Ohio launches campaign to attract Israeli businesses
High-tech trade experts from large industrial state to conduct five sessions in Tel Aviv to acquaint local companies with benefits of establishing their main US offices in that area. Thirty Israeli companies already co-located in Ohio
Over 75 companies throughout Israel have indicated their interest in attending one of the sessions, which will be held at the Dan Panorama Hotel, March 6-7.
Three industries are specifically sought by the Ohio delegation: Aerospace, Materials (chemicals and polymers) and Electronics (instrumentation and control systems).
Israeli companies indicating a serious interest will be invited to the Ohio-Israel Investment Forum, which will take place in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, during the summer of 2007.
Stepping up program and message
Ohio has allocated $1.6 billion over 10 years to attract, support and assist in the growth of technology-based companies, with a Target Industry Attraction program for Bio, Polymers and Fuel Cells of $13 million per year and up to $1 million per company.
The various programs include grants, low-interest loans and tax credits, as well as A-Z support on all levels in a uniquely 'Israel business-friendly' environment.
Thirty Israeli companies are already co-located in Ohio. While Ohio has informally targeted Israeli hi-tech companies for the past year, the current campaign will step up both the program and the message.
The Midwestern state is within 500 miles (overnight shipping) of 53 percent of the entire US population, 59 percent of the top 500 American industrial headquarters, 55 percent of all US manufacturing facilities and 65 percent of Canada’s concentrated economic activity (GDP).
