Ohio Port Authority Council Meets

The Ohio Council of Port Authorities met today to discuss issues and programs in Columbus. Mark Locker from the Ohio Department of Transportation provided an update on stimulus related transportation funds while Steve Schoeny gave an update on the Ohio Dept. of Development programs. Cannon Moss from Norfolk Southern Corp. and Steve Davis from CSX discussed railroad economic development strategy. Steve Schoeny was questioned about the new Attorney General reporting form. Several companies have called Port Authorities about compliance issues and reporting requirements. One item for consideration is evaluating the increase of the bid threshold for port authorities in Ohio. The OCPA meets quarterly.

Board Meeting at Miami University Middletown

Kelly Cowan, Director Of Community Partnerships and Professor of Microbiology gives an overview of the community engagement program at Miami University Middletown. The BCPA Board was held on the campus in an effort to learn about community educational resources in Butler County.

Ohio Rail Development Commission Retreat

A Wilbur Smith consultant provides an overview of key areas of the Ohio Rail Plan. The ORDC is working to develop the Ohio Rail Plan 2010 evaluation and planning process. Stakeholder input will be requested in the next 30 to 60 for the plan. Jim Bradley was introduced as the new Chairman of the ORDC.

Board Meeting at Miami University Middletown October 20th

The Miriam Knoll Memorial entrance is the best way to get to rooms 136 and 137 where our Board Meeting will be held. The Interstate 75 interchange exit 32 is under construction so you might want to give yourself more time in getting to the meeting. Go west on 122 to Briel Blvd and turn right, follow Briel until you see the M.U.M. sign. Turn left into the campus and the entrance is right there. Park either directly across or in the area the photo was taken. Don't park in faculty/staff designated spaces.

Quaker Chemical Ribbon Cutting

The Butler County Port Authority Chairman Dick Slagle speaks at the Quaker Chemical Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held on October 14th at the Middletown Quaker Chemical facility. More than $20M was invested in the project including a $10M industrial development bond provided by the BCPA. The project took several years to coordinate the financing. Mr. Slagle thanked Quaker Chemical on their resolve to see the project through to completion.

Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase 2009

Solomon Wilcots talks about how he prepared for a broadcasting career after his retirement from the NFL in 1992 at the Business Showcase. He learned the broadcasting business from the bottom up at Channel 5 in Cincinnati. He currently is a commentator and has a radio program.

Liberty Interchange Dedication

Christine Matacic introduces speakers for the Liberty Interchange Dedication. The collaboration of the Butler County Commissioners, West Chester and Liberty Township Trustee in partnership with the Transportation Improvement District was critical to planning and completing the $41M project. State and local officials, the West Chester Chamber Alliance and the Ohio Dept. of Transportation were part of the project and the dedication program.

Discussion at Midfest Indonesia Trade Program

The BCPA Executive Director talks with Robert Clark of CBI Global and Christopher Gibson of American Apex at the Indonesian Trade Program in Middletown on Friday. The Chamber of Middletown, Trenton and Monroe organized the event held at the Manchester Inn.

Butler County Economic Development Team Meets

The Butler County Economic Development Team held their quarterly meeting at the Government Services Center recently. One topic of discussion was the Recovery Zone Bonds allocation. Criteria for project approval will be developed based on the Economic Development Team recommendations.
Photo: A small group of EDT members discuss some project items.