Ohio Named Among Top Five Fuel Cell States in the Country

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Ohio is one of the top five fuel cell states in 2009, according to a new report published by Fuel Cells 2000, a nonprofit outreach organization. The report, titled "State of the States: Fuel Cells in America" outlines Ohio's aggressive and innovative focus on business attraction and business development as well as the state's strategies for building its fuel cell supply chain and world-class manufacturing base as reasons for the top ranking.

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According to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment, the report is further proof that Ohio's fuel cell industry is helping to transform the state's economy by adding new programs to educate and train a new generation of green collar workers to meet the advanced energy needs of the 21st century.

"Ohio is one of the few places in the world where all phases of fuel cell development take place," said Governor Ted Strickland. "Ohio is quickly becoming an attractive location for fuel cell companies seeking a state partner that understands what it takes to build and grow a successful business here."

The "State of the States: Fuel Cells in America" report attributes much of Ohio's success in the fuel cell industry to the Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative, developed under the Ohio Third Frontier program, an unprecedented and bipartisan commitment to create new technology-based products, companies, industries and jobs.

Ohio Third Frontier has invested over $80 million in fuel cells through a variety of different programs, which has resulted in the creation or retention of 430 jobs with an average salary of $68,431. Overall, the Ohio Third Frontier has created, capitalized or attracted more than 600 companies, has created nearly 55,000 direct and indirect jobs and helped create $6.6 billion in economic impact in Ohio, a 9:1 return on investment.

Additionally, the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition, the largest state fuel cell association in the nation with more than 80 members including industry, academic, and non-profit organizations, is working to strengthen Ohio's fuel cell industry and to accelerate the transformation of the region to global leadership in fuel cell technology.

"In Ohio, business owners gain world-class access to research and development, a diverse supply chain, significant state support, and a great business environment," said Pat Valente, executive director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition. "What's more, they also have the added advantage of cross-sector support from business, government and educational institutions to further innovation and commercialization opportunities."

To view the complete report, visit www.fuelcells.org/statereport.html.

About the Ohio Business Development Coalition

The Ohio Business Development Coalition is a nonprofit organization that provides marketing strategy and implementation to support Ohio's economic development efforts. For more information, visit www.ohiomeansbusiness.com.

SOURCE Ohio Business Development Coalition