Ohio Coatings Company President Finds Perfect Balance in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- As president of Ohio Coatings Company, www.OhioCoatingsCompany.com, a $200 million tin plate steel business, Jim Tennant says Ohio allows him to balance his professional success with the opportunity to make a true impact in his community.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20071107/CLW113LOGO )

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071107/CLW113LOGO )

Tennant is the latest business leader featured in the "State of Perfect Balance" Wall Street Journal ad campaign. The Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment, and AEP Ohio sponsor the ongoing ad campaign.

In addition to serving as both president and chief financial officer of the Ohio Coatings Company, Tennant achieves personal balance by lending his professional expertise to help enrich students' educational experience in his community. He currently serves as treasurer of three community school organizations and is helping to build a first-of-its-kind athletic stadium and sports facility at a local high school.

"The opportunity Ohio has given me is really a lifelong dream. To have this job, in this state, is what I've always wanted," Tennant said.

According to Tennant, Ohio's support – through tax abatements, low-interest loans and infrastructure improvement through the Ohio Department of Development – made the decision of locating his business in Ohio a simple one. After more than a decade of calling Ohio home, Ohio Coatings now provides the state with jobs, revenue and a profitable commodity.

Equally important to Ohio Coatings' success is its partnership with AEP Ohio, a company that shares a stake in the state's economic vitality. The preferred energy partner provides affordable and reliable electricity to thousands of Ohio businesses like Ohio Coatings, helping them compete on a national and international scale.

For Tennant, the "State of Perfect Balance" means a fulfilling career and helping today's youth fulfill their potential.

"Ohio has helped me achieve my dreams, but the best part of my success is the opportunity I have to help our kids achieve their dreams. I hope to finish my career here. I love my job, and I love helping my community."

"Top-level executives who have a true work-life balance will perform better at their jobs and the company will only achieve greater success," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition. "What's also appealing is the lack of congestion that Ohio offers, which allows executives and their employees the ability to enjoy professional success without having to sacrifice personal aspirations. Ohio provides people the opportunity for a life in perfect balance."

The campaign can be viewed at http://ohiomeansbusiness.com/life-in-ohio/success-stories/ad-campaigns/index.php.

About the Ohio Business Development Coalition

The Ohio Business Development Coalition 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, http://blog.ohiomeansbusiness.com or contact Matt McQuade at (614) 857-0900, ext. 131. PW-OBDC-06162010

For more information about American Electric Power, visit www.aep.com.

SOURCE Ohio Business Development Coalition