The Ohio Controlling Board on Aug. 18 approved a Department of Development contract to access a consortium of advisors through the Council of Great Lakes Governors and the St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers to help Ohio small businesses export to international markets.
Senator Kaler and others asked why Ohio is contracting with an out‑of‑state group that represents multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces rather than relying on JobsOhio or in‑state resources. Riley Eberhardt of the Department of Development said the contracted organization provides specialized, project‑based international market services and that the department has seen an increase in small businesses accessing international markets through the service.
Jim (identified in the transcript as deputy chief of the Office of Small Business and Global Trade) told the board the department's focus is promoting Ohio companies into new markets; JobsOhio focuses on foreign direct investment attraction while the department helps Ohio businesses find customers abroad. He described case work such as locating wholesalers, helping with marketing materials and supporting certifications and licensing to sell in foreign markets.
The department cited customer success stories — including a small Akron guitar‑effects pedal maker that now reports about one‑third of sales in Japan and was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a 2019 small business exporter of the year; Hartzell Hardwoods in Dayton; and a company called Malco that tested an energy‑saving commercial kitchen hood in India — as examples of outcomes from these services. Senator Schueller recorded an objection; the board nonetheless approved the item.
Department officials said the work is contracted on a per‑project basis and that international offices previously maintained by the department were restructured away under a prior administration; contractors continue to provide project support.