After months of preparation the United States government is finally ready to put the census in the hands of local residents and will mail over 120 million census forms across the United States within a month. Even though the 2010 census will contain only 10 questions and take approximately 10 minutes to fully answer, the residents of Middletown will be affected by the outcome for the next 10 years to come.
For the fourth year in a row, Ohio beat out every other state in the country in attracting new businesses. This according to Site Selection Magazine, who has awarded the state its annual Governor's Cup Award for "leading the nation in new and expanded facilities in 2009."
The Ohio Business Development Coalition, which is a nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment, says the award, "demonstrates that Ohio's purposeful redesign of its business climate is making the state an ideal location for businesses to compete in a 21st century global economy," according to a press release.
The March issue of Site Selection Magazine highlights Ohio's achievements. Not only does it show how the state leads development and expansion in both the micropolitan and metropolitan categories, but it also points out the state's overall achievements in economic investments.
Governor Ted Strickland believes the award can be attributed to a number of efforts made by the state, including lower taxes, less regulations, and more, "One of the reasons I believe in Ohio is that companies know Ohio is a great place to do business. We have reduced taxes and regulations, we have increased the skills and education of our workforce, and we have been recognized once again by setting the pace for the nation in new and expanded capital investments."
The magazine arrived at the ranking by looking at the number of private capital investments for new or expanded facilities. They had to have an investment of at least $1 million, create at least 50 new jobs, or added at least 20,000 square feet of new floor area. Ohio had 381 of these types of projects. Texas came in at a close second with 374 projects, followed by Michigan with 371, and Pennsylvania and Tennessee rounded out the top five with 333 and 234 respectively. Ohio has won the award eight times, in the years 1993, 1994, 1995, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Ohio Business Development Coalition Executive Director Ed Burghard had this to say about the award, "Winning the 2009 Governor's Cup for the last four years in a row means that, after completing due diligence, CEOs decided Ohio was the ideal location for their business more often than any other state in the country. What's also appealing is the lack of congestion in Ohio allows executives and employees to enjoy professional success without having to sacrifice personal aspirations. Ohio provides people the opportunity for a life in perfect balance."
In addition to winning the award, Ohio had a number of cities that ranked in the top ten metropolitan and micropolitan categories. Cincinatti/Middletown ranked sixth among metropolitan areas with a population over one million. For the second year in a row, Dayton came in second in the mid-sized metropolitan areas with a population between 200,000 and one million category. In the category for micropolitan cities with a population of 10,000 to 50,000, Wooster, Ashtabula and Findlay ranked 2nd, 6th, and 10th respectively.
For more information, visit SiteSelection.com
If you're tired of snow and cold weather and need to get out of the house, never fear; March is a busy month for the city of Middletown! From concerts to events that will get your hearts pumping, get yourself or your family out of the house and out on the town with these fun events!
March 5th: On the first Friday of each month, the First United Methodist Church and Middletown Community Foundation sponsor a concert that is free to the public. The March performance, which starts at noon, will feature Ron Esposito playing Tibet singing bowls, thumb pianos, drums, and vocals!
March 6th: On March 6th, The Middletown Symphony Orchestra will perform at Finkelman Auditorium at Miami University. The concert starts at 8:00 PM and will include music such as Samuel Barber's "School for Scandal Overture," Beethoven's "Symphony No. 2," and Brahms "Double Concerto for Violin and Cello." Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for students.
March 7th: The Southwest Ohio Symphonic Band will perform at the Finkelman Auditorium at Miami University in Middletown. The concert is free and it starts at 2:30 PM. Refreshments will follow.
March 11th: Keep your health in check with a free blood pressure screening at the Middletown Community Center. Sponsored by Hospice Care of Middletown, the event lasts from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
March 12th: Help raise money for earthquake victims in Haiti at the Machester Inn. The Rescue Haiti Charity Ball begins at 6:00 PM and features dinner, guest speakers, music and more! It cost $25.00 to attend.
March 20th: Mayhem & Mystery presents: "Are You Brighter Than a Night Light" at the Manchester Inn. The show plus dinner will cost you $26.95 plus tax & gratuity. Seating and cash bar open at 6:30, show starts at 7:00 and dinner is served at 7:30, upon the completion of Act One.
March 20th & 21st: The Middletown Spring Blast Soccer Tourney will take place that weekend from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 200-300 teams will play! The event takes place at Jacob and Smith Parks in Middletown.
March 20th: The St. Patrick's Day 5K Run/Walk is a great way to get outside and get some exercise! The race starts at Middletown High School and circles to Breiel Blvd, North to Manchester Rd, East to Marshall, South to Rosedale, West to Breiel Blvd, and back to the high school. The event starts at 10:00 AM.
March 27th: The Tea, Vintage Style Show with the Middletown Symphony Orchesta will take place at 2:00 PM at the Manchester Inn. The event is designed to help raise money for the orchestra and will feature tea, a fashion show, silent auction, and Vintage Style by Linda Van Arsdal.
Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.
