COATC.com News from 2003
News from the Central Ohio Aerospace and Technology Center in 2003

December 10, 2003
Port Authority Board Honors Wally Horton
Retiring Board member Wally Horton was honored by the Port Authority Board of Directors Dec. 10. Chairman Steve Layman presented an engraved photo plaque and officials from the offices of U.S. Senators DeWine and Voinovich, Congressmen Ney and Tiberi, Governor Taft, State Senator Hottinger, and House Speaker Householder also presented letters or proclamations with regards.

December 9, 2003
$9 Million Bond Issue for Licking Memorial Hospital [In PDF Format]
At its December meeting, the Port Authority Board approved a $9 million bond issue for Licking Memorial Hospital. The bond uses the tax-exempt financing capability of the Port Authority, something the Port Authority would like to make a routine function. The proceeds are to be applied for capital equipment lease.

December 4, 2003
Snow Removal Report Card System Begun
As the first major snow for the season nears, a new system for evaluating the snow removal efforts at COATC is unveiled. The Snow Removal Report Card includes a summary of the snow event, a review of manpower and efforts, a comparison to nearby sites, and letter grades from COATC tenants. Tied with the new weather station and several capital improvement projects, the Port Authority and its snow removal contractor are prepared for battle with Mother Nature this winter.

December 1, 2003
Boeing Company Sees Leadership Changes--Platt Named Chairman, Stonecipher Named CEO
Boeing Chairman and CEO Phil Condit, a visitor to COATC in 2003, announced his resignation from Boeing. In his place, the Board announced Lewis E. Platt, as non-executive chairman and Harry C. Stonecipher, as president and CEO.

November 24, 2003
Electronic Control Systems-USA Locates at COATC
Electronic Control Systems-USA has signed a lease to locate at COATC. ECS-Italy, the Italian parent company, manufacturers controls for industrial machinery. This sales office is the firm's first U.S. operations.

November 24, 2003
Port Authority Holiday Open House Set for December 10th, Horton to Be Honored
Retiring Board member Wally Horton will be honored by the Port Authority Board of Directors at a Holiday Open House scheduled for Dec. 10. The offices will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the holiday celebration.

November 21, 2003
Proposed Bond Issue for Licking Memorial Health Systems Progresses [In PDF Format]
The Port Authority has set a public hearing for Tuesday, December 9 to consider action on a proposed bond issue for Licking Memorial Health Systems. The proposed $9 million bond issuance uses the tax-exempt financing capability of the Port Authority. The proceeds are to be applied for capital equipment uses.

November 18, 2003
COATC Weather Station Up and Running
A new weather station at COATC is producing real-time weather information specific to the campus. In addition to helping the Port Authority and its snow removal contractor battle Mother Nature this winter, the station information is available to COATC personnel and visitors 24/7 on-line.

November 14, 2003
Procurement Seminar Brings Diverse Audience
Navigating Government, a seminar for small businesses looking to do business with the government and defense contractors, was held this week at COATC. The seminar brought a diverse group of small businesses from varied parts of Ohio, with varied products and services, and having varied government sales experience. Over 65 people attended.

November 11, 2003
Procurement Seminar at COATC
Navigating Government, a seminar for small businesses looking to do business with the government and defense contractors, is slated at COATC this week. Small business advocates, government, and defense industry participants are collaborating to make the event possible. Over 65 registrations were received in advance from a wide range of small businesses from Central Ohio and beyond.

November 3, 2003
Progress Continues on Capital Projects
Progress continues this fall on several high-profile COATC capital improvement projects. The Port Authority has reinvested over $400,000 into facility enhancements in 2003 aimed at modernization.

October 28, 2003
Fire Equipment Up For Auction Now
With the closing of the COATC fire station, fire services equipment is now available for sale. The Port Authority has begun selling equipment, including a fire truck, bunks, air tank filling machinery, jaws of life, and other specialty fire services equipment via on-line auction.

October 21, 2003
Procurement Event Set for Nov. 12 at COATC
Navigating Government, a seminar for small businesses looking to do business with the government and defense contractors, is slated for November 12 at COATC. Small business advocates, government, and defense industry participants are collaborating to make the event possible. The target audience is small and emerging businesses in Central Ohio, including companies in downtown Newark that may be eligible for the HubZone federal incentive program.

October 15, 2003
Heath Middle School First Recipient Under Encouraging Science & Technlogy Careers Program
Heath Middle School teacher Jane Davis accepted an RF generator presented by Port Authority Director Rick Platt. The equipment, one of three pieces accepted for use by the 8th grade science classes, was granted by the Port Authority under a new program to grant scientific equipment to schools in Licking County.

October 15, 2003
Formation of BAE SYSTEMS Inertial Products Unit Announced
The formation of BAE SYSTEMS Inertial Products, a unit of aerospace giant BAE SYSTEMS, was announced recently. The COATC-based operation is now part of a unit that is engaged in the design and manufacture of gyroscopes and inertial measurement systems for defense and commercial customers.

October 14, 2003
Area Profiled Nationally For Technological Achievements
The groundbreaking for the state-of-the-art John Gilbert Reese Center at Ohio State University-Newark gained national attention for its use of technology in a mixed campus and conference center setting.

October 13, 2003
Port Authority Preps for Fire Equipment Auction
With the closing of the COATC fire station, fire services equipment is expected to become available for sale. The Port Authority expects to sell a fire truck, bunks, and other specialty fire services equipment via on-line auction.

October 3, 2003
Bionetics to Host NCSL International Workshop
Bionetics Corporation will host a regional meeting of the National Conference of Standards Laboratories International on October 16. This event is the second such event at the COATC Conference Center that Bionetics has hosted this year.

September 29, 2003
AVAILABLE: 4,000 sq. ft. Office/Warehouse Building
The former COATC fire station is now available for lease. The 4,000 sq. ft. facility is suitable for technology, office, and small manufacturing operations. Take a virtual tour of the property on-line.

September 26, 2003
Projects Wrapping Up, Others Ramping Up
Several of the projects on the Port Authority's slate of more than $400,000 worth of capital improvement projects are wrapping up, including a large roof project. At the same time, several projects are in design and financial phases.

September 22, 2003
Take Your Pulse Day is Friday
The Heath Rec Center presents Take Your Pulse Day again this Fall. The event includes various health and fitness screenings in the COATC Conference Center and is open to the public.

September 19, 2003
Logan Named Financial Officer, Boylan Promoted
The Port Authority announced personnel changes as part of a reorganization plan accepted by the Board of Directors at its September meeting. Dana Logan was named Financial Officer and Bruce Boylan was named Senior Manager, Facilities.

September 17, 2003
Auction Alert
The Port Authority continues to sell excess equipment on-line via GovDeals.com. Subscribe to our Auction Alert to get notified when new items go for auction.

September 11, 2003
COATC Personnel Remember 9/11 with Flag at Half Staff, Ceremony
COATC personnel remembered the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 with the on-Base flag flying at half staff and a rememberance ceremony.

September 4, 2003
Bionetics Recognized at National Conference
COATC tenant Bionetics was honored at the recent annual conference of the National Conference of Standards Laboratories. An award was presented for leadership in organizing regional meetings of the international group. Another regional NCLS meeting is set for this fall at COATC, further putting COATC on the radar screen of high tech companies around the world.

September 2, 2003
Roof Repair Project Begins
Cranes began hoisting equipment and materials on to the roof of the largest building at COATC in preparation for a $245,000 roof repair project. Contractor Kalkreuth Roofing & Sheet Metal is credited with several high profile roof projects in Central Ohio. Progress will be tracked on-line along with other on-campus capital improvement projects.

August 27, 2003
State Route 79 Widening Progressing, COATC To Benefit
The $18 million project to widen State Route 79 is now one-third complete. This 3.8 mile project, expected to be completed by October 2004, greatly improves COATC's connection to Interstate 70.

August 26, 2003
Port Authority Encouraging Science & Technlogy Careers Program Begun
The Port Authority has begun a new program to grant scientific equipment to schools in Licking County from among excess property. The program is currently soliciting participation by schools in Licking County.

August 15, 2003
The Lights Were Always On At COATC
The blackouts that affected 50 million people within a day's drive of Heath never caused a flicker here at COATC. Central Ohio's reputation for reliable electric service is very much intact. See our statement on electric service.

August 7, 2003
August On Target e-Newsletter Published
The latest version of the On Target e-newsletter is now out. The e-newsletter is an opportunity to keep in touch with the projects and happenings at COATC.

July 29, 2003
Project Status Report: Progress Visible
Over $400,000 in capital improvement projects are underway this Summer with many now reaching completion. The projects set to begin soon include roof repairs, storm sewers upgrades, and door replacements. All of the improvements are efforts at modernization which will ease maintenance and prolong the life of COATC facilities.

July 20, 2003
Defense Closure Issue Returns Attention to COATC
The Associated Press reviews the potential impact of the next round of base closures on Ohio. The article includes mention of COATC.

July 16, 2003
Port Authority Unveils $11.4 Million Capital Improvements Plan
The Port Authority Board accepted a new 10-year capital improvements plan that calls for over $11.38 million in capital improvements over the next 10 years. The plan represents the Port Authority's commitment to modernize COATC and prepare for future growth.

July 9, 2003
Survey Says: Port Authority Gets High Marks From Customers
The results are in from a recent customer satisfaction survey conducted by the Port Authority at COATC. Fully 24 out of 25 respondents gave the Port Authority high marks for customer service.

July 7, 2003
BAE SYSTEMS Honored By Defense Supply Center Richmond [In PDF Format]
BAE SYSTEMS Inertial Products, a COATC tenant, was recently honored by the Defense Supply Center Richmond as one of the best suppliers. BAE was listed as a gold medalist at the Automated Best Value System award ceremony.

June 29 & 30, 2003
Newark AFB: 10 Years Later
The Advocate reports the anniversary of the announcement of BRAC closure of the Newark Air Force Base in 1993 and explores the changes since that time in a two-day series.

June 26, 2003
Port Authority On-Line Auction Underway
The Port Authority, which often has excess property for sale, is testing the use of an on-line auction for sale of property. A 1992 Chevy pick-up truck is the first item on-line for sale.

June 23, 2003
Projects List is Extensive, Diverse
An extensive list of capital projects are underway this Summer totalling over $400,000. The projects range from roofs to storm sewers with doors and walkways in between. All of the improvements are efforts at modernization which will ease maintenance and prolong the life of COATC facilities while also improving safety and the appearance of the grounds.

June 18, 2003
Meeting Rooms Available
Adjacent to the COATC Conference Center are two meeting rooms suitable for seminars, training sessions, and other small events. The rooms are available to on-Base personnel.

June 9, 2003
Boeing Announces Move to Manufacturing at COATC
The Boeing Guidance Repair Center's Mod-7 production contract is made public in a story by The Advocate. The project is Boeing's first manufacturing workload at the COATC and is considered a positive sign of progress.

June 3, 2003
State Grant Approved for Roadwork Improvements
WCLT Radio reports that the State Controlling Board has approved a $500,000 state grant for roadwork improvements on the Port Authority's COATC South Campus. The grant opens 120 acres for development. Engineering work will begin late Summer.

June 2, 2003
Take the Port Authority Survey
The Port Authority wants to know where it can improve its operations and suggestions for facility upgrades. To assist, the Port Authority is conducting an online, twenty-question, customer satisfaction survey.

May 30, 2003
Take Your Pulse Day Attracts Steady Stream of Visitors
A steady stream of visitors took part in Take Your Pulse Day activities. The Heath Community Recreation and Fitness Center, Aramark, and the Port Authority joined together for three events in one intended for personnel at the COATC. The events included an open house of the newly-remodeled COATC Conference Center, health screenings, and a customer satisfaction survey conducted by the Port Authority.

May 22, 2003
Take Your Pulse Day Set for May 30 at COATC
The Heath Community Recreation and Fitness Center, Aramark, and the Port Authority join together for three events in one intended for personnel at the COATC. The events include an open house of the newly-remodeled COATC Conference Center, health screenings, and a customer satisfaction survey conducted by the Port Authority.

May 19, 2003
Boeing Frontiers Magazine Profiles Heath
The May issue of Boeing Frontiers magazine, a Boeing Company publication, has a profile of the COATC-based Boeing Guidance Repair Center as its main feature story. The article brings attention to the facilities' hidden strengths and capabilities. Congratulations to the Boeing team in Heath!

May 14, 2003
Economic Development Conference a Success
Participants in Licking County Perspectives, a first-ever economic development conference for community leaders, was a success. Over 150 people registered for the conference, most of whom also boarded a passenger train for a trip on the Columbus and Ohio River Rail line. The event was a cooperative effort of the Port Authority, Licking County Planning Commission, and Newark & Licking County Chamber of Commerce. The sponsors included the Ohio Central Railroad, The Boeing Company, Kaiser Aluminum, Mid-Ohio Development, and Southgate Corporation.

May 13, 2003
Layman Reelected Chairman of Port Authority Board
At its annual reorganizational meeting, Steve Layman was unanimously reelected as Chairman of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority. Mary Jane McDonald was reelected as Vice Chair. The Board is a nine-member board appointed three each by the cities of Heath and Newark and by the Licking County Commissioners.

May 9, 2003
Boeing Chairman and CEO Condit Visits COATC
As part of a five-day tour of Boeing facilities around the U.S., Chairman and CEO Phil Condit visited the Heath operations of Boeing Friday. The visit included a town hall meeting with Boeing personnel.

May 6, 2003
COATC Expects a Busy Month of May
COATC plays host to several major community and business events in the month of May. The activity helps to make COATC stand out as a gathering place for community activities.

April 27, 2003
Ohio Tops in Defense Industry
The Dayton Daily News reports on recent gains Ohio has made in military contracts. Many predict the end of the war in Iraq to increase demand for aircraft repair services, a major function at COATC.

April 24, 2003
Economic Development Conference Coming to COATC on May 14th
Licking County Perspectives, an economic development conference for community leaders, is coming to COATC on Wednesday, May 14. Speakers will present the national, state, and local perspective on development in Licking County and conferees will board a passenger train for a trip on the Columbus and Ohio River Rail line. The event is a cooperative effort of the Port Authority, Licking County Planning Commission, and Newark & Licking County Chamber of Commerce. The sponsors include the Ohio Central Railroad, The Boeing Company, Kaiser Aluminum, Mid-Ohio Development, and Southgate Corporation.

April 23, 2003
Planning for Modernization
Review of the first draft of the Port Authority's 10-year capital improvements plan is now underway. A draft document has been posted on-line for customer review and comment. Open Office Hours are set for 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 at the Port Authority offices. COATC customers are asked for comments and suggestions on the draft plan.

April 18, 2003
The Port Authority Does a 360
We've updated our 360° views of several of the Port Authority's available properties on the COATC campus.

April 15, 2003
Major Red Cross Event to be Held at COATC
The Licking County Chapter of the American Red Cross presents the First Annual Super Safety Saturday at various venues at the COATC on Saturday, May 24. The event, designed to promote summer-time safety, will include water, auto, motorcycle, bicycle, fire, food, and many other safety activities in conjunction with craft, antique, flea market, and lots of fun and food. This is the first of its kind for COATC and the Red Cross.

April 6, 2003
DCMA Newark's Major Finotti Profiled for Iraq Service
All of COATC is proud of AF Major Joseph Finotti for his service in the Mideast. Finotti, commander of the Defense Contract Management Agency's Newark Unit which is located at COATC, has been in Qatar for several months and was profiled in the recent article in The Advocate.

April 4, 2003
Aerospace and Defense Council Meets At COATC
The Port Authority hosted the Ohio Aerospace and Defense Advisory Council in the newly-remodeled COATC Conference Center Friday. The Council is a 17-member group of business, military, academic, and legislative leaders. The meeting proved to be a chance to raise the profile of the COATC and its major aerospace and defense tenants among industry leaders in Ohio.

April 3, 2003
Ohio Ranks 4th in Nation in Business Development
A recent report from Site Selection magazine ranked Ohio fourth in the country for new and expanded business facilities. The report validates Ohio's continued status as an economic development leader among the states and the continued success of Ohio's aggressive business incentives.

March 27, 2003
Statewide Meeting of Aerospace and Defense Council Nears
The Port Authority will host the Ohio Aerospace and Defense Advisory Council this Friday, April 4, in the newly-remodeled COATC Conference Center. The Council is a 17-member council of business, military, academic, and legislative leaders. The meeting is a chance to raise the profile of the COATC and its major aerospace and defense tenants among industry leaders in Ohio.

March 27, 2003
Boeing Community Outreach Team Offers Troop Support Opportunity
On Thursday, April 3, Boeing officials have arranged for 97.1 More Music Van to be at the COATC to pick up donations for care packages for the troops in Iraq.

March 26, 2003
Available Building Highlighted
Next month, a 1,750 sq. ft. office/warehouse building will become available for lease. Building 125 is suitable for small business operations ranging from machine shops to small parts distribution. Explore the building features on-line and contact the Port Authority for a tour today.

March 12, 2003
COATC to Host Statewide Meeting
April 4, the newly-remodeled COATC Conference Center will host the Ohio Aerospace and Defense Advisory Council, a 17-member council of business, military, academic, and legislative leaders. The meeting is a chance to raise the profile of the COATC and its major aerospace and defense tenants among industry leaders in Ohio.

February 28, 2003
Congressman Ney Visits
Congressman Bob Ney visited COATC Friday for a briefing and tour of the campus facilities. The visit highlighted the presence of six of the top 20 Department of Defense contractors at the COATC and is part of a continued effort by the Port Authority to build a caucus of support.

February 27, 2003
Congressman Ney to Visit
Congressman Bob Ney will highlight the presence of six of the top 20 Department of Defense contractors at the COATC during a briefing and tour of the campus Friday. The visit is part of a continued effort by the Port Authority to build a caucus of support for the COATC.

February 26, 2003
BAE SYSTEMS Expands Inertial Products
The Winter 2003 edition of Control Innovations, the quarterly BAE SYSTEMS Controls newsletter, summarizes BAE's efforts to expand its inertial products capability. BAE SYSTEMS is a major employer at COATC.

February 24, 2003
Available Sites & Buildings Highlighted
The Port Authority has joined forces with the Licking County Planning Commission and the Ohio Department of Development in an effort to provide a detailed, on-line database of available sites and buildings. The COATC list and an advance preview of the ProCure 7.0 listing are linked to off of this web site.

February 17, 2003
COATC Remains Open Despite Record Snow
Central Ohio experienced what one T.V. weatherman called a record snowfall. Licking County was under a Level 2 snow emergency. Despite the 14+" of snow here, the COATC remained open. Over 90 manhours went into snow removal over a four-day period.

February 14, 2003
Conference Center Project Completed
Renovation of the COATC Conference Center, formerly the C.O.M., is now complete. An occupancy permit was issued Thursday. The modernization project was the first major upgrade since 1973 and converted the former mess room and bar into a multi-purpose conference facility. A wedding reception is scheduled there for Saturday, February 15.

February 6, 2003
On Target Newsletter Out
Get up to date on projects and events on the COATC campus with the latest edition of our e-newsletter On Target.

February 1, 2003
Flag At Half Staff for Columbia Crew
In honor of the seven space shuttle astronauts, the flag at the COATC is flying at half staff. The Port Authority Board and staff join in prayer for the astronauts and their families.

January 31, 2003
Chamber of Commerce Updates Web Site
With current news, up-to-date community information, and new opportunities for on-line interaction, the new web site of the Newark & Licking County Chamber of Commerce is surely worth a visit. The Port Authority is a proud member of the Chamber.

January 24, 2003
COATC Boasts Prescence of Six of Top Twenty DoD Contractors
The list of top 100 Department of Defense Contractors, recently published on the Internet, includes several COATC tenants. The rankings are based on dollar volume of prime contracts. The top four contractors all have a prescence at COATC with fully six of the top 20 represented. The listing solidifies COATC's status as one of Ohio's top five largest concentrations of the aerospace and defense industry. The rankings:

Lockheed Martin #1
The Boeing Company #2
Northrup Grumman #3
Raytheon #4
Honeywell #15
BAE SYSTEMS #16

January 23, 2003
On Target COATC News: Small Business Locates At COATC
See the latest COATC News, including a report on K&H, a small research and development business which recently located at the COATC.

January 15, 2003
Review Status of the Conference Center Modernization
An update to the project page has been completed. See a preview of the Conference Center modernization which is underway along with updates on other Port Authority projects.

January 6, 2003
Boeing Named to Forbes Platinum List
The Port Authority congratulates The Boeing Company, its COATC tenant, for being named to the Forbes magazine list of 400 Best Big Companies for 2003. Boeing is also ranked 16th on the Fortune 100 list. Congratulations also go out to Arvin Meritor, another major employer in Heath named to the list as well.

See the 2002 News Archive.

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