10/12/2007

Endeavor Center Recognized for Rural Economic Development Efforts

Writer:

Candace Pollock
pollock.58@cfaes.osu.edu
(614) 292-3799

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Collaboration and commitment to boost economic development of rural southern Ohio have placed Ohio State University's Endeavor Center on a national pedestal of success.

The business incubator, located at Ohio State University's South Centers at Piketon in Pike County, has been named the 2007 Economic Development Administration National Rural Economic Development Award winner. Nominations are evaluated based on how effectively market-based strategies are utilized to improve rural economic development.

The award was presented during a brief presentation on Oct. 11 on the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences campus in Columbus, Ohio. U.S. Senator George Voinovich, EAD Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce Ben Erulkar, Ohio State University President Gordon Gee, and CFAES Dean Bobby Moser provided remarks during the presentation.

"I've been interested in rural economic development since I was governor of Ohio," said Voinovich. "As governor, one of my mottos was "Together we can do it," and it's what this is all about."

Collaboration, commitment and partnership between Ohio State University and the community were emphasized as keys to the Endeavor Center's success in rural economic development.

"This award recognizes a lot of people and their hard work," said Gee. "We are here to celebrate that collaboration."

Opened in 2005, the Endeavor Center strives to increase jobs and boost economic development throughout southern Ohio through education, training and assistance of veteran business owners, as well as fledgling entrepreneurs. The 27,000 square-foot facility offers business and warehouse space, as well as housing for Ohio State’s Learning Center South, which currently provides programs for the community in a small computer lab and auditorium.

Currently 19 businesses occupy space in the Endeavor Center, providing a wide range of services including consulting work, medical services, leadership and management, government business support, and value-added products. So far, the Endeavor Center has contributed nearly $4 million to southern Ohio's economy through job placement, networking and business transactions.

"What the Endeavor Center has been able to accomplish in such a few years has been the ability to compete in a global economy using unique technological resources, entrepreneurship, and innovative services and products," said Erulkar. "Economic development is part art and part science."

The Endeavor Center was made possible through $4 million in grants to cover the construction and operations of the facility and provide equipment and furnishings. Funding was provided by the U. S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the Southern Ohio Agriculture and Community Development Foundation, the Ohio Governor’s Office of Appalachia and Rural Development Office of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Local matching funds for the grants were provided by Ohio State University Extension (funds generated from the State Capital Budget, awarded by the Controlling Board), Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, the Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative (SODI) and Scioto County’s Office of Economi Development.

For more information on the Endeavor Center, log on to http://endeavor.osu.edu.