State's strong background in polymers and advanced materials supports new
business growth
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Long known for its strengths in the
development and manufacturing of polymers and advanced materials, Ohio is now
a focus among start-up companies as a hot market for business success in the
polymer industry.
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Ohio boasts several state-supported programs specifically designed to
encourage entrepreneurial business growth and development, according to the
Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC), the nonprofit organization that
markets the state for capital investment. Companies also gain access to a
highly skilled workforce and enjoy a culture of collaboration among
government, industry and academia.
One example of start-up success is Akron Polymer Systems Inc. (APS), a
spin-off from the University of Akron founded in 2002 by two professors, Frank
Harris and Stephen Cheng. APS is focused on developing high-performance
polymers and advanced materials commonly used in liquid crystal display (LCD)
technologies, as well as in aerospace, medical, and fuel cell applications.
APS is growing rapidly and quickly becoming a nationally recognized and
respected business impacting the way global corporations are using polymers
and advanced materials. APS expects to have some of its initial products hit
the market in 2008, and is advancing towards its long-term goal of being an
OEM supplier of polymers and polymer products. A critical component to its
success has been the polymer research talent pool in Ohio.
"As a research organization, it is critical we have access to the top
minds in the industry," said Bill Fuller, vice president of business
development for APS. "And as a start-up business, being located in Ohio has
been priceless in terms of our success. Ohio's political leadership and
programs for supporting innovation, along with the world-class talent base
emerging from the state's colleges and universities is a combination any new
business hopes for."
APS received two grants through Ohio's Third Frontier Project, a $1.6
billion initiative to help catalyze connections between companies and academia
to support the development process. The Third Frontier Project is Ohio's
largest-ever commitment to high-tech job creation and economic progress.
APS has also teamed up with PolymerOhio, a networking group of Ohio
polymer companies, leading polymer academic institutions, economic development
agencies and service providers.
"The support we've received from Ohio's organizations, academic
institutions and industry and political leaders has been key to our success as
a start-up company," said Frank Harris, president and CEO of APS. "Ohio has
been able to provide us with everything we need to pursue our dreams as
entrepreneurs while still providing us with the balance and opportunity to
pursue our personal aspirations."
"Business leaders are realizing how, in Ohio, they're able to find a
perfect balance between successfully growing a business and still enjoying
life," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development
Coalition (OBDC). "Business owners profit from the bottom-line benefits of
better work:life balance for their employees. Ohio offers low-cost, low stress
communities in a combination of micropolitan and metropolitan cities. This
diversity provides executives and employees the resources and time to make any
ambition achievable. Ohio truly is the state of perfect balance."
About the Ohio Business Development Coalition
The Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC) 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 .
For more information about Akron Polymer Systems Inc., visit
http://akronpolysys.com/
SOURCE Ohio Business Development Coalition
Dace de la Foret of Paul Werth Associates, for Ohio Business Development
Coalition, +1-614-224-8114, ext. 235, delaforet@paulwerth.com
