Mark Kvamme, whom Gov. Kasich handpicked to be the interim chief investment officer of JobsOhio, is optimistic about the future of the state's economic development. Now an official Ohio resident, Kvamme is in the running for the permanent position working to develop, structure and initiate JobsOhio, Columbus Business First reports.
Kvamme has a number of long-term plans and initiatives that he is spearheading on behalf of the administration. To name a few:
Transferring the State’s Liquor Franchise: Kvamme hopes the transfer to be complete in early 2012. After the transfer, the funding from the State’s liquor franchise will be used to pay administrative and staffing costs associated with JobsOhio. JobsOhio will also use the dollars for “business development activities” including issuing loans to companies for capital attraction.
Hiring a permanent Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of JobsOhio: Kvamme expects a decision on a permanent hire in the first quarter of 2012. Regardless of the outcome of the search, Kvamme plans to keep working with Kasich.
JobsOhio Staffing: Kvamme expects JobsOhio to double its current staff of 14 to 25-30 by early next year.
Other Goals & Activities of JobsOhio: A major objective continues to be on growing Ohio’s community of venture capitalist and investors in early-stage businesses.
Additionally, "the Kasich administration and state legislators are working on a "JobsOhio II" bill which is expected to take shape in January. This legislation will clarify the "division of duties between JobsOhio and the development Services Agency, the agency that will replace the Ohio Department of Development," Business First reported.
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