Office of the Governor Press Releases

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and the Cincinnati USA Partnership today announced that one of the world’s leading information technology companies has chosen the Cincinnati USA region to establish its North American Delivery Center.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global IT services, business solutions and outsourcing company, began working with the Cincinnati USA Partnership in February of this year to review a number of sites across the region before choosing Clermont County as the location for the delivery center. The company cites a large pool of highly skilled workers as well as excellent access to customers as reasons for its choice.

“Tata Consultancy Services’ investment in southwestern Ohio shows that we have the workforce, infrastructure and expertise that high-tech companies need to thrive in a global marketplace,” Governor Strickland said. “This investment brings promise to our state’s economy by advancing the jobs and services that will carry us into the future.”

“The Cincinnati USA Partnership is proud to have worked with TCS throughout their entire site selection process,” said Neil Hensley, Senior Director of Economic Development, Cincinnati USA Partnership. “We will continue to work closely with TCS as they formally join the more than 2,000 other business technology firms in our region.”

“Clermont County welcomes Tata Consultancy Services with open arms,” said Clermont County Commission President Bob Proud. “The Ridgewood Corporate Center is truly a perfect location for the North American Delivery Center of this innovative and prestigious world-class company.”

TCS is a division of the Tata Group, which is one of India’s oldest, largest and most respected business conglomerates with 96 operating companies and $22 billion in revenues. TCS contributed $4.3 billion to that value in 2006 – 2007.

The state has offered TCS incentives worth more than $19 million for investment in Clermont County, including a 90 percent, eight-year Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit, valued at more than $15 million. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved the tax credit on September 24.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today urged Ohio’s Congressional Delegation to vote for the bipartisan compromise legislation that will provide the needed increase for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The new bill will ensure Ohio’s children have access to the health care they deserve.

“There are few things more important than ensuring Ohio’s children have access to quality, affordable health care. The state budget, passed with the nearly unanimous support of Republican and Democratic legislators, includes a plan to extend health care access to Ohio’s uninsured children,” Strickland said.

“We have it within our ability to accomplish this worthy, bipartisan goal. I'm urging Ohio's Congressional Delegation to support the SCHIP compromise today.”

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today the appointment of Timothy Franken to the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, General Division. The seat was vacant due to the retirement of Judge Maureen Cronin.

“Tim brings years of legal expertise to the bench, along with the integrity and dedication to public service that will make him an effective and fair judge,” Strickland said.

Franken, 59, of Canfield, is currently the chief trial counsel for the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office. In this position, he reviews criminal cases, supervises and trains trial lawyers and serves as the lead counsel on death penalty cases and high level felony indictments.

Franken was the chief of the criminal division of the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office from 2000-2006 and an assistant prosecutor for the office from 1997-2000.

Franken worked in private practice from 1979-2000 and has also served as a business law instructor at Youngstown State University and as counsel for the Western Reserve Transit Authority.

Franken is a member of the Mahoning County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the National Association of District Attorneys. In 1996, he received the Lawyer of the Year Award from the Mahoning County Bar Association.

Franken graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1974 and received his law degree from the University of Akron in 1978.

“As a life-long resident of the Mahoning Valley, I am committed to our community and look forward to serving the court with honesty, fairness and the utmost respect for the law,” Franken said.

Franken will begin as judge on October 1, and his term will extend until January 9, 2009.

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel is currently accepting applications to fill a vacant seat on the Allen County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, due to the retirement of Judge David Kinworthy.

Applicants for the Court of Common Pleas position must be a resident and registered elector of Allen County and not yet 70 years old on the day they begin their duties, as dictated by Ohio law. In addition, they must be admitted to practice law in Ohio and have maintained their legal license for six years prior to assuming the judicial post or served as a judge of a court of record in any jurisdiction in the United States.

The term of the Allen County appointment will extend until January 2, 2009. To continue service in the position, the appointee must run in the November 2008 judicial election.

In the case of all judicial vacancies, applicants must follow the guidelines set forth by the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel to ensure their eligibility for appointment.

Applications must be submitted directly to the judicial panel and will then be distributed to the at-large and regional panel members. Details and the full text of the application procedure are available on the judicial panel’s section of the governor’s Web site.

Requirements for all applicants include submitting a letter of interest, resume, panel questionnaire available here, and no more than six letters of recommendation.

Additional details about OJARP and the application process can be found at its web site.

All materials submitted by applicants for a judicial vacancy will be considered public record under Ohio law. Applicant communication with panel members must be directed to the entire panel; all attempts to contact or influence a panel member are prohibited. Applicant questions and concerns should be addressed to Kent Markus or Jeff Ruppert in the Governor’s Office at (614) 466-3555.

Applications for the Allen County appointment must be received by 5 p.m. October 9.

Candidates must be available to interview in person on October 25 in Columbus. Individual candidate times and interview locations will be determined at a later date.

Governor Strickland has selected the following individuals to serve on the regional panel for the current Allen County vacancy:

Rick Siferd, partner, Siferd & McCluskey, LPA

Frank Lamar, Perry Township Trustee

Leslie Rigali, business development consultant

Farley Banks, sole practitioner, Law Offices of Farley Banks

Gary Frueh, president, UAW 1765 Retirees Chapter

Ken Piercefield, division manager, Mid-American Cleaning

At-Large Panel Members

Janet E. Jackson (chair), president and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio

Meg Flack, board member of the Ohio League of Women Voters

Doloris Learmonth, managing partner at Peck, Shaffer and Williams LLP in Cincinnati

Joy Malek Oldfield, partner at Hill Hardman Oldfield, LLC, in Akron

Charles “Rocky” Saxbe, former state representative, currently

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced the dates of the special election for Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District.

“In an effort to ensure an expedited election for the people of the Fifth District while keeping the cost and burden to local boards of election minimal, the special primary election will be held on the scheduled regular election day, Tuesday November 6,” Strickland said. “The special general election will follow five weeks later on Tuesday, December 11, 2007.”

The Governor’s Writ of Election can be found by clicking here.

Cleveland, Ohio – Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), along with Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Governor Ted Strickland, announced a plan by Continental to grow its capacity at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) by 40 percent over a two-year period. Continental will initially operate 50 new flights, principally on regional jets, and add 20 new nonstop destinations by next summer. By early 2009, Continental plans to add more than a dozen additional flights, principally on mainline aircraft, further strengthening Cleveland’s role in Continental’s global route network. The project is expected to create an estimated 700 Ohio jobs.

Many of the regional jet aircraft used for the additional service will be reallocated from Newark. Beginning in 2009, a number of additional mainline aircraft will also be allocated to support the growth.

Today’s announcement is the result of a partnership among Continental, the City of Cleveland and the State of Ohio.

“This growth strengthens Cleveland and gives customers more options when connecting within the Continental system,” said Larry Kellner, Continental chairman and chief executive officer. “Mayor Jackson’s partnership, support for air service development and his strong management team at Hopkins were crucial to our decision. We’re also grateful for the leadership and support of Governor Strickland, Lt. Governor Fisher and the State of Ohio, the support of Cleveland City Council and the Ohio Congressional delegation. All this support has helped make it possible for us to grow our presence here.”

“Continental Airlines is making a significant investment in the City of Cleveland and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. This strategic investment is designed to maximize Cleveland’s assets, create a positive environment for business and serve as a vehicle for tourism to the entire Cleveland Plus region,” said Mayor Jackson. “I’d like to thank Mr. Kellner, Mr. Smisek, Governor Strickland, Lt. Governor Fisher, Director Smith and all who worked with me and my staff to make this vision for Cleveland a reality.”

“The State of Ohio is proud to partner in this effort to support this major expansion in the great City of Cleveland,” said Governor Strickland.

The State offered an incentive package valued at more than $16 million; to date, Continental has been awarded a $900,000 Rapid Outreach Grant, a 70-percent, 10-year Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit, an Ohio Investment in Training program grant valued at up to $550,000, as well as employment pre-screening, testing and recruitment services through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

“Ohio’s world-class transportation infrastructure and airports are strengths for our communities that enhance our economic development goals, and this expansion will bolster Cleveland Hopkins and support business development in Northeast Ohio,” said Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Continental’s expanded air service at Cleveland Hopkins will benefit the entire state by improving access to Ohio and demonstrating to expanding businesses one more reason why more than 1,000 internationally owned establishments from 26 countries are located in Ohio.”

2007 to 2009: Phase One

Phase one was launched with a significant increase in capacity in 2007 in many mainline markets from Cleveland including:

Destination	% capacity increase
San Francisco	45%
Orlando	33%
Seattle	32%
Los Angeles	10%

Seasonal flights to San Diego also began in late December 2006.

The 2007 capacity increase has been achieved through a combination of adding additional flight frequency and using larger aircraft on these routes.

New service to Quebec City began in June of 2007.

Later this month, twice daily flights to Oklahoma City and daily service to Ottawa will begin.

As a result of the growth in 2007, Continental’s operation in Cleveland will be 10 percent larger in 2007 than in 2006.

Phase Two: 12 New Nonstop Destinations

In early 2008, Continental will add 27 new flights to 12 new nonstop destinations including:

New Destination	Frequency	Effective Date
Greensboro, N.C. (GSO)	Three times daily	March 3, 2008
Omaha, Neb. (OMA)	Three times daily	March 3, 2008
Savannah, Ga. (SAV)	Twice daily	March 3, 2008
Birmingham, Ala. (BHM)	Twice daily	April 6, 2008
Charleston, S.C. (CHS)	Once daily	April 6, 2008
Green Bay, Wis. (GRB)	Twice daily	April 6, 2008
Tulsa, Okla. (TUL)	Twice daily	April 6, 2008
Little Rock, Ark. (LIT)	Twice daily	May 4, 2008
Memphis, Tenn. (MEM)	Twice daily	May 4, 2008
Lansing, Mich. (LAN)	Three times daily	May 4, 2008
Des Moines, Iowa (DSM)	Twice daily	June 12, 2008
Kalamazoo, Mich. (AZO)	Three times daily	June 12, 2008 (Weekend schedules may vary)

In addition, previously announced seasonal service to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) will begin May 22, 2008. The flight is planned to depart Cleveland at 7:05 p.m. and arrive in Paris at 9:05 a.m. the following day. The return flight will depart Paris at 10:50 a.m. on May 23, 2008, and arrive in Cleveland at 2:00 p.m. the same day. Both flights are served with a Boeing 757 aircraft featuring Continental’s award-winning BusinessFirst cabin. Paris is the second European destination served by Continental from Cleveland, following London Gatwick airport (LGW).

Customers may go online today at continental.com to begin booking and ticketing the new flights. In addition, customers have the option of making reservations by calling Continental at 1-800-523-FARE, or contacting their local travel agent. Introductory fares will be offered in the new markets.

Additional cities to be announced later will also be added during Phase Two.

Following the completion of the second phase of the expansion in June 2008, Continental expects to be providing 300 daily departures from Cleveland, up from the 242 daily departures in June 2007. Total nonstop destinations served from Cleveland will grow from 80 today to 100.

Phase Three

Phase Three will be announced in 2008 and will add more nonstop destinations and a further increase in seats to existing Continental markets. The additional capacity will be in place for the peak summer 2009 travel period.

The Fleet

Continental and its partners have deployed a diverse fleet of aircraft at the Cleveland hub. Flights are operated with Boeing 757s, 737s, Embraer and Canadair Regional Jets, Bombardier Q200s and Beechcraft 1900s. The Beechcraft 1900s will be entirely replaced by Q200s by April 2008. The 37-seat Q200s are quiet, next-generation aircraft featuring state-of-the-art features for passenger comfort. The new routes will be flown by a combination of aircraft types operated by Continental and its regional airline partners.

More Than 700 New Jobs

In order to support the expanded schedule at the Cleveland hub, Continental expects that it and its regional airline partners will hire more than 700 new employees over the next 18 months. Positions will include airport sales agents and customer service agents. In addition, Continental is also hiring pilots and flight attendants. Continental career opportunities are posted at continental.com.

Airport Improvements Support Expansion

To support the growth of Cleveland, future facility plans call for an expanded security checkpoint area, a new meet-and-greet waiting area and additional ticket counters. A concession redevelopment program is underway to provide more retail and food and beverage options for travelers at Cleveland Hopkins - - at prices that are comparable to non-airport locations. Continental and the Airport are also reviewing different options to expand and/or relocate the current Federal Inspection Services (FIS) and customs hall.

Already completed are a new runway and centralized de-icing pad, C Concourse ramp replacement, expansion of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) bag room with a new in-line baggage screening system, and restroom renovations.

Continental Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 3,100 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 144 domestic and 138 international destinations. More than 400 additional points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines. With more than 45,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 67 million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture.

For the fourth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World’s Most Admired Airline on its 2007 list of World’s Most Admired Companies. Continental was also named the No. 1 airline on the publication’s 2007 America’s Most Admired airline industry list.

Additionally, Continental again won major awards at the OAG Airline of the Year Awards including “Best Airline Based in North America” for the fourth year in a row, and “Best Executive/Business Class” for the fifth consecutive year. For more company information, visit continental.com.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today the appointment of D. Scott Bowling to a seat on the Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas, General and Domestic Relations Division.

The seat was vacated after the passing of Judge Frank McCown.

“Scott has exhibited professionalism and integrity in his law career and community life,” Strickland said. “His commitment to Lawrence County is clear, and I am certain he will work tirelessly as a common pleas judge.”

Bowling, 41, of Kitts Hill, is a partner with Lambert, McWhorter and Bowling, LLC, in Ironton. He has been serving clients for more than 10 years primarily in the areas of personal injury, medical negligence and Social Security disability.

Previously, Bowling worked as a medical technologist at River Valley Health Systems from 1986-1996.

Bowling is active in the Oakland Chapel United Brethren Church, where he serves as a Sunday school teacher and Missions Board member. He is a volunteer for the Symmes Valley High School and Junior High basketball teams as well as a little league baseball coach.

Bowling received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio University in 1988 and a law degree from Capital University in 1997. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, West Virginia Bar Association and Kentucky Bar Association.

“I look forward for the opportunity to serve the people of Lawrence County in this important role,” Bowling said.

Bowling’s term as judge will begin on September 24. His term will extend until February 9, 2009.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following proclamation in honor of Representative Paul Gillmor:

Ohio grieves at the tragic and sudden loss of Congressman Paul Gillmor. For more than 40 years -- from the Ohio Statehouse to the United States Congress -- Congressman Gillmor devoted his life to serving the people of Ohio.

Therefore, in observance of the life and service of Congressman Paul Gillmor, I hereby proclaim, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flags of the United States of America and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio until sunset on September 6, 2007.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement on the loss of Representative Paul Gillmor:

“I am very saddened by the loss of Congressman Paul Gillmor. Frances and I offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and constituents. Paul was a friend and a colleague. I count myself as fortunate to have served with him on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Ohio has lost a truly decent and devoted public servant.”