Ohio is a potential source for advanced energy jobs and business growth

The Plain Dealer
July 13, 2008
By Linda Chojnacki

When you ask Northeast Ohio builders and Realtors what`s needed to spur growth and strengthen the housing market in Northeast Ohio, the number one answer is job creation.

According to the Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland, a new report sites Ohio as a potential hotbed for "green collar" job creation and business growth in the advanced energy industry. This is according to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment.

"We are seeing an increased demand for higher-skilled high-technology contractors in the building industry due to this new technology. The days of strapping on a tool belt are quickly diminishing. Contractors that are truly `green` literate must go through rigorous training, which is raising the bar for this field of work," said Enzo Perfetto of Enzoco Homes and chairman of the public relations committee of the Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland.

The report, released by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts, shows that Ohio`s long history of manufacturing excellence and large pool of skilled workers creates an ideal environment for the growing number of jobs related to advanced, renewable energy.

"Ohio`s dedication to technology innovation, coupled with its access to a world-class supply chain and a talented, educated workforce, is vital in building a strong foundation for the widespread application of advanced energy systems," said Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as director of the Ohio Department of Development. "In addition to the many business incentive programs the state offers to companies that create new jobs, Ohio has also recently passed the most significant tax reform in our State`s history in at least a half century in order to create a supportive and encouraging environment for new investment."

Ohio was one of only 12 states selected for the report, which examined the number of workers who can apply their skills to six categories of green industries: building retrofitting, mass transit, fuel-efficient automobiles, wind power, solar power, and cellulosic biomass fuels.

"The Cleveland HBA has taken the lead in the construction industry to create its own in-house green initiative. The HBA offers a plethora of seminars and continuing education to its member. It is safe to say that if you are dealing with an HBA builder, they are very in tune with the new technology of green building," said Perfetto.

The report noted that many of Ohio`s manufacturing workers can easily be transferred to green manufacturing jobs and that 551,000 workers in Ohio could see new job opportunities and wage increases from the growth of environmentally-friendly industries.

"Once known for its abundance of blue collar workers, Ohio is now transforming its economy to meet the advanced energy needs of the 21st century. Combined with new programs to educate and train a new generation of green collar workers, Ohio`s depth in advanced design, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing combine to create the perfect combination of skill sets and capabilities to make the state a global leader in this rapidly growing industry," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition.

One example of potential growth can be found in the wind industry. Ohio is number two in the United States in potential for manufacturing wind turbines and components. Currently home to more than 60 companies in the wind turbine supply chain, Ohio has already become a leading supplier for the U.S. wind industry. Hundreds of large-scale industrial manufacturing operations stand poised to participate in Ohio`s wind industry growth.

"Parts of The Great Lakes have been slated by the Wind Power Industry as the most conducive and highest-producing wind energy location in the world," Perfetto indicated.

One of the most significant initiatives supporting Ohio`s renewable energy industry and future job force is the state`s Third Frontier Project, a 10-year, $1.6 billion initiative to help connect companies with academia. The project is the state`s largest-ever commitment to expand high-tech research capabilities, promote innovation and company formation, and create high-paying jobs. Many of those jobs will be filled by Ohio`s developing green collar workforce.

"Business leaders are realizing how, in Ohio, they`re able to find a perfect balance between successfully growing a business and still enjoying life," Burghard said. "Business owners profit from the bottom-line benefits of better work-life balance for their employees. Ohio offers low-cost, low-stress communities in a combination of micropolitan and metropolitan cities. This diversity provides executives and employees the resources and time to make any ambition achievable. Ohio truly is the state of perfect balance."

"With Ohio`s transformation from a steel manufacturing community, much of the workforce is already in place to allow Ohio to lead the charge in being the leader of green product manufacturing. Much of the technology that is needed in wind turbine design is similar to the manufacturing of automobiles and steel," said Perfetto.

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