I attended my first 2010 Ohio Brew Week event last night, Sparbock keg tapping at Jackie Os. The pub was full of brew-goers eager to taste the craft brews that will be offered all week at many of the drinking establishments in Athens. I was really excited to be among the group of people who were there tasting, scoring, and talking about the beers. As I listened to the folks at the tables around me, I realized that there is an entirely different jargon that I was previously unaware of when discussing beer and its flavors. It was really entertaining to hear statements like; this one is really hoppy, that one has a sweet nose but a bitter finish, perfect balance.
I have to say, I am a person who knows what she likes. I never really thought beyond that when drinking my beer. I was introduced to a different perspective last night. So, here is a little of what I learned;
*IPA – An ale brewed in England for British troops stationed in India in the 18th century. It was brewed very strong to survive a voyage that could take as long as six months. Highly hopped.
In the current economic climate raising capital is challenge for start-ups and small businesses.
I am always interested in learning and sharing information that may help our local business, and also help create more start-ups here in Athens County.
I was very excited when it was announced that Athens would host the 2009 Appalachian Regional Commission Conference. The conference took place on Oct. 26-28 on the campus of Ohio University and was a great success! With over 350 participants, individuals from across the 13 state appalachian region witnessed first hand what Athens County has to offer.
With the theme of the conference being New Energy, New Jobs, I knew this would be a wonderful opportunity for our Alternative Energy Companies here in Athens County to show the wonderful things they are working on. It was a great honor to have Governor Strickland personally visit and see first hand the tremendous work that Third Sun, Sunpower, Global Cooling, and Dovetail are accomplishing. These companies are great examples of how Athens County is becoming a leader in the Alternative Energy Industry.
As the Director of The Athens County Economic Development Council I am always looking for effective ways to promote Athens County. This is essential for attracting new business and entrepreneurs to our county which help create quality jobs. As many businesses and organizations know, an effective marketing campaign can be very expensive. Many of you are looking for inexpensive ways to promote your business and products.
One of the most cost effective ways is social networking/marketing. Most of us have heard of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These are the most popular social networks currently, but there are many others that can be just as useful. Using social networks can provide an avenue to market your products or share information about you or your business in timely and cost effective way. Even though this is a great way to curb some of your marketing cost, it is vital to note the importance of taking the time to learn and identify which networks to use, and the most effective ways to use them.
The Ohio University Innovation Center is now reviewing and forwarding applications for the Technology Investment Tax Credit Program for Companies and Investors. The program provides a tax credit for Ohio taxpayers who invest in small, Ohio-based technology companies. The amount of the tax credit is 30%. The maximum amount of investment to which the credit applies is $300,000. Investors are eligible for up to a $90,000 tax credit.
The credit can be claimed against personal income tax, corporate franchise tax, public utility excise tax or dealers in intangibles tax. The eligible entity or business must be involved primarily in research and development; technology transfer; Biotechnology; Information Technology; the application of new technology developed through research and development or acquired through technology transfer.
If you are thinking about starting or expanding a business and wonder what type of various state and federal funding programs are available, then please join us for the Lunch and Learn Series organized by the Entrepreneurship Development Group (EDG).
The Athens County Economic Development Council is a proud partner of the Entrepreneurship Development Group (EDG) which works to promote entrepreneurship in the county and region. The Lunch and Learn Series is an educational and networking event that will be held monthly on the third Tuesday of each month from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Innovation Center in Room 103. We will arrange to have one or more presenters speak on a topic at each workshop. Co-hosting organizations include: Innovation Center, Tech Growth Ohio, Small Business Development Center, and Athens County Economic Development Council.
I am often asked about why a company should start or move their business into Athens County. I enthusiastically list off all the benefits, how great the communities are, and why we can help their business grow and prosper. However, its my belief that listening to local business owners explain why they started or moved their company to Athens County and the great state of Ohio is all the evidence you need!
In an interview with Ohio Means Business, Mike Brooks, CEO of Rocky Boots, explains why Ohio and Athens County is the perfect place to establish a business, work, and raise a family.

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