CONTACT: Julie Michael Smith
Chief Development Officer, Youngstown Business Incubator
330-259-7644; jmsmith@ybi.org

May 14, 2008

FORMER GOVERNOR TAFT RETURNS TO YOUNGSTOWN
FOR GRAND OPENING OF TECH CENTER

Former Governor Bob Taft will join elected officials, the Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corporation (YCACIC), Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) and Turning Technologies for the grand opening of the facility that bears his name-the Taft Technology Center-at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 19.

The celebration, to take place in front of the center, at 255 West Federal Street in Downtown Youngstown, will include comments from Taft, as well as U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan; Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams; G. Richard Pavlock, chairman of the YCACIC Board of Directors; Garry Mrozek, chairman of the YBI Board of Directors; and Michael Broderick, CEO of Turning Technologies, the first tenant of the new facility. The event will conclude with a ribbon cutting ceremony. 

Pavlock stated that the construction of the Taft Technology Center is part of a multi-phase, joint effort by the YCACIC and YBI to create a technology campus downtown and foster an environment for technology companies to share ideas and resources with one another, as well as institutions such as Youngtown State University.

In addition, Mrozek said, “In a great partnership with the YCACIC, the development of Taft Technology Center expands YBI’s presence, allowing it to retain successful companies while supporting the revitalization of the downtown. YBI looks forward to continuing this revitalization partnership and expanding this technology environment.” 

The Taft Technology Center boasts 30,000 square feet. While the YCACIC developed the project with contractor Mike Coates Construction Co., ownership will soon be turned over to the YBI.

 The center cost approximately $5.8 million to build; $3.5 million was targeted for this project from Taft, whose administration championed support for technology-based business development and entrepreneurship. 

Turning Technologies moved into the facility earlier this month, establishing its global headquarters where approximately 130 people are currently employed.