client stakeholders in IT, Business and Marketing to deliver meaningful solutions with implications for their customers' bottom lines. Dynamit serves clients in multiple sectors including: restaurant, retail, healthcare, hospitality and media. Dynamit was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in the United States in 2012 and was named the Ohio Interactive Agency of the Year in 2011. Client work has been honored in the Webby Awards, The Horizon Interactive Awards, The New York Times and a variety of other publications.
Dynamit is based in Columbus, Ohio. Clients include: BBC, AP, McGraw Hill, American Electric Power, Bell Helicopter, Hilton Worldwide, Cardinal Health The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, California Medical Association, Donatos, Panda Express, Charley's Grilled Subs, Whataburger, Marzetti, LimtedBrands, Loblaws, JoeFresh, and LaSenza. About Columbus 2020
Columbus 2020 is a public-private partnership that leverages the strengths of the Columbus Region’s talented workforce, small and large businesses, research and academic institutions, and international connections to ignite economic growth and build a healthier, more sustainable future for Central Ohio. The initiative grows our economy by ensuring that our existing companies are growing and thriving, that the world´s leading companies are attracted to the 11-county region, that innovations are cultivated and commercialized, and that our civic infrastructure is continually improving to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world economy. For more information, visit ColumbusRegion.com. -
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May 20, 2013
Risk Control 360 Shares Dangers of Distracted Driving
From Risk Control 360:
Workers safety is your business. Texting while driving puts millions of Americans who drive on the job at risk every day. That risk continues to grow as texting becomes more widespread.
As a business owner or manager, it’s your legal responsibility under the Occupational Safety and Health Act to safeguard drivers at work. -
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May 20, 2013
IEG to Expand Offering with $3 Million Investment, Addition of More Than 20 Jobs
From a Columbus 2020 Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – International Engineering Group (IEG), which specializes in building plastic injection molds, today announced it will move into a new facility that will accommodate its expanded plastic parts production offering. The expansion represents a $3.35 million investment and will bring 27 jobs to the Columbus Region.
“Demand from our customers prompted the decision to add plastic parts production to our offering,” said Jim Moore, president of IEG. “The Columbus Region has provided a smart and efficient location for our existing plastic injection molds business, and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow our operations in Central Ohio.” IEG is moving to a new, 25,000-square-foot facility in Hilliard that will accommodate its new manufacturing needs. The company currently operates out of a facility in Dublin. The 27 positions IEG is planning to add to its roster range from supervisory to production staff. The addition is significant, as the company currently employs just one associate. “It’s encouraging to see a niche company like IEG serving customers and growing so rapidly, yet choosing to remain in the Columbus Region,” said David Meeks, economic development director, City of Hilliard. “We are proud IEG decided to stay local, and look forward to facilitating the company’s growth for years to come.” About International Engineering Group (IEG) LLC Established in 2004, IEG specializes in building plastic injection molds. The company is committed to bringing manufacturing back to “Made in the USA,” and takes pride in helping customers make their products domestically by using the global market. For more information visit IEG-LLC.com. About Columbus 2020 Columbus 2020 is a public-private partnership that leverages the strengths of the Columbus Region’s talented workforce, small and large businesses, research and academic institutions, and international connections to ignite economic growth and build a healthier, more sustainable future for Central Ohio. The initiative grows our economy by ensuring that our existing companies are growing and thriving, that the world´s leading companies are attracted to the 11-county region, that innovations are cultivated and commercialized, and that our civic infrastructure is continually improving to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world economy. For more information, visit ColumbusRegion.com. Read more. -
News
May 20, 2013
Proform Industries, Ltd. Expansion to Add 120 New Jobs to the Columbus Region
From a Columbus 2020 Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Proform Industries, Ltd., one of North America's leading manufacturers and suppliers of fuel tanks, air tanks, battery boxes and related assemblies to the commercial vehicle industry, will add 120 new jobs as part of a $1.2 million expansion at its Columbus facility.
Increasing customer demand is driving the expansion, said Jeremy Haynes, plant manager, Proform Industries. “The Columbus Region has been important to our success and growth since we built our first facility there 12 years ago,” said Haynes. “We are excited to continue to grow and be a part of that community.” Proform Industries manufactures aluminum fuel tanks, fuel tank assemblies, step assemblies and battery box assemblies in its Columbus facility. The expansion will include renovation of the existing facility, leasehold improvements and machinery purchases, and will more than triple the company’s current 58-member workforce. “The Columbus Region has long been recognized for its strong automotive presence, with powerhouse Honda of America Mfg., various suppliers and the Transportation Research Center located here,” said Patty Huddle, vice president, existing business services, Columbus 2020. “These competencies also have supported the growth of other affiliated industries, as evidenced by Proform’s growing presence and the success of other commercial vehicle firms such as Commercial Vehicle Group (CVG).” Said Mayor Michael B. Coleman, “It is gratifying to see a great company like Proform Industries invest and expand in the City of Columbus. Along with producing outstanding products, I am pleased that Proform is producing new jobs for our residents.” About Proform Industries, Ltd. Proform is one of North America’s leading manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers of fuel tanks, air tanks, battery boxes and related assemblies to the commercial vehicle industry. With four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located throughout the United States and in Mexico, Proform efficiently serves our customers across the continent and proudly exceeds industry best practices and standards. Visit ProformIndustries.com for more information. About Columbus 2020 Columbus 2020 is a public-private partnership that leverages the strengths of the Columbus Region’s talented workforce, small and large businesses, research and academic institutions, and international connections to ignite economic growth and build a healthier, more sustainable future for Central Ohio. The initiative grows our economy by ensuring that our existing companies are growing and thriving, that the world´s leading companies are attracted to the 11-county region, that innovations are cultivated and commercialized, and that our civic infrastructure is continually improving to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world economy. For more information, visit ColumbusRegion.com. Read more.