WKSU News: Northeast Ohio communities gain new status.

Federal government says Akron and Summit County constitute a special investment zone.

WKSU's Tim Rudell reports


	Reporter Tim Rudell

Homeland Security has designated Summit County and Akron as a "Regional Center" for foreign investors, a move that makes it easier for entrepreneurs from overseas to develop businesses here.

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Listener Comments:

I understand the desire for local governments to bring new businesses to the area. What puzzles (and frankly offends) me is Summit County's and the City of Akron's choice to concentrate on luring foreign companies to the area when local businesses right under their noses are being refused economic development assistance.

It is appalling that Akron and Summit Co. would pander to foreign companies at the expense of their own citizenry. With an unemployment rate of 9.7%, and millions of square feet of warehouse and factory space sitting vacant, one would think they would be more proactive than to welcome with open arms foreign companies whose only prerequisite is to come in with $500K and a potential to create a paltry 10 jobs in the community. Such shameful behavior should not be lauded; it should be disdained.

Victoria Lyons
Local Business Owner

Posted by: Victoria Lyons (Garfield Heights, OH) on July 7, 2009 1:09PM

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