Road Trip offers aid in new energy options

ADA - When it come to jobs in alternative energy, Jerry Good likes to do the math: Multiply the 200 wind turbines in the average wind farm times as much as $2 million for each turbine and the product may well be the future of manufacturing in the region.

That math was at the heart of the daylong Advanced Energy Road Trip hosted at Ohio Northern University on Thursday by the Ohio Department of Development's Ohio Energy Office.

Manufacturers, economic development directors and government leaders from across the region came to hear about programs available through the state to launch alternative energy businesses in Ohio.

"These are people looking at the opportunity to enter the supply chain in alternative energies, be it solar, wind or biomass and biofuels, said Good, regional economic development director.

The state's Department of Development recently created a $150 million Advanced Energy Stimulus aimed at creating jobs and attracting new investment in Ohio industries. Thursday's workshop included presentations on the various alternative energies included in the program, as well as information on how to apply for support.

Good said west central Ohio has an advantage on the new energy front. The region already has a base of manufacturers with experience in parts and supply work, and a work force ready to roll.

"Our region has a strong history of manufacturing and metal work. We have manufacturers in the automobile and appliance in industry. Well, there are 13,000 parts in a wind turbine and we're positioned very well to do that work," Good said.

There are already manufacturers in the region working in alternative energy. Minster Machine manufactures parts for wind turbines. Celina Tent makes fiberglass sheets used in solar energy products. Good said he hopes programs such as Thursday's will prompt more companies to join them.

"Our role is to understand the supply chain and try to connect our companies to the opportunities that are out there. There are a whole lot of opportunities out there we need to take advantage of," Good said.