TAFT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING OHIO MANUFACTURING SUMMIT
Forum To Address Industry Concerns and Strategies
COLUMBUS (November 17, 2003) - Governor Bob Taft has called for an Ohio Manufacturing Summit to identify and address state and national issues of concern to Ohio's manufacturing industry. The summit will take place in Columbus on December 11 and is being presented and co-hosted by Governor Taft and Senator George Voinovich.
"Manufacturing is a critical component of Ohio's economy," Taft said. "Manufacturers are facing tremendous challenges and it is imperative that Ohio's manufacturers have the tools necessary to allow them to remain competitive in the global marketplace. This summit will serve as a forum to discuss the needs and concerns of Ohio's manufacturers and possible solutions that might be generated through state and federal legislation. I strongly encourage all Ohio manufacturers to participate in the Ohio Manufacturing Summit."
The Summit will include discussions on the health of Ohio's manufacturing industry and reports on manufacturing concerns at the state and federal levels. A keynote luncheon address will be given by Grant Aldonas, Under Secretary for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce. The daylong event will also feature presentations and dialogue with nationally known speakers including: Jerry Jasinowski, president, National Association of Manufacturers; and Patricia Panchak, editor-in-chief, IndustryWeek.
"The summit will be a good opportunity to publicly survey the health of the manufacturing sector, remind people of its importance to the future of Ohio's economy, and then have a good debate about the challenges and the needed fixes," said Senator Voinovich. "The challenges certainly aren't in short supply-frivolous lawsuits, high energy and health care costs, and unfair foreign competition-it's a testament to manufacturers' ability and determination that they're hanging in there. We need to find ways to bring them some relief, however, so they can get back on the road to recovery and prosperity."
According to State Development Director Bruce Johnson, Ohio manufacturers lead the nation in the production of steel, rubber and plastics and fabricated metals. The state ranks third in the nation in manufacturing gross state product and the industry employs 847,000 people.
Ohio manufacturers interested in attending the Ohio Manufacturing Summit should register by contacting Karen Conrad with the Ohio Department of Development at (614) 466-2718 or by email at mfgsummit@odod.state.oh.us.
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Contact: Maria Smith at (614) 466-6619 or Bill Teets at (614) 466-2609, ODOD;
or
Orest Holubec, Governor's Office, at (614) 644-0957.