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The Jobs Agenda
Creating a business environment that supports the creation and retention of good jobs is a top priority for the Taft Administration. In 2004, Governor Taft tapped Development Director Bruce Johnson to lead the newly created Jobs Cabinet. The Cabinet, consisting of 14 state agencies, is working together to facilitate interagency cooperation in order to enhance Ohio's business environment and to secure good jobs for Ohioans. The Cabinet has supported numerous business enhancements, including the Ohio Business Gateway, which makes it easier for businesses to interact with state government by simplifying tax and reporting requirements with several state agencies. Today, the Cabinet continues to drive Governor Taft's Jobs Agenda. For more on what Ohio is doing to help create jobs, click here.

The Third Frontier
In directing Ohio's economic development Efforts, Lt. Governor Johnson often refers to a high performance economy in which Ohio's future depends on the research, development and commercialization of new products. Governor Taft's Third Frontier Project, whose managing commission is chaired by Lt. Governor Johnson, promotes just that. Unveiled in February 2002, the Third Frontier Project is a ten-year, $1.1 billion initiative to expand high-tech research capabilities, promote innovation, encourage company formation and create high-paying jobs in the State of Ohio. It is the State's largest-ever, technology-based economic development investment, awarding more than $235 million to Ohio-based companies, universities and research organizations to date. For more on what Ohio has to offer technology companies, click here.

The Ohio Department of Development
As the State's development director, Lt. Governor Johnson is responsible for overseeing the Ohio Department of Development. With 470 employees and an annual budget of more than $900 million, the department is focused on ensuring Ohio is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Its myriad of programs benefit individuals, companies and communities with everything from providing emergency heating assistance to building water and sewer infrastructures, to providing incentives encourage companies to locate and grow in Ohio. In 2004, Lt. Governor Johnson created the Ohio Business Development Coalition as a non-profit sales and marketing partner to help show the world that Ohio is an excellent place to do business.