Ohio No. 1 in major projects, according to magazine list

Ohio led the nation in capital investment projects last year, drawing 399 major projects with an estimated value of $5 billion to the state, including several large local projects.

That level of investment landed Ohio a Governor's Cup award from Site Selection Magazine, its second in two years. Gov. Ted Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher will receive the award today, March 5, at the Statehouse.

The magazine's survey includes projects that involve at least $1 million in capital investment, 50 new jobs, or 20,000 square feet of construction. Illinois, Tennessee, North Carolina and Texas rounded out the top five states.

In an interview with the magazine, Fisher pointed to Amylin Pharmaceuticals' plans to invest $400 million in a biomedical facility in West Chester Twp., Butler County, as a major victory for the region.

In Montgomery County, major projects announced last year included James Group of Ohio's $32.5 million warehousing and distribution center in Trotwood, Payless Shoe's $30 million distribution facility in Brookville and Appleton Papers' $100 million expansion in West Carrollton.

Efforts by state lawmakers over the last couple of years to change Ohio's tax code have helped attract new business and encourage expansions in Dayton and across the state, said Chris Kershner, vice president of public policy and economic development for the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Ohio Department of Development's research office provided data to Site Selection, which independently analyzed it and formulated the state rankings, said Melissa Ament, a department spokeswoman.

Growth in Ohio in 2007

79 new manufacturing plants came to Ohio

143 other manufacturers expanded

177 other headquarters, distribution centers, mixed-use and other facilities

Source: Site Selection Magazine and Conway Data