RGP gets $139,500 grant

I received the following press release from the Regional Growth Partnership:

TOLEDO, Ohio – For the second time since the program began, the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) has received grant approval to help in promoting a statewide marketing campaign aimed at attracting new jobs, business and capital investment to Ohio.

Through the Ohio Business Development Coalition’s (OBDC) state matching grant program, the RGP was awarded $139,500 to support its business development and marketing initiatives. Some specific programs under the grant include the outreach to site consultants, print advertising and direct mail.

“The RGP has implemented an aggressive marketing campaign designed to promote the successes, resources and assets of our region as an ideal location for new business,” said Steve Weathers, president and CEO of the RGP. “The OBDC has done an outstanding job creating and selling the Ohio brand, and we are eager to continue our efforts on behalf of northwest Ohio to complement that state message.”

In September 2006, OBDC unveiled a new Ohio brand, summed up for the business community in the brandline, “Build Your Business. Love Your Life.” The new brandline communicates that Ohio offers balance without compromise; everything businesses need to thrive and provides ample opportunity for executives and employees to achieve their personal aspirations as well. As part of its proposal, the RGP will promote how the Toledo region uniquely delivers the Ohio promise.

Assets such as an educated and trained workforce, logistics, infrastructure and transportation capabilities, and expertise in alternative energies, all exemplify the region’s ability to deliver on the needs of businesses. In addition, cultural recognitions in northwest Ohio, including the city of Toledo’s Liv Com award, a nationally acclaimed zoo, museum and library, all demonstrate the opportunities being promoted through the Ohio brand, “Love Your Life.”

“Northwest Ohio possesses many of the resources businesses need to be successful, as well as the cultural amenities that enhance quality of life,” said Jim Hoffman, president of KeyBank and a member of the RGP Board of Directors. “This grant will help our region tell that story on a national level to site consultants and targeted industries.”

The Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC) is a nonprofit organization that is responsible for creating and sustaining a strong Ohio brand capable of attracting, retaining or expanding capital investment. The work of the OBDC supports the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio economic development community and Team Ohio. For more information on the Ohio Business Development Coalition visit www.ohiomeansbusiness.com.

The Regional Growth Partnership is a private nonprofit development corporation dedicated to fostering local, national and international economic growth opportunities for Northwest Ohio.

Why Ohio ad campaign

As I was reading the Wall Street Journal last Friday, an advertisement caught my eye...I'd flipped past the 3/4 page, 5 (of 6) column ad and then came back to it when I realized it was about Ohio. It's titled "Why Ohio - A Series" and it starts with this quote from Nancy Kelly, Executive Vice President of Huntington National Bank:

"Business is great in Ohio. And so is my life."

It continues with her photo and her story, concluding with this:

"For Nancy Kelly, balance is the key to success in the office and at home. Find your balance at OhioMeansBusiness.com or call 1-877-466-4551."

This ad is part of the "Build Your Business. Love Your Life." campaign sponsored by the Ohio Business Development Coalition, a non-profit group charged with developing a sales and marketing strategy for the state.

Why is this important to Northwest Ohio? Because yesterday I received the following press release from the Regional Growth Partnership:

Regional Growth Partnership Joins Forces with OBDC To Promote Northwest Ohio

TOLEDO, Ohio – Promoting a statewide marketing campaign to attract new jobs, business and capital investment to Ohio, the Regional Growth Partnership has received approval for a $54,000 matching grant.

The state grant will support the RGP’s editorial marketing initiative, which is designed to draw national and international media coverage to northwest Ohio’s strengths, resources and assets.

In putting forth its proposal to the Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC), the Regional Growth Partnership became the first regional economic development entity in the state to apply for and receive funding under the matching grant program.(emphasis added)

“We are excited the OBDC saw the value of our editorial marketing program, and through this grant, we can now promote both northwest Ohio and the state as an ideal location for new business,” said Steve Weathers, president and CEO of the RGP. “The Ohio brand is already recognized by investors nationwide, and we’re now building on that same message to convey all of the wonderful opportunities in northwest Ohio.”

In September 2006, OBDC unveiled a new Ohio brand, summed up for the business community in the brandline, “Build Your Business. Love Your Life.” The new brandline communicates that Ohio offers balance without compromise; everything businesses need to thrive and provides ample opportunity for executives and employees to achieve their personal aspirations as well. As part of its editorial marketing program, the RGP will promote how the Toledo region uniquely delivers the Ohio promise.

The RGP already has some successes to point to when it comes to national articles highlighting businesses in our area. Congratulations to them for being the first in the state to qualify for the matching grant!